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Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders signs new rolling contract at the Gallagher Stadium

Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders has signed a new one-year rolling contract.

The deal was agreed with co-owner Terry Casey and chief executive Bill Williams on Thursday morning and sees Saunders, 37, rewarded for leading a promotion challenge in United’s first season in National League South.

He celebrates five years in charge in next month and didn’t hesitate when invited to extend his stay.

Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders Picture: Martin Apps
Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders Picture: Martin Apps

Saunders said: “It took all of five seconds. It wasn’t even done in the office, it was more at the side of the pitch.

“I love it here, I’ve got no interest in going elsewhere.

“I’ve got a good working relationship with Terry, Oliver (Ash) and Bill and it’s nice to have their full backing.

“Terry normally comes to me at this stage of the season.

“It comes to a point where you’re agreeing deals with players and they say ‘are you going to be here?’ so it’s nice to be wanted.

“I was very fortunate at a young age to be given an opportunity to manage a big club. I don’t think many managers are given that chance.

“You have to do okay with it and I’d like to think I’ve repaid the club’s faith.

“I’ve got a lot to thank Bill for. He was the one who saw something in me and suggested me to Terry.”

Jay Saunders celebrates with fans after Maidstone clinched the Ryman League championship Picture: Martin Apps
Jay Saunders celebrates with fans after Maidstone clinched the Ryman League championship Picture: Martin Apps

Saunders has Maidstone in third place in National League South after winning the Ryman League Premier Division last season.

United believe he’s the man to keep taking them forward after handing him a new deal.

Chief executive Mr Williams said: “It's excellent news. We're delighted with the job Jay's done.

"Everybody's happy he's staying another year and I hope another two, three, four years after that.

"He's been here five years next month and the contract keeps rolling on.

"He's got that experience of nurturing a team and winning championships behind him and now he's coming into the big time.

"His aim over the next two, three, four years is to get the club into the National League and then the Football League. I really hope he's the manager who takes us there.

Jay Saunders led Maidstone to the Ryman League title last season Picture: Martin Apps
Jay Saunders led Maidstone to the Ryman League title last season Picture: Martin Apps

“Not only is Jay a very knowledgeable manager, he's got one thing I never had, which is a wonderful temperament. It's perfect.

"Nothing fazes him. If we win a game he's not ecstatic, if we lose he's not too down.

"He's middle of the road all the time whereas I'd be ripping people's heads off if we lost and buying everyone in the bar a drink if we won.

"That temperament relays itself to the dressing room.

"It's calm and professional and everyone knows what they've got to do and how they're going to do it."

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