Academy forward Jack Richards has signed a new deal with Maidstone.

The 18-year-old, who joined United aged 12, made his National League debut against Forest Green at the end of last season.

It came after loan spells at East Grinstead and Sevenoaks and he also played against champions Lincoln City.

Stones manager Jay Saunders said: "Jack’s time at the academy is coming to an end but his time with the club is far from over.

"He’s come on a lot over the last year and the experience of men’s football at East Grinstead and Sevenoaks has done him the world of good.

"He’s definitely one for the future and being in and around the squad, training three times a week with them, will only help him further.

“It’s great to see a lad come through our youth teams and into the first team – it’s something as a club we’re keen to see.

"He’s here on merit and hopefully he’ll use this opportunity to push on and show me what he can do."

Richards was linked with Premier League moves last season but always maintained he was happy at Maidstone.

He said at the time: "I’ve been at Maidstone since the under-13s and all I want to do is play here.

"People talk about playing in the big leagues but I want to be playing for Maidstone United and that’s the aim at the minute.

“I never imagined when I joined the club that I’d end up playing for them in the Conference.

"I came over from a local club – Real 60 – that all my mates played for and we ended up as Maidstone and won the league every year. It’s been a good five or six years.”