Maidstone United assistant manager Nicky Southall has left the club.

Southall joined on the eve of the 2014-15 season, following Steve Ward's departure, and helped the Stones win back-to-back promotions working under Jay Saunders.

But the former Gillingham man is on his way, with Saunders looking for a new No.2.

The Stones boss said: "Nick has been an absolute pleasure to work with and I cannot thank him enough for everything he’s done for me and the team over the last few seasons.

“My priority now is to get a new management team in place and set about building the squad for next year.”

Stones chief executive Bill Williams said: "Nicky can be proud of the part he has played in one of the club’s most successful periods.

“As a club we’ve taken stock of the last two years and feel the time is right to make changes and it’s now up to Jay to set about making those.

“We thank Nicky wholeheartedly for all he’s done and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

Southall's departure comes days after he denied internet rumours suggesting he was on the move.