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Maidstone United boss Jay Saunders frustrated in bid to sign competition for Lee Worgan

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders feels Lee Worgan is as good as ever - he just needs someone to keep him on his toes.

United have been frustrated in efforts to bring in competition for their long-serving goalkeeper, who hasn't missed a league game in five years.

Saunders has assured Worgan he is still first choice but that's hampered his chances of signing a second keeper.

Lee Worgan is still very much Jay Saunders' No.1 at Maidstone Picture: Steve Terrell
Lee Worgan is still very much Jay Saunders' No.1 at Maidstone Picture: Steve Terrell

He said: "I've been offered a lot. I've been honest with agents and keepers and said, 'look, at the moment Worgs has the shirt.'

"He's earned that shirt over the years and he's in possession of the shirt at the moment.

"I've said to them if they're willing to come in and push him and if he's not doing it, then the shirt's up for grabs. I've made Worgs aware of that.

"But a lot of the agents, a lot of goalkeepers want guarantees of coming in as No.1 and I couldn't do that at the moment."

Worgan was given the night off when Maidstone beat Brentford B 3-2 in a friendly on Tuesday.

Former Crystal Palace youngster Matt Funnell played the first half while a French trialist, known as Kenny, took over after the break.

Saunders said: "Worgs is as good as ever in my opinion.

"No two disrespect to the two keepers, I think you could see, when he's not playing, the calmness is not quite there.

"Matt's a young lad and Kenny doesn't speak English and he's coming into a new environment, so it's tough for him."

Matt Funnell is an option for Maidstone boss Jay Saunders Picture: Steve Terrell
Matt Funnell is an option for Maidstone boss Jay Saunders Picture: Steve Terrell

Maidstone meet Bostik Premier champions Billericay at the Gallagher tomorrow (Friday, 7.45pm).

Saunders wants to see an improvement on the Brentford performance as he works on his starting XI for the National League opener against Hartlepool on August 4.

He said: "There's still a lot of places up for grabs.

"I was really disappointed with the first half on Tuesday.

"I made it quite clear to them they're being judged from the minute they walk in the door for pre-season.

"The squad's strong this year and they've got to give themselves the best opportunity to start that first game of the season."

Maidstone go to Bostik League new boys Sevenoaks on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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