Former Gillingham club captain Ian Cox heads the new intake of players signed by Maidstone United as the club seek to avert a repeat of last season's near miss with relegation from the Ryman League Premier Division.

Joint-managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume wasted no time in changing the face of the squad with Cox, who left Priestfield at the end of the season, joining Margate pair Jay Saunders and 24-goal top-scorer James Pinnock, Folkestone skipper Kevin Watson and Cheriton Road team-mate and ex-Gill Roland Edge. Another three newcomers could arrive by the end of the week.

In addition, Stones have re-signed former Arsenal, Fulham and Wimbledon midfielder Ian Selley, Nathan Paul and Alex Tiesse. Expected to leave is for Ramsgate is striker Mo Takaloo, whose goal on the final day at Folkestone assured the club's survival.

Ex-Gill Mark Saunders is moving from the area to return to Plymouth while Craig Roser has retired to spend more time with his family.

Hume said: "We have gone for players with a proven track record at the level we play at.

"We're delighted to have tempted a player of Ian Cox's high calibre because he's a first class professional and his experience will rub off on the other players.

"We're delighted with the quality we've brought to the club - and we haven't finished. Alan and I are so excited that we wish the new season could start next week."