By Alex Hoad

Maidstone have been given a timely boost by their longest-serving player who has rejected the chance to quit the club.

Manager Peter Nott’s squad has been hit by a number of departures to Margate in recent weeks, but Nathan Paul (pictured) – who has been with the club since their Kent League days – will not be joining the exodus.

Ryman League Premier Division rivals Carshalton put in a seven-day approach for Paul, but the full-back opted not to follow Jay Saunders, Jamie Turner, Nick Barnes and James Pinnock out of the exit door.

Nott said: "Carshalton put in an approach but we were delighted that Nathan has decided to stay. It has given the club a good boost."

Nott has signed Gillingham youth team midfielder Dean Rance, who joins on the same work-experience basis as striker Charlie Stimson, who arrived last week alongside Chris Saunders and ex-Stones forward Alex Tiesse.