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Maidstone United caretaker manager Steve Watt wants to put in a performance for Jay Saunders

Steve Watt has called on Maidstone to put in a performance for their former manager.

Watt is in caretaker charge following Jay Saunders' departure and takes the Stones to Gateshead on Saturday.

He said: "It's a day I never expected to come.

Jay Saunders and Steve Watt on the touchline against Hartlepool Picture: Andy Jones
Jay Saunders and Steve Watt on the touchline against Hartlepool Picture: Andy Jones

"It's a sad, sad day, it really is. What Jay's done for the club has been incredible really.

"From when he took over to where it is now, it's a shame and football's cruel.

"It's about moving on and trying to pick up points on Saturday.

"Jay's brought all the players to the club and a lot of them probably joined because of Jay himself.

"We've got to put on a good performance and do it for Jay.

"Unfortunately over the last few games errors have been a big factor in the results.

"If we can cut out individual errors, mixed with a little bit more creativity and a little bit more intent going forward, I think we're not far from turning these losses into wins.

"It's about putting the right combinations together, the right partnerships together.

"It's not about trying to reinvent the wheel but maybe reinforcing a few things and getting maybe easier and clearer messages across and hopefully the results aren't far away.

"It's not as if we're losing 3-0 every week. We've just fallen short on decisions here and there."

Jay Saunders and Steve Watt joined forces this summer Picture: Sean Aidan
Jay Saunders and Steve Watt joined forces this summer Picture: Sean Aidan

Former Stones captain Watt returned to the club in the summer as Saunders' new assistant manager.

It proved a short partnership with Saunders leaving only seven games into the new campaign.

Watt, who managed Margate last season, isn't looking beyond a caretaker role.

He said: "At the minute I've been asked to take the team and that's all I'm interested in.

"I'm gutted for Jay. That's my feeling.

"I've never hid my love for the club and like I said to them, I'll do whatever they need me to do.

"If it's one game, two games, longer, that's down to the club. I'll do what the club needs me to do.

"I'm the only coaching member here, so it's not as if I could have refused it.

"I'm not sure who would have taken it then. I'd never leave the club in a position like that.

"It was a tricky position to be in because I was so thankful to Jay for bringing me back as assistant manager and for bringing me to the club in the first place as a player.

Steve Watt is in caretaker charge for Maidstone's trip to Gateshead Picture: Andy Jones
Steve Watt is in caretaker charge for Maidstone's trip to Gateshead Picture: Andy Jones

"He gave me my love for the game back.

"I can't help but feel responsible for what's happened to him because the results and performances have resulted in him losing his job.

"It's a sad day and I am gutted for Jay but I'll do whatever this club asks me to do.

"The next three fixtures are extremely tough.

"You've got Gateshead away, Sutton at home and then Salford away.

"If I'm in charge for all three we'll do what we can to get positive results.

"I still think and believe we've got a great squad, great talent and we're not far away from results falling the other way.

"I've never shied away from anything in my life and I sure won't do now.

"The club needs me in a caretaker capacity at the minute and I'll do everything I can."

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