Maidstone captain Stuart Lewis is set to leave the Gallagher Stadium after handing in a shock transfer request.

The 30-year-old retained the armband when Harry Wheeler succeeded Jay Saunders as manager but has decided to move on.

United have agreed to circulate his name to other National League clubs.

Chief executive Bill Williams said: "It came as somewhat of a shock when Stuart asked to leave as he is held in such high regard by management, players and supporters alike.

“Harry and I had a lengthy discussion with him and came to the conclusion that it was in the best interests of both parties to grant his wish to move on.”

Lewis joined the Stones on loan from Ebbsfleet in February last year and won the supporters' player-of-the-year award three months later.

He succeeded Lee Worgan as captain midway through last season and shared the manager's player-of-the-year award with Alex Finney.

Lewis rejected more money elsewhere to sign a new deal with the Stones last summer.