Maidstone United defender Tom Mills has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal.

The left-back has been a virtual ever-present during Jay Saunders' five years in charge and this season passed 250 appearances.

His contract was due to run out in the summer and Stones moved early to offer a new deal.

Boss Saunders said: "We had an option on him but it was a case of rewarding him not just for how good he's been this season but over the years.

"It took about five minutes to do a deal, which shows how much he enjoys being here.

"He's one of those players who you never have to think about when you're writing your team out.

"He's always there. He's become part of the furniture. It would be strange without him.

"Keeping Millsy is as big as signing a new player."

Mills' new contract keeps him at the Gallagher until the end of the 2017-18 season.

He said: "It's brilliant news. Jay spoke to me two or three months ago about doing something but I wasn't expecting two-and-a-half years.

"It's always nice to hear you're wanted, especially when you only have six months left on your contract. I've not wanted to go to any other club."