Midfielder Tom Phipp made Maidstone aware of his availability before joining Margate but they couldn’t afford him.

The former Arsenal youth team player scored three goals in five games for Stones during a successful spell on loan from Ebbsfleet this season.

He spoke to Jay Saunders about a permanent switch to the Gallagher Stadium, having been frozen out at Stonebridge Road.

The United boss couldn’t work Phipp into his budget and on Monday he joined Margate for a four-figure fee.

Saunders said: “Tom made contact and was keen to come here. He’s a good lad but I couldn’t afford to get him in. We knew there’d be a fee involved, as well as his wages. I know people think we have a bottomless pit but we don’t run the club like that."

Maidstone have two home games in four days as they look to maintain their Ryman League, Premier Division title challenge.

Canvey Island visit the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday, followed by struggling Cray Wanderers on Tuesday.

Michael Phillips, Elliott Cox and Nathan Campbell are available after missing the Burgess Hill game in midweek but Steve Watt (calf), Graeme Andrews (groin), Rory Hill (appendicitis) and Orlando Smith (knee) remain sidelined.