Defender Steve Watt has been named as Maidstone’s new captain ahead of the club’s pre-season trip to France.

The former Chelsea centre-half succeeds Shaun Welford and is seen as the ideal man to lead Stones into their first season back in the Ryman League, Premier Division.

Boss Jay Saunders said: “I just feel Watty’s experience will help us next season. Michael Phillips was another candidate but Watty’s a leader and I like my captain to be at centre-half as they can see the full picture.”

The United squad will travel by ferry on Saturday morning to take on Calais in the French club’s 12,000 capacity stadium.

Saunders knows little about the hosts but wants his players to use the trip for team bonding. He said: “The boys will get to spend the day together and go out after the game for a couple of drinks.

“Team spirit is a massive part of football and I’m a big believer in it. Tactics are important but you need that togetherness and to believe in each other.

He added: “Watty as captain is a big part of it, as are the experienced players like Danny Lye, Mickey Phillips and Paul Booth. Young players like Alex Flisher and Lea Dawson also get involved. I’m enjoying working with this group.

“I was a bit worried when we lost big characters like Shaun and Tim and Ade Olorunda at the end of last season but we’ve got a great bunch of lads here.”