Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell has announced the first three players returning for next season.

Central defenders Chris Arthur and Jack Steventon are on board, along with midfielder Ayman El-Mogharbel.

Arthur and Steventon were key men at the back as the Brickies boasted the best defensive record in Isthmian South East, with just 29 goals conceded in 44 games.

Boss Maxwell moved quickly to ensure Arthur and Steventon would be back for another title tilt after finishing runners-up to champions Ramsgate.

“We had the best defence in the league and to get those two already agreed and confirmed is absolutely fantastic,” said Maxwell.

“Chrissy Arthur played 55 matches last year, he may be 35 but he’s the quickest 35-year-old in the league.

“His body feels good, he’s committed early because he wants to get over the line next year.

“Stevo was unbelievable, he was man-of-the-match away to Southend in the FA Trophy, which didn’t surprise me at all.

“It was a blow to lose him in the following game, for eight or nine weeks with his knee, and I’m absolutely delighted to get him back.

“Not only is he a tremendous defender but he also chips in with goals and he’s a fantastic person to have at the club.”

El-Mogharbel is the third player confirmed for next season after impressing in a new position.

Maxwell said: “Ayman, what a fantastic season he’s had.

“He was amazing in the big games.

“He has unbelievable energy and has really developed.

“It’s his first season playing that role where we’ve converted him from a winger to a central midfield player that is known for winning the ball, breaking up attacks and starting ours.

“His attitude’s been fantastic and I’m really pleased to keep him because he had a lot of offers.

“I think there’s a top player in there and I’m delighted he’s here again next season.”

Maxwell expects to lose a couple of players to National League South clubs in the coming weeks.

He was always suspected that would be the case given the attention Sittingbourne attracted during a record-breaking campaign that saw them achieve 101 points, score 117 league goals and reach the FA Trophy quarter-finals.

“We’re one of the most talked about teams in non-league, it seems, and that means my players are getting attention,” said Maxwell.

“I can tell you now we’re going to lose a couple to Step 2 and that’s fine.

“But I think it’s all about the lads knowing what they get from being here and what the goal is.

“There’s certain things that are guaranteed here.

“We’re challenging for a title, you’ll get pushed and improved and you’ll enjoy that.

“That’s the three things we can guarantee and the boys know this, the ones we’ve retained and want to stay.

“But, of course, there’s always players that will eventually leave when you’ve been successful.

“I expect that, there’d be something wrong if that didn’t happen and I certainly wouldn’t stand in their way.

“I want players to come here, progress, improve and push on but to push on to the right level, the right club, the right environment.

“Some have turned down clubs certainly at Step 3 to stay here because they know they’re aren’t going to get anything better than what we’re giving them.

“We want players to push on to at least Step 2 and potentially to full-time football.”

Maxwell is looking for a new first-team coach after Billy McMahon made the difficult decision to step down.

“Billy is a friend for life,” said Maxwell. “The football was an extra.

“He’s a very good coach and I trust him.

“He’s had a fantastic impact here and he’s done brilliantly for me.

“He has a family and the travel was just getting to him a little bit.

“I understand that because I travel a hell of a distance as well.

“He just believes now is the time to have a little break. It doesn’t mean me and Bill won’t work together again.

“I can’t put a price on the impact here’s had here.

“He’s been a fantastic support and he’ll be really missed.”

Sittingbourne, meanwhile, can say they lost to the eventual winners in the FA Trophy.

Aldershot, who beat the Brickies 3-0 in the quarter-finals, defeated Spennymoor by the same scoreline at Wembley on Sunday.

“Congratulations to Aldershot,” said Maxwell.

“I’m delighted they won it. I’m quite friendly with Jack Barham, so I was extremely pleased when he scored the opener.

“They’ve had a great run and it’s ended up in a Wembley win.”