downsmail.co.uk
Stonesmanager quits as season starts badly
MAIDSTONEUnitedmanager Jay Saunders has paid an emotional tribute to fans and staff at the club after he left bymutual consent. Mr Saunders departed onAugust
28, after seven years in the job. In a statement posted on Twitter,
he said: “From supporting the club as a child, to proudly wearing the shirt on the pitch, managing the Stoneswas a dream. “I’ve been through every emotion
with the club and I amthankful for the opportunities andthememories. “I amdisappointedI couldn’t take
the teamback to the football league, but the opportunity to haveplayeda part in this chapter of the club’s his- tory has been a privilege.” He was appointed inMarch 2011
as caretaker manager, and made permanent at the endof that season. Mr Saunders led the side to three
promotions in four seasons and into theNational (orConference) league, the highest in non-league football. But the Stones’ season has had a bumpy start, with two defeats over
the August bank holiday, which seemto have sealed his fate. Club chief executive BillWilliams
said: “This is a day none of us wanted to come but we’ve decided to go our separateways. “In 60 years of football, this is one
of the toughest decisions I’ve been involvedwith. I count Jay as a friend and have the utmost respect for what he’s achieved here. “Jay has become synonymous
with Maidstone United over recent years and his place in our club’s his-
Jay Saunders, pictured with his wife Hayley, has left his role as manager of Maidstone United after seven years in the job
tory is assured. His influence went beyond the first team to the acad- emy, player development centres and soccer schools. “He will always have a special
place at the club, we thank him for everything he’s done and wish him the very best.” Mr Saunders, who lives locally,
started his career at Gillinghambut was released by thenmanager Tony Pulis. He forged a successful career in non-league football before turn- ing his hand tomanagement.
News
HarryWheeler is named as
United’s boss MAIDSTONEUnited’s newman- ager isHarryWheeler, formerly of Billericay Town FC. The 30-year-old took his first
training session on September 11, days after manager Jay Saunders left the club after seven years in charge. Mr Wheeler has a deal until the end of this season. Club chief executive Bill
Williams said: “Forme, this is not taking a chance, it’s giving a chance – much like we did with Jay some seven years ago. We spoke at length with Harry and wewere all agreed afterwards that he ticked every box for us. “He’s got more than 10 years’
coaching experience, managed more than 250 games and is very much in the mould of the charac- ter and personalitywewant at the club. “In Harry, we’ve got someone
who can lead and take our team forward, while also buying into the academy, community and de- velopment programmeswe’ve got underway and are looking to ex- pand in the future.”
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