Jay Saunders leaves Maidstone United

National League club Maidstone United  have announced the shock departure of manager Jay Saunders.
Saunders has been in the hotseat at The Gallagher Stadium since 2011, when he took over on a caretaker basis before being offered the permanent job.
The 39-year-old has led The Stones on a remarkable rise through the Non-League pyramid, catapulting the Kent club from Step 4 to the National League in just four years.
In an interview with the Non-League Paper this weekend , the boss revealed that he decided against pursuing the vacant managerial position at League Two club Macclesfield Town in order to continue his project with Maidstone.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Maidstone Chief Executive Bill Williams said, “This is a day none of us wanted to come but collectively we’ve decided to go our separate ways.
“In 60 years of football, this is one of the toughest decisions I’ve been involved with. I count Jay as a friend and have the utmost respect for what he’s achieved here at the football club.
“Jay has become synonymous with Maidstone United over recent years and his place in our club’s history is assured. His influence went beyond the first team to the academy, 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 in wherever his football journey takes him next.
“We hope that part of that might be with us as we would like to continue a relationship with him going forward.”
The Kent club are currently sitting in 19th place in the National League table following Monday’s 2-1 defeat against Boreham Wood.