Saunders: Not all about money
Wage demands in National League South have shocked Maidstone boss Jay Saunders.
United have made six summer signings – mainly young players – and that looks set to be the end of their transfer business.
Saunders said: “There’s a phenomenal difference in how much money some people expect at this level.
“We’ve gone from Ryman South to National South in three seasons and there’s been a big jump in wage demands.
“We’ve missed out on a lot of players because of it but we run the club the right way.
“The nice thing with young players is money is the last thing they talk about.
“There are other players I’ve not even bothered meeting because you phone up and the first thing they want to know is how much we’re paying. That puts me off.
“I understand people have got to earn money and for a lot of players at this level, it’s their only job.
“But you want people to be asking what we can do for them on the football side, not going straight to money.”
Saunders is ready to use the loan market if Stones find themselves short next season.
He said: “I don’t think we’ll sign anyone else in pre-season unless someone comes up who will really make a difference.
“People expect me to bring in a forward with Billy Bricknell going but I’m not looking.
“We’ve got plenty of options and we’re also in a good position with the loan market.
“Pro clubs won’t loan players when you’re in the Ryman League but going up opens doors.”
Maidstone report back for pre-season training on Tuesday night.
Winger Ben Greenhalgh won’t be there after Stones allowed him to join fellow National League South club Concord.
Saunders said: “Ben’s got so much ability, it’s just getting it out of him consistently.
“He asked me if I thought he’d be a regular and I had to be honest and say I didn’t think he would.
“He might to haunt us but you can’t that.
“He can hurt anyone on his day, as he showed with us in the FA Cup but I’ve made a decision and time will tell if it’s right.”
‘First thing they want to know is
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