Tom part of the furniture

Securing Tom Mills’ future means as much to Maidstone as a new signing. United this week handed their long-serving left-back a new twoand-a-half-year contract. Manager Jay Saunders said: “We had an option on him but it was a case of rewarding him not just for how good he’s been this season but over the years. “It took about five minutes to do a deal, which shows how much he enjoys being at the club. “He’s one of those players who you never have to think about when you’re writing your team out. He’s always there. He’s become part of the furniture. “Keeping Millsy is as big as signing a new player. When we went into the Ryman Premier it took him a few games to get going. “It was the same this season in National South but since then he’s had a massive part to play.” Stones beat Chatham 6-3 in a friendly on Tuesday night, outof-favour striker Adam Birchall and a trialist released by Bolton among the scorers, while Jack Paxman, Bobby-Joe Taylor, Manny Parry and Matt Bodkin all featured. Meanwhile, Alex Flisher is back running after seeing a specialist about his hamstring problems and the winger has an outside chance of being in the squad at Weston next weekend. Maidstone are without a fixture this weekend.

Coach travel bookings are being taken for Maidstone’s game at Weston-super-Mare next Saturday (January 23). Cost is £ 23 for Maidstone United Fan Club or iMUSC members and £ 26 for non-members. The coach will leave Whatman Way at 8.30am. To book, call Tim Murrell on 07921 193374.