Jay departs Stones

August

The vagaries of life as a football manager were brought into sharp contrast by the changed fortunes of Jay Saunders.

Saunders left Maidstone at the end of August by mutual consent after seven years in charge.

The club’s 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.”

This after Saunders had rejected the chance to join League 2 Macclesfield earlier in the summer.

In a statement following his exit, Saunders wrote: “From supporting the club as a child, to proudly wearing the shirt on the pitch, managing the Stones was a dream I never thought would come true.

“I’ve been through every emotion possible with this club, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities and the memories. I’ll never forget any of them.”

Saunders had led the Stones from Ryman South to the National League on the back of three promotions in four seasons.

Kent blew their chances of making the Vitality Blast T20 finals day at Edgbaston when they lost to Lancashire by six wickets in the quarter-finals.

After doing the hard work in the group stage, earning home advantage, Spitfires made a disastrous start at St Lawrence – opener Daniel Bell Drummond was run out off the second ball of the match, and he wasn’t even facing.

Spitfires limped to 133-9 from their 20 overs, and England player Keaton Jennings then helped the visitors to victory, making 46.

The hopes of Gills fans were raised at the start of the season following back-to-back wins.

Steve Lovell’s men made an impressive start to their League 1 campaign as up goals from Brandon Hanlan and Josh Parker sealed a 2-0 victory at Accrington.

Next up was a 3-1 victory over Burton at Priestfield, Tom Eaves (2) and Luke O’neill scoring.