Jay Saunders reckons Maidstone players would take Jay May over Zac Attwood.

May was signed to replace Attwood following the 24-goal striker’s summer move to Margate and the ex-Bromley targetman has made a flying start, scoring in wins against Met Police and VCD to send Stones top of the early Ryman League Premier Division table.

Boss Saunders still values Attwood’s contribution last season but thinks Maidstone, who go to Bognor on Saturday and host Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday, may be better off with May.

Saunders said: “If you ask the players, I think 99% of them would rather have Jay than Zac. I don’t want to take anything away from Zac because he was brilliant for us, but his game was all about running in behind defenders.

“I feel Jay has more of an all-round game. You can get the ball into his feet and he’ll hold it up and bring others into play.

“It’s a tough one but I think that’s why the boys prefer to have Jay in the team."