Maidstone manager Jay Saunders is nowhere near knowing his starting line-up with the first game of the season a week away.

As many as five places are available ahead of Stones’ National League South opener at Sutton on August 8.

Saunders has one more game to help him decide as Maidstone host Hendon in the Ryman League Charity Shield at the Gallagher Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

He said: “There are probably four or five positions up for grabs.

“This time last year I had the side pretty much sorted but at the moment a few have surprised me and a few aren’t at the levels others have reached.

“Players know if they haven’t done it. I’ve no problem with people having a bad game as long as they work hard and do the basics.

“You’re looking for consistency and that’s what we’re working on with some of them.

“We’ve got young players who need to learn how to affect a game if things aren’t going their way.”

One man firmly in Saunders’ thoughts for Sutton is Alex Brown.

There’s competition in midfield but crowd favourite Brown has starred in pre-season.

Saunders said: “Browny’s been brilliant. He’s looked hungry and worked really hard. He didn’t play a lot last season and with the players we’ve signed he might have looked at it and thought he’d be in the same boat but his attitude’s been great.”