Jack Richards is backing Maidstone to recover from relegation - whether he's there or not.

United's three-year stay in the National League is almost over after falling 16 points from safety with seven games left.

They could even go down this weekend should they lose at Harrogate on Saturday and results elsewhere go against them.

Midfielder Richards, 19, knows it won't be easy but is confident United will climb again.

He said: "It's not a club that should be in National South.

"There are good teams in there but we've got bundles more than a lot of teams I've watched and played against in that league.

"I think we could bounce straight back up.

"Obviously with the ground, the fans, it's not a National South club.

"Saying that, it is a hard league, it's not an easy league to get out of.

"But we've shown once we can get out of it and we can do it again.

"I don't know if I'll be here.

"I know some people may still look at me as Jack from the academy but I'm way past that, I look at myself as a senior player now.

"I want to play for Maidstone but if I have to go elsewhere to get a season under my belt then that's what I'll do.

"I know a team can't promise you games but I think you get a good idea of what part you're going to play.

"If I move on, I want to be one of the biggest parts."

Richards says he's seen progress under John Still and Hakan Hayrettin even though it's been a frustrating campaign personally.

Injuries have prevented him pushing for a place but he's fit now after a knee problem and hoping to play before the end of the season, either for Maidstone or out on loan, with the transfer deadline today (Thursday)

Richards said: "I've been in the stand so much I might as well have had a season ticket.

"Coming from a spectator's point of view, I think we've been doing well and we've been the better team in our losses lately.

"I am fit now and I just want to get back on the pitch now as much as I can between now and the end of the season.

"If they think putting me out on loan may be an option, I'm more than happy to do that.

"If they want to keep me here then I'd be over the moon.

"You've got to respect John and Hakan for what they've done and where they've been.

"They're both good fellas and it has worked, it's just the luck hasn't been with us, and luck plays a massive part in football.

"All the boys respect them and are knuckling down in the sessions they put on and, to be fair, we have seen a bit of a difference."

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