Maidstone boss Jay Saunders released Sonny Miles because he's too good to sit on the bench.

Centre-half Miles was ever-present before losing his place in the final weeks of the season as United won the Ryman League Premier Division.

He was released on Saturday, along with fellow defender Phil Starkey, while United also announced there would be no deal for on-loan Dover right-back Craig Stone.

Saunders said: "Releasing Sonny was the toughest decision I'll have to make.

"I spoke to him at Leatherhead and said 'I want you here next year' but I just felt I wouldn't be able to offer him the football he wants and deserves.

"If I get the players I want, he'd be back on the bench, like the end of the season.

"He didn't enjoy that and he's too good to be fourth choice. He's better than that.

"Only time will tell if I've made the right decision.

"He said he saw it coming but he's probably a bit gutted.

"When you're released from this club, anywhere you go is a step backwards because of the ground and the crowds we get and how well we look after people.

"It is hard for people but Sonny's a very good centre-half and he won't be without a club for long.

"A couple of Ryman Premier managers rung me about him over the weekend."

Starkey made only eight league appearances for Maidstone after joining from Hornchurch last September.

Saunders said: "It was tempting to keep him because he can play right-back, left-back and in midfield but I felt he wouldn't get the game time he needs.

"He hardly played but whenever he did, he did well for us."

Stone won the Conference South play-offs with Dover a year ago but Saunders decided against offering him a contract at the Gallagher.

Saunders said: "I just feel going up a league we need a right-back who will give us more going forward, like Tom Mills does on the left.

"Stoney's a very good defender, steady and solid, and I thank him for what he's done for us."