Jay Saunders says The Gallagher Stadium is proving his secret weapon when attracting new players to Maidstone United.

While some other sides in Ryman League, Division 1 South are splashing the cash this off-season, player-manager Saunders (pictured) claims having the new stadium nearing completion in the County Town is helping him to attract new signings.

Strikers Paul Booth and Ian Draycott joined the Stones this week after being shown the new facilities by Saunders.

He said: "It is certainly making my job a lot easier. I take them down there and show them around.

"When you are talking to players who are considering dropping down a level to play for you, it makes a big difference.

"They can see we are serious. I went down there the other day and I have to say, it’s the best 3G surface I’ve ever seen."

The new arrivals are from the Maidstone area and Saunders said: "Them being local makes a difference too. They know all about the new ground and what it means."