Saunders guided hometown Maidstone United into Non-League’s top flight through the play-offs in 2016.
Now at Angels, he arrived last summer as they eventually finished just four points outside the play-offs.
Progression is always the aim and Saunders felt getting some older heads in the building this summer would only help in an intimidating looking Step 2 league.
From when I got promoted out of it with Maidstone it has progressed and progressed,” Saunders told The NLP. “It’s a very, very strong league. You look at teams like Yeovil, Torquay, Maidstone coming back into it – there are big clubs and it’s going to be tougher than ever.
“But it’s good because it helps attract players. Players take this as a serious level. Before it was like if you weren’t in the National League it was a big step down. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a big step but it’s such an attractive league to play in.
This story is from the July 09, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 09, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
