Maidstone manager Peter Nott wants his side to secure a top-half finish in Ryman League Premier Division this season, despite the off-field turmoil surrounding the club.

There is uncertainty over the ownership of the club on the eve of the opening day trip to Harrow on Saturday and the visit of Hastings to Homelands on Tuesday night but Nott says his side don’t want a repeat of the struggles of last season.

He said: "It is normally half a dozen games before the league takes shape but it is important to get off to a good start.

"Harrow will be tough and competitive but we can’t wait to get going."

Nott faces an injury crisis ahead of the league curtain-raiser, with a host of first-teamers sidelined.

His problems are so bad that he had to invite an extra physio to training on Thursday to deal with the long list of casualties.

Mark Corneille misses out with a calf injury while Tom Parkinson was forced off with another calf injury on Saturday and is also a doubt.

Marc Cumberbatch and Ashley Ulph are suffering from long-term knee problems while Danny Hockton and Nick Davis are recovering from ankle injuries and Simon Pettit is recovering from a calf problem.

Jermaine Darlington is suspended for three games while James Peacock is banned for two.

Nott added: "It is important that the supporters get behind us at Homelands this season. We’d like to turn Homelands into our home and the supporters are key to that.

"Despite everything that’s gone on with the club in the past year, a top-half finish is achievable and would be acceptable."