Jamie Coyle has been appointed coach at Maidstone’s academy.

Coyle, already player-coach with the first team, will work alongside Jay Saunders to bring through young talent following Jack Parkinson’s departure.

Saunders, who has taken on Parkinson’s head of football role, said: “Coyley is a qualified teacher and a good coach.

“He used to work with Gillingham’s academy and it’s a big plus to have him with us. I’m looking forward to working with him every day.”

United would like the academy to produce more first-team players.

It’s one of the challenges facing Saunders and Coyle, particularly with no Ryman League Cup to blood youngsters following promotion to National League South.

Saunders said: “Every time you step up a level it’s a big jump for first-team players and for the academy, it’s even bigger.

“We haven’t got the League Cup this year but some of them will get their chance in the Kent Senior Cup."

Read the full story in Friday's Kent Messenger