The future of Maidstone fans’ favourites Alex Flisher and Tom Mills is set to be decided by the weekend.

Both players have been offered new deals for next season but with Stones switching to daytime training, their work situations could prove a stumbling block.

Mills and Flisher have been key figures in United’s meteoric rise from Ryman League Division 1 South to the National League but there’s a chance both could leave the Gallagher in the next few days.

Maidstone manager Jay Saunders said: "Friday is the deadline because enough’s enough. We’ve either got to sign them or move on.

"If they’re not going to sign, we have to shake hands and wish them all the best and move on.

"With Millsy, if this had been four months ago before he got his new house and the mortgage, I think it would have been a done deal. It would have been the usual conversation I have with Millsy, which is ‘do you want to sign?’ and he goes ‘yes’ and we get it done.

"But it’s a little bit more complicated than that. There’s things we’re looking at and we’re trying to be fair.

"Alex Flisher is just back from holiday. It’s basically his work and he’s got a baby on the way, a house, his wife and they’ve got to make it work for them.

"But as much as it’s important they get it right at their end, we can only go to a certain amount at our end as well."

Saunders is also waiting on a decision from defender Magnus Okuonghae.

He said: "I made him a final offer on Tuesday. It’s in his court now.

"I get where he’s coming from. It’s like all these players. I don’t hold it against them, I know players have got to earn what they’ve got to earn.

"If you’re doing these three mornings, it dictates what they can do work-wise.

"It’s completely up to Magnus now. If he doesn’t come back, there’s no hard feelings. He was great for us last year and I’d love to keep him but if I can’t, that’s football."

One thing Saunders won’t do is break his wage structure to keep hold of players.

He said: "You have to stick by your principles. The minute you give everyone what they want, well, we won’t do it as a club.

"Millsy’s come through our youth system, played nearly 300 games for me and he’s 24 but sentiment has to go out of the window.

"The minute you get sentimental about things, that’s when it becomes pointless being a manager. You have to make those decisions and I’m quite happy to make them.

"I’d love to keep Flish, Millsy and Magnus but if it can’t be done, it can’t be done. That’s the way it has to be."