Bill Williams' apprehension was quickly replaced by optimism as fans and sponsors rallied round Maidstone following relegation.

Chief executive Williams was left questioning some of his decisions at the end of a miserable campaign that saw United finish bottom of the National League.

Three managers couldn't save Maidstone from the drop but the club have rebuilt under their 1989 Conference-winning boss John Still and are looking forward to better times.

Williams said: "When things go wrong it can be quite hard when you're sitting at the top of the tree.

"We have a lot of decisions to make as a board and we got a few wrong last year.

"Sometimes you can lose a bit of confidence when that happens.

"I've always had lots of confidence in what I do but a little bit of apprehension came into me, definitely.

"But that's gone now because of a number of things.

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"One, we got huge support from our sponsors, we got huge support from advertisers and the local community, and we got huge support from our fans.

"One or two had a little moan but, on the whole, everyone's backed us.

"When they all rally round and say, 'let's get on with this and see if we can get a good team and a good club back on the rails again', it's reassuring to hear.

"We're working very hard at that.

"It doesn't mean we're going to win every match - that isn't going to happen - but I like the way John and Hakan (Hayrettin) have gone about it.

"They're not making any promises but I can see the improvement every day I come into the building."

Maidstone have started virtually from scratch, with Jake Embery, Justin Amaluzor and goalkeeper coach Chris Lewington the only survivors from last season's playing squad.

Williams said: "It was a huge challenge and it still is. My first reaction was it's going to be very, very difficult.

"I've never taken on what John took on this time.

"I've never got rid of a whole squad, bar a couple, and had to put 16 to 20 players in place.

"We do look as though we're improving and the players are working tremendously hard.

"The only way you can be judged is once the season has started.

"I've had a look at the league and it's going to be a very hard league this year.

"There's a lot of good teams, the obvious ones, but I think there's going to be a few surprises as well."

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