Sittingbourne defender Donvieve Jones explains how manager Ryan Maxwell has taken the Brickies to the top of Isthmian South East and a place in the FA Trophy fourth round

Donvieve Jones puts Sittingbourne’s remarkable form down to the Ryan Maxwell factor as they look to make more FA Trophy history this weekend.

The Brickies are having a season to remember as they prepare to face National League South side Salisbury in the fourth round at Woodstock on Saturday (3pm).

It’s the furthest they’ve ever been in the competition and they’re also top of Isthmian South East after rattling off 14 successive wins before drawing 1-1 at Ashford on New Year’s Day.

Jones is one of two survivors from the squad Maxwell inherited two years ago - skipper Bagasan Graham the other - and has seen the transformation from relegation battlers to title contenders.

The Northern Irishman celebrated his 100th game in charge as the Brickies beat Sheppey 4-0 on Boxing Day.

That was his 59th victory, with 23 draws and only 18 defeats, scoring 216 goals and conceding 103.

It’s clear to see the impact Maxwell has had at Woodstock.

“It all stems from when Maxy came in,” said right-back Jones. “It’s just his mindset - you can see it in the players.

“We’ve all signed because he’s the manager and the way the club’s going behind the scenes, it’s the perfect match.

“Me and Bags have seen some changes, from being third from bottom to being in the play-offs and now top of the table.

“There’s a long way to go but it’s been good to see how things have changed.

“A new mindset has come in and changed everything.

“Maxy has a way of playing. When you sign it’s very obvious how he wants to play.

“Either you agree to it and you’re willing to adapt your own personal style, or you don’t agree to it and you just go somewhere else.

“I adapted my game with his instructions to suit the team’s style of play, which is why it’s working well.”

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