Ashford owner welcomes Stones back to Homelands Stadium

Wednesday 04th August 2010

MAIDSTONE UNITED have today confirmed that they will continue to play their home games at The Homelands Stadium in Ashford, after detailed discussions with Tony Betteridge.

However, this is subject to final league and legal agreements being ratified.

This time last year the club signed a three year deal to groundshare with Ashford Town Football Club. This summer the deal looked to be in jeopardy when the contract was supposedly terminated and Ashford Town Football Club was subsequently put into Administration.

After the future of The Homelands Stadium was secured on 30th July, the club’s new owner Mr Betteridge suggested that the arrangement between the two clubs should be discussed.

In a statement, posted on www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "I am pleased that all the uncertainty surrounding our groundshare has been resolved and as a result we will fulfil the agreement.

“Last season we certainly did not benefit financially from the original agreement for many reasons. It is hoped after lengthy discussions with the owner, together with receiving his personal assurances, that this will hopefully change this coming season to the benefit of both parties.

“It has been a very worrying time for everyone connected with the club. We have had to play a waiting game and that did lead to uncertainty for many, not least the senior officials of this club and I sincerely apologise to everybody associated with our club for this.

“I’m very grateful to other chairmen in the county who kindly offered us an alternative if we were unable to continue playing at Homelands. I must also thank the Ryman League officials for their unstinting support, which allowed us to have a Plan B in place if required.

“I would ask all of our supporters to spread the word and come and support the team at our temporary home. The club needs you now more than ever.”

Maidstone United’s first home Ryman Premier League game of the new season is on Tuesday 24 August against Hastings United, kicking off at 7:45pm.

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk