Homelands saga takes another twist - landlords and tennants issue statement and counter statement

Monday 19th July 2010

THERE was another twist today in the ongoing saga of Homelands and exactly who or who not will be playing Ryman League football there come August 21^st, writes Mike Green.

During Monday afternoon, the following statement appeared on the Ashford Town website - www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“On Friday 16 July 2010 Ashford Town Football Club served notice upon Maidstone United Football Club that the licence to ground-share the Homelands Stadium had been terminated with immediate effect.

“The background to this matter is subject to legal proceedings and therefore Ashford Town Football Club cannot comment in detail at this stage save as to say that due to infringements regarding the illegal showing of the commercial satellite television without the necessary licences for the past year at the Homelands Stadium.

“Maidstone United Football Club had entered into an agreement for the installation and broadcasting of commercial satellite television which appears to have happened illegally as no satellite viewing licence has been obtained by Maidstone United Football Club from Sky.

“The commercial satellite television company concerned contacted Don Crosbie, Ashford Town’s Chairman and steps have been taken to prevent further infringements of the same kind from occurring to safeguard the club and its supporters position. We understand that the penalty for infringement is a fine of up to £5,000 per occurrence."

Don Crosbie today commented that he as “personally disappointed by the situation which has left him and the club with no option” he added that “I am saddened that we have been forced to take such a stance.”

This was followed this evening by the following response from the Maidstone United website – www.maidstoneunited.co.uk with a posting time of 18:30.

“A further announcement has been made on Ashford Town’s website today about the groundshare agreement.

“Maidstone United FC totally refute the contents of this latest statement. The Board of the Isthmian League were made aware of the club’s position whwen the original statement was made on the Since that date the club has involved the officials of the league throughout.

“The club would like to reassure supporters that resolving this issue is a top priority and it will be handled in a professional manner.”

It would appear then that there are problems at Homelands that may take some time to put right – let’s all just hope that its put right before Ryman League kick off day – August 21!