Lashings making progress as they bid to takeover Maidstone United

Wednesday 11th August 2010

THE Lashings World XI Cricket Club are progressing toward formal proposals to take over Maidstone United Football Club this week.

Glenn Aitken, the man charged with handling negotiations by Lashings owner David Folb, has had several meetings with club officials and sounded out a number of fans at the Stones' friendly with Faversham Town last Saturday.

"It was great to meet fans I knew from my days at Stones when I attended the friendly at Faversham at the weekend. They remain enthusiastic and agree that we must get the club back home," Aitken told www.lashings.co.uk.

"Everyone I've met has been incredibly supportive of the Lashings interest in Maidstone United," Aitken an ex-Stones player and former chief executive of Gravesend & Northfleet added.

"Many people in the county town only associate the name Lashings with the bar-restaurant in Stone Street but what started as a 'pub cricket team' is now a credible and profitable business that is in great demand throughout the cricketing world.

“The side regularly play in South Africa and Abu Dhabi, attracting international brands as sponsors. The club's offices are still located at the bar-restaurant, where world-famous cricketers mingle anonymously with customers.

"There is no doubt that the Lashings influence can add to the success of running Maidstone United Football Club going forward. However, the question remains as to how a deal can be done to effect a clean takeover."

The Stones complete their pre-season programme with trips to Chatham Town (Saturday) and Sittingbourne (Monday 16 August).

Peter Nott’s side kick-off their Ryman Premier League campaign with a trip to Harrow Borough (21 August), before their first home game, against Hastings United, takes place at Homelands Stadium, Ashford on 24 August.

Article courtesy of www.lashings.co.uk

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk