Stones chairman considering his options

Thursday 22nd July 2010

CONCERNED Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has today hinted for the first time that the club may need to find a new ground in time for the new season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Last summer, The Stones had secured a three-year groundsharing deal to play at Ashford Town’s Homelands Stadium, but it appears that the relationship between the two Ryman League club’s is beginning to come to an end.

Ashford Town withdrew from the Ryman League on Tuesday and have insisted a couple of times that Maidstone United will not be playing at Homelands Stadium again - something that the Stones, at the time, denied.

Mr Bowden-Brown issued the following statement to the club’s official website www.maidstoneunited.co.uk:

“Following the decision of Ashford Town Football Club to resign from the Ryman League and apply to enter administration, I have worked tirelessly with the League’s board of directors to secure Maidstone United’s position,” he said.

“The matter was further complicated by Ashford Town Football Club’s decision to terminate our groundshare agreement only one year into a three year contract.

“My top priority, with the support of the Ryman League Board of Directors and my management team, is to make sure Maidstone United start the new season as planned on Saturday 21 August.

“I must thank the League’s Board of Directors for their assistance. It has been a very worrying time for everyone associated with the club but I am confident that this matter will be resolved to the total satisfaction of the league.”

Despite the club’s off-the-field troubles, the Stones chairman says he has been pleased with how manager Peter Nott, his coaching staff and squad, have prepared for the season ahead.

He said: “I have been most impressed by the way Peter and his management team have prepared for the new season. Peter has made some key signings and offered trialists the chance of a first team place.

“New coach Steve Nolan has put together a thorough fitness and training programme, which I am aware is already having a positive impact.

"I offer a warm welcome to the new players and welcome back those from last season. From what I have heard, there is a real buzz around the players and management. That's a great platform from which to build on with the new season just weeks away.

"While matters on the pitch are very settled, there are still outstanding matters off the pitch. May I add that these are receiving the utmost priority. All parties are fully aware that this fine club has a responsibility to all our teams, supporters, volunteers and others.”

Quotes courtesy of Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Whyteleafe v Maidstone United

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 24th July 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At 15 Church Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey CR3 0AR