Stones confirm Homelands groundshare deal

MAIDSTONE UNITED have tonight confirmed that they will be playing their home matches at The Homelands in Ashford for the next three years.

An agreement has been reached by officials from both clubs for The Stones to ground share at Ashford Town's stadium, while the final plans are put in place for the club to return to Maidstone.

In a statement posted on www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said, "I am pleased to announce that we will be playing at Ashford next season. The decision was made with our fans in mind, as apart from the stadium being a first class facility, the motorway and railway travel options are easier. In these tough economic times, the facilities at The Homelands bring much-needed commercial opportunities as well.

"I remain fully committed to bringing The Stones home and will continue to work with others to achieve the essential aim.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to Sittingbourne Football Club, chairman Andy Spice and his officials. Without them we would not have had the successes we've had to date."

Ashford Town Chairman, Don Crosbie said: "We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Maidstone United to ground share at The Homelands. The deal is clearly important to us in terms of additional revenue but it is equally important that the two clubs do everything possible over the coming months to investigate every initiative that could be mutually beneficial to both clubs."

Ashford Town Co Director, Tony Betteridge added: "We would like to welcome Maidstone United to The Homelands and hope that the club and their supporters spend an enjoyable and successful time with us."