Two Directors step down from Maidstone United

Wednesday 20th May 2009

OLIVER Ash, who represents shareholder Richmond Participations, and Patrick Hole, who joined the board as Richmond’s advisor, have both resigned as directors of Maidstone United Football Club.

Richmond acquired their 25% stake in February 2008 and offered a two-year loan to the club, at a time when it was hoped to obtain grant funding for development at Whatman Way.

Following the failure of the application Richmond have decided to step down from the board and take an independent view on the progress the club are making in securing its long-term future. However, Richmond are still committed to help the club survive these difficult times.

Mr Ash, speaking to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk this lunchtime said, “I am still very keen to continue to support the club; all Maidstone United’s teams and supporters deserve a financially healthier, more stable club.

"However, it is no secret that the Richmond loan is becoming due. We know that Paul Bowden-Brown is working very hard with his colleagues to try and find short and long-term solutions to the cash shortfalls so that the club can build a ground in Maidstone.

“As shareholders we certainly back these efforts and would be prepared to back Paul or any serious new investor who can provide additional funds for the club long-term.

"Indeed we ourselves are also endeavouring to identify potential new investors. However right now we have no alternative than to review progress regularly and leave our options open, while hoping that Paul can do what is needed for the club.”

Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown also told the club's official website, “This development has not only given me the opportunity to take a hard look at how the club is organised and financed, but also provides the opportunity to reflect on some past experiences.

"Together with my colleagues I have decided to review our plan to secure the club’s immediate future and then plan the best way to bring the club home to Maidstone as quickly as possible.

“It is my job as chairman to make sure that the club is run correctly and that we have the right professional staff in place. I have therefore made the decision to release some of my control in the club, including part of the management of the day-to-day decisions.

"I have therefore asked Bill Williams, my General Manger, and a number of the club’s executive committee to help share with me with the huge workload that is now required to tackle this massive job that lies ahead of us.

“The details of our new management structure will be released once everyone that I am talking to has seen and agreed their new responsibilities.

"We have good people here at the club who do a wonderful job, but we can always do with extra help, so anyone who feels that they have something to add to the structure, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk