Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown welcomed new director and shareholder Oliver Ash.

Ash is the managing director of French Company Richmond Developments, a private real estate asset management, development and investment company. They also offer stadium consultancy and sports marketing services.

The 49-year-old, who has dual British and French nationality, lives in Kent with his family. He set up Richmond eight years ago.

Bowden-Brown remains chairman and the major shareholder with a 75 per cent stake in the club. Richmond have purchased a 25 per cent share. Bowden-Brown’s son Richard is also a company director, alongside two associate directors – Maidstone United general manager Bill Williams and Richmond's legal advisor Patrick Hole.

Bowden-Brown said: “Since taking over the club 15 years ago there have been a number of notable achievements but to realise my ultimate goal, bringing football home to Maidstone, it was essential to attract additional investment.

“Oliver shares the vision we have for Maidstone United. To have someone of his expertise and professionalism on the board of directors will help us achieve our aims and see football return to Kent’s county town.”

Oliver Ash said: “I have become a supporter of the football club since meeting Paul Bowden-Brown last autumn. I admire, respect and back his project to build a new ground in Maidstone and create a true community club.

“I share the ambition to make the club successful on and off the field; and believe that my professional experience can contribute to the club achieving these objectives.”

Bowden-Brown announced that a funding application for the new stadium will be submitted to the Football Foundation by the end of April. He commented:“The application is very detailed and I’m extremely grateful to those who compiled it. We should hear eight to ten weeks after submission and the financial support from Richmond is an important part of the bid.”

Ash added:“We hope to obtain maximum grant funding for the new ground within the next few months and build it ready for use at the very latest for the 2009/2010 season.”

(Video footage from Stones TV)