22nd April 23:00

Maidstone United Football Club will continue to play their home matches at Ashford Town’s stadium next season.

Ashford’s Homelands Stadium is classified as a grade C ground – the level required for the Ryman Premier Division, the league which The Stones will be competing in for the fourth consecutive season.

Talks had taken place with representatives from Chatham Town about a possible groundshare at the club’s Maidstone Road stadium. However, this facility is currently graded D.

Chairman of Maidstone United Paul Bowden-Brown said:

“I am delighted we have secured our Ryman Premier Division status for next season. To play in that league we need a facility of grade C or above. Therefore we will continue to groundshare at The Homelands in Ashford.

“As many are aware, we have a three year deal at Ashford and league representatives say this should be honoured.

“It was prudent to have a ‘plan B’ in case the worst happened on the pitch. We had spoken to representatives of Chatham Town. I’m grateful for their time and professionalism during our early negotiations.

“I know many supporters were aware of the discussions with Chatham Town and in favour of this because the ground is closer to Maidstone.

“Over the summer I will have another look at the possibility of running transport between Maidstone and Ashford next season. I know the distance and lack of public transport has impacted on the club’s loyal supporters.

“I am only too aware that the venue for Maidstone United is Kent’s county town. Despite all the turmoil in recent years it is an ambition we need to, and must, achieve.”

In other news, Darren Lovell will return as club and first team secretary from 1 May.

22nd April 23:00

Maidstone United have signed a two-year extension with Prokit (UK), in conjunction with Italian supplier Macron, to provide team and replica kit.

The two-year extension, which includes sponsorship of the first team’s kit, takes the partnership to four consecutive years.

Sales Director of Prokit (UK) Pat Garrett said:

“I am are pleased to announce this extension and I would like to thank everyone at the club for helping to keep the relationship between the club, ourselves and Macron secured for so long.”

The new deal is part of Macron’s continued growth within football. The company has recently added the sponsorship of West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Millwall while also continuing to supply Leeds United and Sheffield United. Next season they will also supply Benchwear kit to every Ryman League club, as part of a deal with the Isthmian League.

Chairman of Maidstone United Paul Bowden-Brown said:

“Everyone at the club has always been pleased with the service and quality that Prokit (UK) and Macron have to offer. Their brand is now well established within the industry. I am absolutely delighted that they are sponsoring our club kit through to the end of the 2011/12 season.”

22nd April 19:30

Stones captain Peter Hawkins scooped the Maidstone United Supporters' Player of the Year award. Peter polled 78% of the vote.