It is a year ago today since work began on the Gallagher Stadium.
Club co-owner Terry Casey and chief executive Bill Williams were joined by Gallagher chairman Pat Gallagher to officially kick off the homecoming.
In the past 12 months the project was successfully completed, a sell-out crowd watched the first game and more than 13,000 people have come through the turnstiles to watch a first team match. The club have also launched a post-16 football academy and provided a new conference and banqueting venue for Kent’s county town.
Reflecting on an historic year, Terry Casey said: “The last year has given me some of the most exciting, humbling and ultimately rewarding twelve months of my life.
“When we gathered last September on a piece of wasteland in Whatman Way it was difficult to imagine what we would achieve. I now watch our own Maidstone United academy students as they study in their state of the art classrooms and play each afternoon on the equally state of the art playing surface. Many of the students show genuine footballing talent which will secure the playing future of Maidstone United for many years to come.
“The future is also being secured by the numerous children’s and youth teams that use the pitch every week. Many of these children never knowing that the county town of Kent ever had a football team but now having a burning ambition to, one day, represent their home town sometime in the future. These youngsters are the future supporters of Maidstone United and we will nurture their love of football and make them feel part of the club.
“The crowds we have attracted since we opened are proof that the football followers of Maidstone have an appetite for semi-pro football and I hope that they will stay with us because there is a lot more to come. What is also evident to me is the large numbers of families who are coming to the games which also bodes well for the future.
“To the supporters who stuck by the club – thank you again.
“I wonder where we will be this time next year!”
So pleased for your club after years in the wilderness !
A wonderful achievement all round.
Looking forward to seeing your team at Horsham on 4th December.
May the best team win.