As reported in the local press, top scorer Shaun Welford has opted to stay on with The Stones despite a lucrative offer from Ryman South winners Whitehawk. Penenden Heath-based Shaun officially signed this weekend and is looking forward to playing a big part in the Stones’ homecoming season.

Also signing on the dotted line is central midfielder Michael Phillips, who is fit once again after a knee injury which saw him last turn out in late February.

Finally, we can also announce that despite offers from clubs higher up the pyramid, Sam Bewick has opted to stay with The Stones. Sam quickly became a fans’ favourite last season, coming runner up in the supporters’ vote for their player of the year, and he will no doubt be looking to add to the 49 appearances he made for the club last season.

All three players have signed on non-contract terms, and join Jay Saunders, Steve Ward and Tom Mills (who signed a contract until the end of the 2012-13 season back in September 2011) in the squad for the upcoming season.

Work has continued this week on the pitch. The lines have been painted on and the turf is being infilled with sand and rubber.

Elsewhere, the brickwork for the vice presidents’ lounge in the main stand is nearing completion and the focus of the work is turning to the stadium’s main building that will house the Spitfire Lounge, changing rooms and academy classrooms.

• Have you got your season ticket for 2012/13? You can buy one online and be part of the homecoming.

Photos from Brendan Donnelly.

John Hollins and Peter Bonetti are the special guests at Henry’s Carvery and Grill, 62/63 High Street, Maidstone on Friday 25 May. The evening starts at 20:00.

Hollins made 465 appearances for Chelsea during two spells at the club and scored 48 goals. He also played for Queen’s Park Rangers and Arsenal. He went on to manage Chelsea between 1985 and 1988.

Bonetti appeared in goal for Chelsea 600 times between 1960-1975 and 1976 to 1979. He also won seven England caps.

Tickets for the sportsmans’ evening cost £10 per person and some of the proceeds will go to the Bring The Stones Home association.

For all tickets enquiries, please call 01622 763777.

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Ward, who comes from the county town, joins The Stones from Ryman League Premier Division club Canvey Island. He has achieved somewhat legendary status at the Essex club having played for them for 12 years in total over two spells (1996-2006 and 2010-2012). In between times Ward played for Chelmsford City and Grays Athletic.

During his playing career he has been capped at England ‘C’ level, won the Ryman League Premier Division title and also an FA Trophy winners’ medal.

At 41 years of age, Ward brings considerable experience of the non league game with him to the Gallagher Stadium. He will also sign player registration forms after playing 21 games for The Gulls last season.

Jay Saunders was delighted to have secured such an experienced man for the new season.

He said: “I’ve been chasing Steve for some time and I’m thrilled to have him as part of my backroom team. As well as being in the dugout I’ll also have the option of using him as a player if necessary. Steve is very fit and still keen to play.

“Steve was very keen to join Maidstone United as it is his home town club. He lives in the town and works locally so for him it is the perfect club for him to join after finally leaving Canvey.”

Photo from Facebook

The club is holding open training sessions, followed by trials.

• OPEN TRAINING SESSIONS: 13, 20 and 27 May
• TEAM TRIALS: 10, 17 and 24 June

For a registration form for the trials, email team manager Richard Edwards: ladies@maidstoneunited.co.uk

There is no obligation to attend open training, this is just to give you a chance to get in some practice before the trials.

Players need to be aged 16 or over by the start of the season in September. However, if your 16th birthday is during the season, then you are still welcome to attend with a view of signing once you are 16.

Working with Train Together, the club will be offering a range of qualifications, certificates and awards, including A-level equivalent courses and coaching and refereeing qualifications. Academy students will also gain first aid skills and learn how to lead healthy lifestyles. Successful youngsters could win a first-team apprenticeship with the club.

There’s also the chance to play and train all year round on the stadium’s state-of-the-art 3G pitch. As well as football coaching, an academy team will play in the English Colleges League and Conference Reserves League.

Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone completing their GCSEs this summer to continue in education while playing the sport they love. The Gallagher Stadium is the perfect place for the academy. As part of the £2.6million development, we have included three classrooms and the synthetic pitch can be used daily. It’s a world away from traditional schools and colleges which will be an attraction in itself.”

Applicants will be invited to a trial and interview at which their footballing skills will be assessed. It is expected that young people will have achieved five GCSE at A*-C by the time the programme starts in September. Support will be offered to those who need to top up their qualifications, especially if they demonstrate particular talent for the game and have just missed GCSE grade(s).

• To register your interest, email education@maidstoneunited.co.uk
• Maidstone United Football Academy

The site changed dramatically this week after the state-of-the-art synthetic surface was laid.

Writing for the directors’ blog, Oliver Ash, who’s been checking out the Gallagher Stadium Gallery for updates, commented: “Every day means another chance to see the pictures and photos of the Gallagher Stadium taking shape. It’s a very exciting time for everyone connected with the club. The ground has become green this last week and what a difference that makes. It suddenly looks like a football ground, which is a good job really.”

• Have you got your season ticket for 2012/13? You can buy one online and be part of the homecoming.

Photos from Brendan Donnelly.

The ground has become green this last week and what a difference that makes. It suddenly looks like a football ground, which is a good job really. Getting the pitch laid and trouble-shooting every day to solve problems is a real challenge.

Our group of clubs, 3G4US, is going strong and lobbying for greater awareness and change on 3G pitches. We are eagerly awaiting feedback from the Football League after their survey, to which many of you contributed. Even more so because we are targeting automatic promotion this season.

We are working with Jay to reorganise the squad for next season and give ourselves the best chance possible of achieving this aim.

• Read Oliver Ash’s blog in full

There has been an incredible demand for tickets for the match against Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion. Dates for other pre-season matches at the stadium on James Whatman Way will be announced soon.

Chief Executive Bill Williams said: “This is great news for Maidstone United as it shows just how much passion there is for a club in the town. I know some people will be disappointed not to have been able to get tickets for the first game but we will have more exciting fixtures coming up. Saturday 14 July is going to be a fantastic day and I for one cannot wait to see The Stones back home.”

Season tickets for the 2012/13 Ryman League Division One South campaign are still on-sale. You can buy one now online.

Here’s a breakdown of the votes:

1st - Tom Mills 31%
2nd - Sam Bewick 27% (only three votes behind Tom)
3rd - Shaun Welford 23%
4th - Tommy Osborne 10%
5th - Graeme Andrews 5%
6th - Alex Flisher 2%
7th - Baff Addae/Karl Murray 1% each