30th May 2007. 10.50am

The draw for May's 400 Club has been made this morning.

Find out if you're one of the winners and if you're not a member yet, find out how you can join the monthly lottery.

27th May 2007. 4.10pm

Maidstone United under 18s have held on to the title after beating SC Steele from Germany 1-0 in the final of the International Whitsun Tournament.

The win seals a fantastic season for the team following the league championship last week. Congratualtions to Pete, Tony and all the players. Read Tony Cornwell's tournament report with a selection of photos from Bob Ulph.

27th May 2007. 11.45am

Another update from Holland where our under 18s are playing in a tournament this weekend.

They are through to the final of the competition this afternoon after winning their semi-final 3-0. More later...

26th May 2007. 4.00pm

Maidstone United under 18s are taking part in a European tournament this Bank Holiday weekend, hoping to add their league championship.

The International Whitsun Tournament is now in its 23rd year. Hosted by V.V. Kamerik from the Netherlands it welcomes teams from all over Europe including Belgium, Germany, France, England, Luxembourg and other countries. Our under 18 side won the competition 12 months ago and are looking to bring the title back to Kent's county town for the second consecutive year.

They played four group matches today and topped the group winning three (5-0, 6-0, 3-0) and drawing one (0-0).

Good luck to the team for tomorrow's semi final.

24th May 2007. 8.00pm

On Sunday 17 June Maidstone United under 18s will be holding trials for next season's teams

The event takes place at Townsend Hooks, Snodland from 11am. Players of a high standard are invited to attend and participate in trial matches in order to gain selection in to senior and junior u18 teams for next season. Any players interested can contact Tony Cornwell on 07708 202743 or Russell Palmer on 07708 351295.

21st May 2007. 10.00pm

Stones manager Lloyd Hume was delighted to announce the signing of highly experienced central defender Ben Lewis from Welling United on Monday evening.

Hume said "I am really delighted to have gained the services of Ben. He is a real quality footballer who has played in the Football League. He'll add some real steel to our side along with some great depth to the squad."

Lewis, who can also play as a midfielder has played for a host of clubs. He started as a youth at Heybridge Swifts before playing at both Colchester United and Southend United, where between the two clubs, he made around 20 Football League appearances. He has also played at Chelmsford City, Grays Athletic and Bishops Stortford. In 2005 he then helped St Albans City gain promotion to the Conference before signing for Welling United in September 2006. (Photo from http://www.wellingunited.com).

19th May 2007. 2.00pm

Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has expressed his best wishes to Stones and England Schoolboys' player Sam 'Billy' Morrison.

Speaking to the Stones website this lunchtime he said: "I would like to take this time to personally wish Billy Morrison a very speedy recovery after he sustained a serious injury whilst playing for the under 18s.

"It is so tragic for any player to receive an injury like this but it makes it all the worse when they have the talent and quality Billy has. We look forward to once again seeing him representing both his country and this club."

17th May 2007. 9.00pm

Maidstone United under 18s beat Sevenoaks Town 2-0 to win the league championship this evening.

Congratulations to Peter Nott, Tony Cornwell and all the players. The evening was marred after Billy Morrison broke his leg in the opening minute of the game. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best. Read the full match report

16th May 2007. 12.00pm

Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker continued their busy week of player negotiations by today announcing that they have secured agreement with six more players from last season's Ryman League Division 1 South Championship wining squad.

Skipper Sam Tydeman has been joined by Jason Barton, Craig Roser, Simon Austin, Aaron Lacy and Nick Hegley in agreeing terms for the forthcoming Ryman League Premier Division season.

Lloyd Hume said "It's important for both Alan and myself to get our squad as settled as possible as early as possible. By doing this, all of the players know where they stand and it takes all of the doubt away regarding what club they will be playing for next season."

As well as a hectic schedule of player signings, the club has been working hard behind the scenes to arrange a series of pre-season friendlies. Fixtures are being arranged on an almost daily basis at present and full details will be announced as soon as those fixtures are confirmed.

15th May 2007. 6.30pm

Following on from a very productive weekend when four players signed new contracts with Maidstone United, management duo Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker were able to reveal more positive news today. Last season's leading goal scorer Mo Takalobighashi completed his contract negotiations with the club and signed on the dotted line on Tuesday afternoon.

Takaloo,who has won a league championship winners' medal in each of his last three seasons (Kent League - Ramsgate, Kent League - Maidstone and Ryman Division 1 South - Maidstone) was delighted with the opportunity to cement his future with The Stones. "It's great to be involved with a club that wins titles. I've won three championships in three years and I want that to continue" said the Thanet based striker.

"Having played for a while in the Ryman Premier with Ramsgate last season, I know that teams are fitter, bigger and stronger but Maidstone always play well against the better organised teams. The pitches and grounds are generally better too and that suits me a lot."

"All I've got to do now for the new season is to keep up with my summer fitness training and to buy some new boots. After the game at Walton Casuals on the last day of the season, the supporters had all of my kit away. My shirt, my shorts, my socks and even my boots! I can't wait for the new season."

The positive news on Mo Takaloo is one thing but the club also managed to secure the signature of an outstanding player from local rivals Dover Athletic today. Returning to Maidstone United is former striker, now turned central defender Craig Wilkins.

Wilkins (pictured left, photo from www.doverathletic.com) was previously with the club in the period when it folded in 1992 as a youth team player. He then went on to set scoring records galore as the reformed club started it's life as Maidstone Invicta in the Kent County League. He eventually left the club in 1996 to enjoy his football at significantly higher levels notably with Gravesend And Northfleet.

In recent seasons, Wilkins has been a perennial favourite with the fans at Crabble due to his combative style, total committment and ability to score goals. His Dover Athletic contract expired earlier this month and with no manager currently in position with The Whites and no firm indication of whether he was to be re-engaged by Dover, Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume moved quickly to sign a player that they value very highly.

"We've been keeping tabs on Craig's situation for some time" said Lloyd Hume. "As soon as we knew he was out of contract and available we decided to move. The Chairman's financial committment to Alan and myself with regards to our budget for next season has allowed us to realistically target players like Craig Wilkins. He brings a great deal of experience to the club, plus superb strength of character and hopefully a goal or two from set pieces! To say I am happy with this signing would be an understatement!"

14th May 2007. 9pm

Maidstone United's four London-based players gave management duo Lloyd Hume and Alan Walker a huge close season boost by putting their names onto new contracts this week. Alex Tiesse, Errison Ahwan, Mario McNish and Nathan Paul committed themselves to The Stones' forthcoming Ryman League Premier Division campaign after negotiations with Hume, Walker and club chairman Paul Bowden-Brown were completed at the weekend.

All four players had received interest from other clubs since the end of the season, with two of the quartet receiving interest from Conference clubs. However, as soon as the management team had agreed their playing budget with the Chairman for the new season, then they were able to enter detailed negotiations with Tiesse, Ahwan, McNish and Paul.

"All four players were extremely keen to re-sign for Maidstone United which has been shown in the length of time it has taken to to complete negotiations with each of them," said Club Secretary Darren Lovell.

"Despite the counter attractions of some clubs much further up the Pyramid, there was no hesitation from any of them to commit to The Stones next year. The only delay has been getting the guys to the same location so that we could physically obtain their signatures!"

"As a club we are delighted to have re-signed Alex, Errison, Mario and Nathan so early in the close season because we now have the guarantee of continuity within our squad. We also have the knowledge that Alan and Lloyd can press ahead with their planning for next season with a far greater degree of certainty and confidence that they will have the players that they want for the new season at their disposal.."

14th May 2007. 5pm

Stones joint managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume have won the Ryman League Division One South Managers of the Season.

The pair won back-to-back monthly awards earlier this year and everyone at the club congratulates them on this achievement.

The Stones matchday programme came third out of Division One South clubs, behind Ashford Town and Kingstonian.

13th May 2007. 6.30pm

Maidstone United will be holding trials for next season's under 18 teams at Townsend Hook, Snodland on Sunday 17 June.

Players of a high standard are required to attend and participate in trial matches in order to gain selection into senior and junior under 18 teams for next season. The trials will last approximately two hours and players will be required to bring refreshments and football attire.

Please contact Tony Cornwell on 07708 202743 or Russell Palmer 07708 351295 to confirm your attendance.

11th May 2007. 10.30pm

The Mayor of Maidstone, Mike FitzGerald, hosted a reception for the club at Maidstone Town Hall this evening.

Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown, manager Alan Walker, players Sam Tydeman and Lee Shearer and Britelite Director Dominic Baxter were among the guests. The Mayor congratulated the club on its second consecutive promotion and the former Tooting resident admitted he paid particular attention to the end of season run-in. He paid tribute to the chairman mangement, players and all those who work behind the scenes at the club and offered his best wishes for the Ryman Premier campaign. (Photos by Pete Norris).

Mayor Mike FitzGerald addresses the audience

Celebrating promotion

Mike FitzGerald with Paul Bowden-Brown

Mike FitzGerald with Lee Shearer

Dominc Baxter, Mike FitzGerald and Paul Bowden-Brown

Sam Tydeman, Lee Shearer and Alan Walker

9th May 2007. 1.30pm

Stones management duo agree deal

Maidstone United managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume will lead the team into their first season in the Ryman Premier Division.

The inspirational duo have secured consecutive championships for the Stones and today agreed terms with chairman Paul Bowden-Brown. It keeps the pair at the club next season and ends rumours linking them with other clubs in the county.

Bowden-Brown said: "I'm absolutely delighted to reach an agreement with Alan and Lloyd. For them, the hard work begins to prepare a team for the coming season so that we hit the ground running and get off to a good start in the Ryman Premier Division."

Joint manager Lloyd Hume said: "We're delighted to be honest with the terms agreed with the chairman. As always he's backed us fully and given us a budget to be able to compete in the Ryman Premier. That makes all our hard work getting us there worthwhile.

"We always wanted to stay with the club and this deal will put a stop to the rumour mill. It lets the players know we're committed and we can start talking to them about next season. Our aim is to stay in the league so that we come back to the county town in 2008 in the Ryman Premier, which will be a great achievement for everyone involved."

The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Mike FitzGerald will welcome club officials and players to Maidstone Town Hall this Friday to congratulate them on winning the Ryman League Division One South and achieving back-to-back promotions.

7th May 2007 12midday

Maidstone United supporters who purchase a season ticket before Friday June 15 will see 21 home league games for the price of 16, compared to the matchday admission fee.

The club announced its admission and season ticket prices for its first season in the Ryman Premier Division.

Visit out season ticket page for more information.

Stones Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "I’ve kept the increase to a minimum and the ‘earlybird’ scheme offers real value for money. Families are key part of our support and I’m pleased to introduce a family season ticket for the first time."

The Stones secured their second consecutive championship last week and the success helped to increase attendances at the club's temporary home at Bourne Park in Sittingbourne by 28 per cent.

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