31st August, 10.30pm

On Friday evening England play Bulgaria and as a result all Premier Division and Championship football clubs have a blank weekend with no fixtures to play.

So what will all of these Premier Division and Championship fans do on Saturday? This is where Non League Day comes in.

Non League Day is a nationally organised event whereby every effort is being made to attract fans of Premier League and Championshop football clubs to watch their local non league team this Saturday.

The three leagues that cover Step 3 and Step 4 of the Pyramid, the Ryman, Zamaretto and Evo-Stik leagues have united to support this campaign and in doing so have put the support of their 198 member clubs behind Non League Day.

Many clubs will be offering special deals to entice the Premier League and Football League fans to their matches.

Maidstone United are offering all Premier League and Football League season ticket holders entry to their Ryman League Premier Division game versus AFC Hornchurch on Saturday (4 September 2010) for just £5. Not only that but any child aged 11 or under who comes along with that season ticket holder gets in absolutely free.

27th August, 9.30pm

The shareholders of Maidstone United Football Club have considered a proposal from Lashings to acquire the club.

On behalf of the shareholders, Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: “To enable a successful takeover, we have to adhere to certain criteria set down by the Football Association and our own league. It has not been possible at this stage to reach a conclusion which would abide by those rules in our considered opinion.

“The current shareholders have agreed to consider all other options available to them and to this end will hold further talks early next week to try and agree a satisfactory way forward.

“While I understand this news will lead to some uncertainty, may I reassure you all that we [the shareholders] want to be able to reach an agreeable resolution in a matter of days.

“I would like to personally thank David and Glenn for their interest in the club and the professional manner in which they have conducted their negotiations with both myself and my investors.”

 

18th August, 9.00am

Maidstone United chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has issued a brief update on the takeover discussions with David Folb and Glenn Aitken.

Paul said: "I have received an informal proposal which outlined a takeover offer. I have spoken to the shareholders, who are currently on holiday, and have arranged a shareholders meeting early next week to discuss the proposal formally.

"We are all keen to consider the offer, while ensuring that any transfer of ownership complies with the new regulations set out by the Football Association."

4th August, 10.00am

Maidstone United Football Club will continue to play their home games at The Homelands Stadium in Ashford, after detailed discussions with Tony Betteridge.

This is subject to final league and legal agreements being ratified.

This time last year the club signed a three year deal to groundshare with Ashford Town Football Club. This summer the deal looked to be in jeopardy when the contract was supposedly terminated and Ashford Town Football Club was subsequently put into Administration. After the future of The Homelands Stadium was secured on 30th July, the club’s new owner Mr Betteridge suggested that the arrangement between the two clubs should be discussed.

Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said:"I am pleased that all the uncertainty surrounding our groundshare has been resolved and as a result we will fulfil the agreement.

“Last season we certainly did not benefit financially from the original agreement for many reasons. It is hoped after lengthy discussions with the owner, together with receiving his personal assurances, that this will hopefully change this coming season to the benefit of both parties.

“It has been a very worrying time for everyone connected with the club. We have had to play a waiting game and that did lead to uncertainty for many, not least the senior officials of this club and I sincerely apologise to everybody associated with our club for this.

“I’m very grateful to other chairmen in the county who kindly offered us an alternative if we were unable to continue playing at Homelands. I must also thank the Ryman League officials for their unstinting support, which allowed us to have a Plan B in place if required.

“I would ask all of our supporters to spread the word and come and support the team at our temporary home. The club needs you now more than ever.”

Maidstone United’s first home game of the new season is on Tuesday 24 August at 19:45 against Hastings United.

Meanwhile, Maidstone Utd have been drawn at home to Blue Square South Ebbsfleet in the 1st Round of the Kent Senior Cup. The date for the tie has yet to be announced but should take place before November 30th.The reserves have a bye into the second round of the Intermediate Cup where they will face either Holmesdale or Chatham at home.

FULL DRAW

Faversham Town v Thamesmead, Ramsgate v Chatham Town, Whitstable Town v Welling Utd, Maidstone Utd v Ebbsfleet, Dartford v Tonbridge Angels, Folkestone Inv v Stittingbourne, Cray Wanderers v Dover Ath, Margate v Bromley.