by Alex Hoad

Maidstone director Oliver Ash has admitted it would not be a disaster if the Stones fail to win promotion back to the Ryman League, Premier Division.

Mr Ash (pictured) and his fellow shareholders Terry Casey and general manager Bill Williams have been working hard to bring the plans for the club’s new stadium in the town to
fruition.

With work set to begin within weeks, Mr Ash admitted it would be a "perfect story" if they could return to the County Town next season having won promotion.

He said: "What a story it would be if we could move into the new stadium next year as champions but it is by no means the end of the world if we are not promoted this season.

"It would, however, be good for income to be competing toward the top of the table and while we have not set any real plan or target, our aim should be to move up two levels in the next three or four years."

Mr Ash added: "There is a lot of positivity around the club and we are hopeful that it will be a great season.

"It would seem that we have signed some quality players and pre-season has gone well. It is a nice change after a few difficult seasons.

"We took a bit of a financial risk, putting together this squad but we are hopeful that if the team can perform on the field, then it will help us to raise income.

"If we can put a strong team on the pitch, win more games than we lose, compete at the top end of the table and play some good football, then hopefully we will generate more important income through the gates."