Maidstone director Terry Casey has sought to explain the reasons behind the club’s failure to reduce admission prices despite last season’s relegation.

Many fans are upset at being charged £10 for admission to a Ryman League Division 1 South game, generally 20 per cent more than at other grounds in the same division within Kent.

However, Mr Casey tried to smooth over the issue by telling the Stones’ website: "I am unashamedly asking the supporters to help the club by paying an extra £1 or £2.

"Every single penny that comes in through the turnstiles goes to the survival of the football club.

"The first and most important point to make is the club has to pay £2 of the admission price to HMRC and, therefore, only receives £8.

"Furthermore, as the club did not pay any VAT for the previous four years, we have now been forced to set out a repayment programme which hopefully will eventually repay the £25,000 the club currently owes.

"Not paying the VAT could jeopardise the very existence of the club."

Meanwhile, general manager Bill Williams is convalescing after undergoing a procedure in hospital.

Maidstone have confirmed friendlies at Herne Bay on Tuesday, July 26, and at Beckenham on Saturday, July 30..