by Chris Hunter

Maidstone football fans could see their team play a top flight team in the town next year.

That's the hope of Maidstone United director Terry Casey, who was speaking as work started on the club’s new stadium in James Whatman Way on Monday.

The building work means fans can finally believe the Stones’ 23 years in exile are at an end. But Mr Casey has ambitions beyond that.

"We've been promised some high profile friendlies ” he said. “Peterborough have confirmed, but we’ve also approached Fulham and West Ham.”

Even more alluringly, he said Maidstone United was still in contact with former player Chris Smalling, who now plays for Manchester United but still keeps an eye on his old club.

"It's a long shot, but it would be nice if he could bring a Manchester United team down,” said Mr Casey.

An open day at the ground, from 10am to noon this Saturday, October 1, will give fans the chance to view stadium plans.

The aim is to have the stadium built by May next year, and for matches to start in August.

"It's a significant moment for everyone,” added Mr Casey. “We took over a year ago, but it seems like 15 years ago.

"There were times when I wondered if we would ever get here, but we made a commitment that the stadium has to be built.”

(Picture above kindly supplied by Steve Terrell)