The protracted takeover of Maidstone United has finally been completed with the new owners in place ahead of Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Aveley.

Shareholder Oliver Ash and local businessman and lifelong fan Terry Casey (pictured) have taken full control of the club from outgoing chairman Paul Bowden-Brown.

The duo will own the club 50-50, with Bill Williams taking over as chief executive.

The new owners have pledged to have attracted new investment and have the club playing in a new stadium by the end of 2011 after an absence from the county town of more than 20 years.

Mr Ash, who originally bought a 25 per cent stake in the club more than two years ago and has ploughed-in £120,000, said: "We all share the same ambition, which is to get the club playing, and winning, at our own ground as soon as possible."

He added: "Paul Bowden-Brown has been totally dedicated to the club over many years and has been synonymous with Maidstone United. He ensured its survival when needed and then took it forward with passion. Now however it’s up to us to try and rebuild again.”

Mr Casey added: "I believe strongly that the only way for the club to survive and prosper is to return to play at our new ground in Maidstone as quickly as possible.

"To achieve that target the club will, in addition to our own financial contributions, need to attract new investment. We are confident we can attract good people to join us as partners to help make that ambition a reality.”

The new owners are currently preparing a business plan detailing the projected return to Maidstone before showing it to potential new investors.

Mr Bowden-Brown said: "This takeover comes at the right time for the club and myself. I feel I have taken things as far as I can and I wish my successors all the very best.

"Although I wasn’t able to fulfil my ultimate ambition – to bring The Stones home, I feel I have put in place the foundations to enable Oliver and his team to complete that journey."

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