Lashings owner pulls out of Stones takeover bid

MAIDSTONE UNITED chairman Paul Bowden-Brown will continue to talk to other prospective buyers after David Folb, the owner of Lashings World XI cricket team, was unable to pursue his interest in purchasing the Ryman Premier League club.

Mr Bowden-Brown and Mr Folb have been speaking over the past couple of weeks since the shareholders put the club for sale.

The pair issued the following statements today, on the club’s official website at www.maidstoneunited.co.uk.

“It is with regret that I am unable to pursue my interest in purchasing Maidstone United,” revealed Mr Folb.

“Unfortunately I was unable to agree on a deal and have reluctantly had to accept I cannot take over the club at this moment in time.

“I have supported Maidstone United for three decades and I would also like to place on record my thanks to Paul Bowden-Brown, who acted as a gentleman throughout the negotiations and who I feel conducted himself with the utmost professionalism.

“The economic climate means this is a very difficult time to be running a football club and I have every sympathy for Paul. As he said, buying a football club is not like buying a car.

“It is a very complicated process but I very much hope that another solution can be found to help the club through these difficult times.”

Mr Bowden-Brown added: ““I, like many connected with the club, will be disappointed by this news. It would have been good to have had something in place before Christmas but I can reassure everyone that this wasn’t our only iron in the fire and that as one door closes, another opens.

“I would like to thank David for his interest and words of encouragement and support.

“Until such time as a buyer or consortium comes forward, the shareholders will continue to run the club on our revised budgets and the board and executive committee will carry on with the day-to-day tasks, alongside the plans for the new stadium and major fundraising initiatives for this.”

The club have announced plans for an open meeting on Wednesday 7 January, at 7.30pm, at the Orchard Spot in Bearsted to discuss fundraising ideas for the new stadium at James Whatman Way and take general questions about the club.

The Stones are enticing families to Bourne Park in Sittingbourne for the visit of Kent rivals Ramsgate on Saturday.

The club are offering free admission to under 16s and there will also be a free Christmas raffle for all spectators, with a first prize of a family season ticket (two adults, two children) for next season.

Mr Bowden-Brown said: “I know the last Saturday before Christmas is traditionally a shopping day, but I hope families will take time out to come along to Bourne Park.

“The club needs your support at this time - on and off the pitch.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this match.

Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v Ramsgate
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 20^th December 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park, Eurolink, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB