Stones chairman asks for financial support

MAIDSTONE UNITED joint-manager Lloyd Hume says he has discussed the futures of 90% of his playing staff with next season in mind, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Stones ended Wealdstone’s six-match unbeaten run with a fine 2-1 win at Bourne Park, courtesy of Meshach Nugent’s well executed double.

Their fourteenth league win of the season has seen Maidstone United climb one place above local adversaries Dartford in eighth place in the Ryman Premier League table - just five places above the side that occupy the final play-off berth, Carshalton Athletic.

But Hume, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk says he has already spoken to numerous players, although, at present he is not sure if his side will be playing in the Ryman Premier or Blue Square South next season.

“We’ve spoken to quite a few of our players about their futures,” said Hume. “But as I said everything changes really if we get into the play-off’s and then get promoted.

“We have to be careful we don’t commit to people or commit to everyone we’ve got in the side. We have to wait and see where we finish.

“We’ve certainly spoken to 90% of the squad and we want to keep them no matter what level of football we’re in because they’re good players.”

When asked about the feedback from the players he has spoken to, Hume replied, “The feedback’s positive, the players are enjoying it here.

“They’ve shown that they’re working well together and they want to stay but financially we just can’t compete with other clubs. That’s a danger through the summer.”

Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown, speaking in his notes in yesterday’s match day programme, confirmed times are still hard financially.

“You will remember in January I made it very clear the amount of money required to ensure the club would be here at the end of the season,” he said.

“To date I have received two cheques totalling £450 - kindly donated by two supporters, and through the bucket collections of £414.89.

“On top of this I understand that there are a number of season ticket holders paying at the gate.

“Please be assured I appreciate every penny but it is a drop in the ocean towards the required figure that I publicly reported back in January.”

“Maybe there are those out there that disbelieve my claims of required financial help due to us still being here today, but do not let that fool you.

“I together with (vice-chairman) Richard Bowden-Brown have worked miracles without any hesitation, even though the required capital has caused us further headaches and pressure to both of us, especially in this current economic climate.

“Everyone who is working for this club at this time have all made personal sacrifices for one reason and one reason only - we want a club to support.

“We cannot wait until May for funds, that is too late.”

Meanwhile, the club issued their own statement concerning the controversial move of skipper Ben Lewis to Margate.

The defender was not part of Margate’s sixteen-man squad for their 3-2 defeat at Harrow Borough yesterday.

The Stones statement, issued on www.maidstoneunited.co.uk, said: “On Tuesday (31 March), Margate FC contacted Maidstone United at 4:20pm to say that had acquired the Isthmian League Player Registration of Stones captain Ben Lewis.

“This was just 40 minutes before the closure of the transfer and registration deadline of 5pm for season 2008-2009.

“It further transpired that Margate FC had directly approached Ben Lewis and had agreed a financial package with him that was far in excess of his wages with Maidstone United FC.

“Maidstone United informed Margate FC that they believed that an illegal approach had been made to the player and that they had not made a formal seven day notice of approach as per Football Association rules.

“As a result of the timing of Margate FC's actions, Ben Lewis (under advice from the PFA) was unable to take his place in the Maidstone United team for the fixture with AFC Hornchurch that evening.

“Margate FC lodged a request with the Board of Directors of the Isthmian Football League to rule in their favour and to allow the transfer of registration to stand.

“On the following morning, following a discussion of Maidstone United FC's senior officials and club management, it was decided to cancel the playing registration of Ben Lewis.

“At the subsequent Emergency Committee Meeting of the Board of the Isthmian League which was held on Thursday 2 April 2009, it was determined that the transfer of the playing registration of Ben Lewis to Margate FC would not be allowed in accordance with League Rule 6.5.

“Maidstone United FC would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Ben Lewis for his commitment to the club over the last two seasons and his inspirational captaincy and leadership.”

The Stones play two games over the Easter period. They travel to Harrow Borough to play Hendon on Easter Saturday, followed by the visit of champions Dover Athletic to Bourne Park on Easter Monday.

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk