We are not going into the Ryman Premier to simply make up the numbers, says Terry Casey

Tuesday 11th June 2013

MAIDSTONE UNITED co-owner Terry Casey says the club will be increasing its capacity during the summer.

More than £50,000 will be invested in the Gallagher Stadium over the next couple of months.

The club’s directors are making some significant improvements as thanks for the extraordinary support during the first season back in Maidstone that saw crowds average more than 1,600.

Covered terracing for an extra 100 spectators, additional refreshment and toilet facilities and a family area, as well as a semi-permanent outside bar and club shop have been ear-marked by the Ryman Premier League newcomers.

These enhancements should increased the capacity to about 2,500 up from 2,226, but this is subject to agreement by the local authorities.

Mr Casey told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “We have a limited amount of money that we could spend but we wanted to show that we are listening to our supporters and also demonstrating that we are not going to become complacent about the extraordinary support that we have had in our first season back in the town.

“These improvements will cost the football club more than £50,000. I know that by continuing to improve the facilities is an investment in the future of the club but we are also aware that we must continue to serve up football that entertains and excites and is successful or the facilities will not be needed.”

Manager Jay Saunders guided the club to runners-up spot in the Ryman League Division One South last season and home wins over Folkestone Invicta and Faversham Town in the play-offs secured promotion along with champions Dulwich Hamlet.

Mr Casey has set high targets for the club next season.

He said: “We are also working closely with Jay and as you can see with the signings we have made, we are not going into the Ryman Premier to simply make up the numbers.

“As a football club we have the support that cannot be equalled until we look at the attendances in the Conference so we must be looking at improvement in the play-offs at the very least by the end of the 2013-2014 season.”

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