We must get Stadium application right, says Stones chairman

MAIDSTONE UNITED will formally submit their application to the Football Foundation in the next couple of weeks.

The Ryman Premier League club presented their bid to a Football Foundation panel in May as promised and received some guidance from The Football Association (FA), Kent County Football Association (KCFA) and Football Foundation to address all the criteria required by the funding body.

Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "We've got one chance to get this right. We have been continually talking and meeting the FA, KCFA and Football Foundation about the bid.

“When we showed the panel our updated application last month, they gave us and are continuing to give us, some priceless advice, which is being acted upon.

“Each of these consultations have led to more revisions in our bid document which now runs to hundreds of pages.

“Our application has been prepared by the club's executive committee - all of whom have given their time freely to collate all the information required, for which I sincerely thank them. I would like to reassure everyone that, as always, we are working in the best interests of the club and its long term future.

“As soon as the finalised version of the bid proposal is submitted I will make a formal announcement.”

Meanwhile, defender Lee Shearer, 30, who was released by the Stones last month, signed for Kent League side Faversham Town at the weekend.

Mr Bowden-Brown was speaking to www.bringingfootballhome.co.uk