Ryman League sides Ashford and Maidstone shared Homelands last season Picture: Gary Browne

by Kevin Redsull

The turmoil at Ashford Town deepened this week with conflicting statements over whether Maidstone United would be allowed to continue their groundshare at Homelands next season.

A statement on the Ashford club website said: "Due to serious violations of the lease agreement, it is unlikely that Maidstone United Football Club will be allowed to continue their groundshare agreement with Ashford Town FC at Homelands."

But Maidstone, who shared Homelands last season after switching from Sittingbourne, quickly responded with a statement on their website which insisted: "There has been no breach of the agreement and the Stones will continue to play at Homelands next season."

And the Stones’ received support from Tony Betteridge, who is involved in a long-running dispute with his fellow Homelands co-owner Don Crosbie.

Mr Betteridge said: "There are contracts between Ashford Town and Maidstone United and, as far as I am aware, nothing has happened which would put Maidstone in breach of those contracts and so I expect them to be playing at Homelands next season."

The club's preparations have been hit by the news that summer signing Adam Flanagan has quit without playing a game. The centre back has moved to Billericay after captaining Dartford to the Ryman League title last season.

What do you make of the goings-on at Ashford over the summer? Comment below