Peter Varney knows what to expect when Ebbsfleet go to Maidstone on Tuesday night.

Fleet's departing vice-chairman recently stoked the 3G pitch debate, sparking plenty of reaction from Stones supporters and manager Jay Saunders.

His comments have added extra spice to what is already a crucial Kent derby in the National League at the Gallagher Stadium.

Asked if he was expecting a hostile reception, Mr Varney said: "I got one last time but I’d rather we had a proper debate of the issues. If we lose the debate at the end of the day, so be it, but have a debate. Don’t turn it into a yah-boo pantomime.

"It’s a serious issue which can affect football dramatically if everybody starts switching to artificial pitches.

"But that’s not the issue to me, it’s what type of artificial pitch you’re going to. Everybody talks as though it’s grass or it’s 3G but we know a lot about grass and I’d rather we have a proper debate rather than just boo someone because you don’t like the fact they have a different view to you."

There are strong opinions on both sides but Mr Varney insists he's looking forward to what should be one of the games of the season.

"It’s great having these Kent derbies," he said. "We actually have a very good relationship with Bill Williams and the people at Maidstone. Look at the Stuart Lewis transfer and stuff like that.

"I gave Jay a bottle of champagne after they got promoted and these derbies are fantastic. It puts Kent on the map, whether it’s Maidstone or Dover. They’re great occasions, the fans love them and it’s a shame Dartford aren’t in there as well.

"From where Maidstone came through in the play-off final, with seconds to go, they’ve done a brilliant job, Jay in particular, to consolidate in this league and be challenging. It’s a huge number of promotions they’ve had in the time he’s been there.

"Let’s have a proper debate about artificial pitches and that doesn’t take away from the fact we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they’ve done down there. It was a League club and it’s sort of been reborn.

"These matches mean something to the fans and the players so they’re great occasions."