Lashings' attempts to perform a quick takeover of Maidstone United have been delayed by some of the Stones shareholders being on holiday.

Lead negotiator Glenn Aitken received acknowledgement of his proposal from Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown, but was disappointed to hear he would await his colleagues' return before discussing it with them.

Mr Aitken has since urged Mr Bowden-Brown to phone them in order to speed up negotiations.

He said: "I have attended pre-season friendlies at Faversham, Whitstable, Chatham and Sittingbourne and I'm yet to see either the chairman or general manager Bill Williams, so communication has been via phone and email.

"Perhaps things are not as urgent as the fans fear but, for our part, this must be resolved quickly. We will not hang around forever."

Lashings World XI chairman David Folb (pictured) has a clear deadline in mind - Friday September 3.

He said: "The cricket club's gala end-of-season dinner held at Lord's is attended by major sponsors, top businessmen and international sports stars.

"This is the perfect occasion at which to announce the takeover of Maidstone United and discuss their potential involvement."