By Alex Hoad

Maidstone’s shareholders will discuss the potential takeover of the club by Lashings at a meeting early next week.

The cricket World XI organisation's head negotiator, Glenn Aitken, had been disappointed to hear that Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown, pictured, would await his colleagues’ return before discussing the proposal, with Lashings chairman David Folb keen to complete a speedy takeover.

Mr Aitken said: "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."

Mr Folb is understood to have set a deadline of Friday, September 3, for the deal to be agreed.

However Mr Bowden-Brown said: "I have received an informal proposal which outlined a takeover offer.

"I have spoken to the shareholders who are currently on holiday, and have arranged a shareholders’ meeting early next week to discuss the proposal formally."

He added: "We are all keen to consider the offer, while ensuring that any transfer of ownership complies with the new regulations set out by the Football Association."

Picture: Steve Terrell