Co-owners Terry Casey and Oliver Ash take the applause Pic: Ady Kerry

by Andrew Gidley

Terry Casey shrugs off being hailed as a saviour and says the "trust and faith" of loyal Maidstone fans is the real reason why the club are back playing in the County Town.

He described himself as nervous and pensive before Saturday’s pre-season friendly but speaking afterwards, said: "I was delighted with the way it went and it means a lot to many people who have waited nearly 25 years for this to happen."

Breaking off to shake hands with well-wishers eager to thank him, co-owner Casey said: "There is no question in my mind, the people who saved this club are the ‘lunatics’ who kept on believing we would come home one day.

"Around 600-700 kept faith all this time, never stopped believing and then they were joined by a couple of others – Oliver (Ash) and me – and now we have got what we have got. It was those people’s trust and faith that has been so amazing.

"We have been down here every day and evening for the last fortnight.

"There were staff here at around 7am on Saturday morning, volunteers as well and you can’t believe the commitment of some of these people. It is just remarkable."

He added: "This is the start of a real adventure, there is expectation around the club and town that we are going to get promoted this year."