By Alex Hoad

Maidstone co-owner Terry Casey says long-suffering Stones fans will be rewarded for their "blind faith" with first option on tickets for the club’s opening game at the newly-named Gallagher Stadium.

The club have revealed the opening fixture at the 3,000 capacity ground on James Whatman Way will be played against League 1 title-chasers Charlton Athletic on Saturday, July 14.

Mr Casey (pictured) said he knew that demand would be high for the club’s return to the County Town but said they would ensure the most loyal fans would be first in line for tickets.

He said: "There is no question that those supporters kept the club alive – the hard core of 500 or so that kept their blind faith that we would never be in this position again. We know who they are and we would like them to be there."

Mr Casey said there was space on the calendar for at least four high-profile friendly games.

Peterborough are due to bring a team to Kent thanks to the link with former Stone Barry Fry and Mr Casey said he hoped a long-awaited Kent derby with Gillingham could be arranged.