by Alex Hoad

Maidstone have less than a fortnight to confirm to the Ryman League where they intend to play their home games this season.

The Stones had been sharing Ashford’s Homelands ground (pictured) but a breakdown in relations between the clubs saw Town chairman Don Crosbie terminate the groundshare agreement.

Mr Crosbie also applied to put his club into administration and withdrew them from the Ryman League, with the aim of joining the Kent League in time for the new season.

Maidstone have been handed a lifeline four weeks before the start of the new season with the news that former landlords Sittingbourne are prepared to take them back.

The Stones quit Bourne Park last summer to begin a three-year deal at Homelands but the move has been beset by problems including falling crowds, an often unplayable pitch and a deteriorating relationship with their host club.

The Ryman League are understood to be prepared to allow Maidstone to switch grounds before the start of the season due to the "exceptional circumstances" of the Ashford situation.

Sittingbourne chairman Andy Spice revealed his club would welcome them back.

"We never fell out with them when they left and we enjoyed having them here before, said Mr Spice. "We would definitely have them back. If someone approaches us then we’d talk about it."

The Stones left Bourne Park for financial reasons as they were allowed to split the bar and food takings at Ashford, whereas Sittingbourne kept them at Bourne Park.