by Alex Hoad

Lashings' bid to take over Maidstone United could stall after the club's shareholders met with the lead negotiator last night.

Lashings supremo David Folb and his representative, former Stones player Glenn Aitken attended the Stones 4-2 defeat to Hastings at Homelands but halfway through the second half Mr Aitken was called and asked to attend a meeting in the ground.

Mr Aitken revealed that Lashings had 'turned things around' with their proposed takeover, explaining: "We asked the club to tell us what they wanted in order for the takeover to go through."

Mr Aitken met with shareholders Oliver Ash and Bill Williams (pictured) who put forward figures which they would accept to allow the takeover to go through. Mr Aitken said: "We did discuss terms only to find we were not happy with what they were looking for. It was unrealistic. We were miles apart."

Mr Folb said: "With due respect, we are not worried about the directors' problems, we are worried about the football club and its loyal supporters.

"The lines of communication remain open and we are prepared to listen to the directors, but only if they come back to us with a realistic proposal.”

He added: "Supporters have got to ask themselves if they want the club to continue to be run by the individuals who have got them into this position, or if they want a completely new direction.

"We are only interested in safeguarding this club’s future. I don't think the fans realise just how close to the brink the club is."

Mr Aitken said Lashings had submitted a response to the meeting to the club on Wednesday morning and was awaiting a reply from the club.

Mr Williams revealed the club would respond to Lashings once Mr Ash returns from a business trip on Friday.