by Alex Hoad

Maidstone United could be in new hands within days after fresh takeover talks began after the collapse of negotiations with Lashings.

Stones chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has been "burning the midnight oil" with leading investor Oliver Ash and it is believed a deal which would allow the Paris-based businessman to take control could be sealed next week.

The deal would probably see Mr Ash replace Mr Bowden-Brown as chairman with general manager Bill Williams taking over the day-to-day running of club affairs.

Mr Bowden-Brown has agreed to write off his own investment in the club –believed to be around £400,000 – which he has put in since taking over the Stones in 1992, as well as further funds put in by his son Richard over the past six months.

Mr Bowden-Brown has also reduced the value of his shareholding to nil in a bid to smooth the path for a takeover.

In his programme notes for Saturday home game with AFC Hornchurch, Mr Bowden-Brown says: "Since Sunday I have spoken in great detail with Oliver and Bill with regard to the options available to us to make sure the continued future of our great club.

He added: "The shareholders are looking at what further arrangements can be agreed so that a way forward can be reached quickly to satisfy us all and work within the FA guidelines.

"Whatever happens, be assured we are burning the midnight oil to make sure we find a satisfactory conclusion to this matter, all based on what is best for the club and its supporters and not on individual needs or demands."

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