A takeover deal for Maidstone United has been agreed, which will end Paul Bowden-Brown's 19 year spell as chairman.

Shareholder Oliver Ash, who invested £100,000 in the club, will take control of the club, once the fine details of financial and legal documents have been completed and signed.

In a statement, the club said a date for the takeover has yet to be fixed and that the playing staff is concentrating on Saturday's FA Cup First Round tie against Whitehawk.

The takeover discussions were being monitored by Maidstone council, which loaned the club £98,000 five years ago to help it secure a site in James Whatman Way for a new home ground.

Cllr Chris Garland (Con), leader of Maidstone council, said: "Our view is that the money needs to be protected."

Asked how repayment of the money would be affected by the takeover deal, Cllr Garland added: "We will have to talk that through with the new owners."

More coverage on our Sport web site, and in this Friday's Kent Messenger.