The Stones are one step closer to bringing football back to the County Town after merging with another club.

Maidstone United have joined forces with the Maidstone Rangers to form a major community club.

United chairman and managing director Paul Bowden-Brown said it had always been his plan to make football more accessible to people in the town.

He said: "Ever since I took over 16 years ago I wanted us to become a community club. We started with one team, and then we had a small youth set up with seven teams.

"But it became apparent that if we were to get that status we couldn’t just sit around and hope to increase our teams year by year.

"So discussions started with a number of clubs, and we’re very pleased to have agreed this amalgamation."

The move means the club, which will operate under the United name, will have 25 teams next season catering for young people, girls and people with disabilities.

It is hoped the merger will also increase support for them ahead of the proposed move to a purpose built stadium in Whatman Way.

Mr Bowden-Brown said there was a core of supporters watching them them play at Sittingbourne, where they have been ground sharing for several years, but he hoped having more youth teams would not only mean more families watching the first team play, but would also help the club to develop home grown talent.

The club are preparing to submit their stadium bid to the Football Foundation in the next few weeks.

Mr Bowden Brown said: "There’s been many steps forward and a few going back, but as long as I’ve got a breath in my body I’ll make sure Maidstone United comes back to the County Town."