Maidstone United have revealed their plans to host games at the Gallagher Stadium when the National League South season gets under way.

The Stones are due to being their campaign in the FA Cup on Saturday, October 3 with their first home league game on Tuesday, October 6 against Welling United.

But, with grounds needing to be Covid-secure, new restrictions means the capacity will be just 1,255 for home matches, subject to approval.

Maidstone will open three areas of their ground - and will not admit away supporters.

It's a major blow to their finances, having regularly enjoyed crowds around the 2,000 mark since they returned to the county town.

Chief executive Bill Williams said: “I cannot tell you the hours of work that has gone into reconfiguring the ground for this new world we find ourselves in.

“We’ve have gone through the SGSA’s guidance with a fine-tooth comb and I would like to thank Simon Daniel and John Harvey who’ve done so much work to get us to this point.

“I know it had to be done, it’s this or nothing but the consequences are far ranging. This restricted capacity puts us between 500 and 1,200 short on last season’s crowds and it goes against everything we’ve worked for since 2012.

“I can only apologise to those who are not able to come to games as they have done for the last eight years and ask for your understanding at this most challenging of times. As soon as we’re able to increase capacity we will make an announcement through the usual channels.

“I expect many clubs will go with no or limited away fans. On many alternate Saturdays to the first team, our excellent under-23 side will be playing matches at the Gallagher and I hope we can build on the number of fans who were coming to watch their fixtures.

“We want to do all we can to involve as many of you, as often as possible and the introduction of the Stones TV streaming service is just one of those ways.”

Maidstone say the Gallagher Stadium will be temporarily remodelled and split into three specific areas: the Manchett Main Stand, the Genco Stand and the South Stand.

Each area will have its own entry point and spectators will have to remain in their area for the duration of the match, where all facilities will be available.

At the start of the season there will be no provision for away fans to come into the ground. Season ticket holders will be guaranteed entry to the matches and will have priority on FA Cup and FA Trophy tickets.

The club's main stand has already sold out and tickets for the other stands will be sold online in advance only.

Williams added: “By purchasing a season ticket or an e-ticket, supporters will be asked to read and sign up to the new code of conduct, which has additional Covid-19 rules to be followed.

“We want to do all we can to offer a comfortable, safe and ultimately enjoyable time in these current circumstances. Please work with us to get through these next few months and I am sure, like me, you’re longing for the day for some semblance of normality can resume.”

• Maidstone's 2020/21 fixtures announced

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent