Bill Williams has described the proposed return of fans to football stadiums as a bolt out of the blue.

Maidstone’s chief executive was resigned to playing behind closed doors for the foreseeable future with the country going through a second wave of Covid-19.

So he was pleasantly surprised by prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement yesterday that elite sports clubs would be able to welcome back fans.

The return of supporters is dependent on the area being placed in Tier 1 or Tier 2 of new coronavirus measures.

Provided that’s the case, the Stones could operate at half-capacity - about 2,000 fans.

However, if it's Tier 3, they would continue to play behind closed doors.

“Most people tuned into the prime minister’s update to find out how many households could mix over the festive period,” Williams wrote on the Stones website.

“Then came the bolt out of the blue, an early Christmas present you might say, that in Tier 1 and 2 areas, supporters will be allowed after this lockdown ends a week tomorrow.

“Maidstone went into lockdown under Tier 1 but sources suggest we might exit it in Tier 2 because of the increasing cases locally, particularly in our neighbouring borough of Swale.

“Whether at Tier 1 or 2, it could allow us to open our gates to near average attendance levels. I didn’t think I’d be saying that this season.”

It’s a welcome boost for Maidstone and clubs all over the country who have been struggling financially but Williams has warned it won’t be business as usual.

He added: “Until such time as a vaccine has been approved and administered to a sufficient percentage of the population, there will still be the need to wear face coverings, sanitise our hands regularly and keep a social distance.

"Having said that, I am sure, in fact I know, you’ll all be on board with those measures if it gets you back in your seat or on the terraces.

"We have a ‘Covid-secure’ plan in place and that is with the local authorities for sign off.

"We will review that in light of yesterday’s announcement and work with the members of the Safety Advisory Group to get sign off.

"Let’s see what comes from the Football Association in the next day or so and, more importantly, what tier Maidstone will be in from 2nd December.

"For the first time in a long time, I feel we’re close to getting our fans, the lifeblood of our club, back to the Gallagher Stadium.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent