Maidstone have started planning next season’s assault on the National League after their remarkable play-off triumph over Ebbsfleet.

The club must press on with £600,000 ground improvements to raise capacity to 4,000 by the end of March – a league requirement.

There are also budgets to work out as Stones look to hold their own in the National League following the unexpected promotion.

Co-owner Terry Casey said: “It’s going to be Tranmere Rovers against Maidstone United and Lincoln City against Maidstone United. We’re in with the serious footballers now and we’ve got to take it seriously, which we will do.

“We’re not going to sit back and relax, we’ve got a lot to do and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“We’ve got quotes for the ground, planning applications, we’ve had meetings with the council. It’s looking like £600,000 and we’ve just got to find it. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.

“We’re still not going to be stupid about money, we’re going to pay for everything ourselves and carry on the good work.”

Boss Jay Saunders plans to increase training from two nights a week to three.

He said: “I’m looking at Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. I’ve gone for evenings rather than mornings because I don’t want to limit the lads with good jobs."

Don't miss your 20-page Stones souvenir pull-out in Friday's Kent Messenger.