MAIDSTONE United have ended speculation over the futures of managers Alan Walker and Lloyd Hume by agreeing a deal to keep the duo at the club next season.

The pair were rumoured to be high on Dover Athletic’s shortlist, after the Whites parted company with Clive Walker last week, but they have opted to stay with the side they have steered top two successive promotions.

Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "I’m absolutely delighted to reach an agreement with Alan and Lloyd. For them, the hard work begins to prepare a team for the coming season so that we hit the ground running and get off to a good start in the Ryman Premier Division."

Hume said: "We are delighted to be honest with the terms agreed with the chairman. As always he has backed us fully and given us a budget to be able to compete in the Ryman Premier. That makes all our hard work getting us there worthwhile.

"We always wanted to stay with the club and this deal will put a stop to the rumour mill. It lets the players know we are committed and we can start talking to them about next season.

"Our aim is to stay in the league so that we come back to the county town in 2008 in the Ryman Premier, which will be a great achievement for everyone involved."

The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Mike FitzGerald, will welcome club officials and players to Maidstone Town Hall this Friday to congratulate them on winning the Ryman League Division One South and achieving back-to-back promotions.