The takeover of Maidstone United has fallen through.

Local businessman Alan Manchett has withdrawn his offer to buy a controlling interest "following failure to agree on some key details of the prospective deal", the club have announced.

Maidstone went public on the deal a fortnight ago, anticipating completion in early February, but it's back to the drawing board for co-owners Terry Casey and Oliver Ash as they seek fresh investment.

The Manchett Group remain on board as business partners - sponsoring the main stand and club shirts - and have not ruled out future investment.

Casey said: “We thank Alan and his team for their interest in helping the club to grow faster. It is great that they are still behind us and pushing with us.

“We are now concentrating on the rest of the season, working hard and doing what we can to stay up without risking the club financially.

“We ask all supporters to lend their full support to the club and the team as we regroup and look to enjoy a real improvement to the season.”

George Elokobi, placed in caretaker charge following Hakan Hayrettin's sacking, looks set to keep the reins for the foreseeable future.

"The next few weeks will involve backing George Elokobi and the squad in their efforts to finish the season strongly, while considering options for next season," the club said in a statement announcing the Manchett deal was off.

Maidstone, second-bottom in the National League, host Aldershot tomorrow night.