By Hayley Robinson

The Brickies take over bid by a former international footballer has fallen through.

Michael Hughes was set to become the new owner of Sittingbourne Football Club after the deal was agreed in principal on March 29.

However, chairman Andy Spice pulled out of the deal on Monday claiming Cearnsport Ltd - which issues the lease for the grounds at Central Park, on the Eurolink industrial estate - wouldn’t sign a new lease with the former West Ham and Crystal Palace football star.

The news has come as a massive blow to Mr Hughes who was in negotiations with Mr Spice so he could retain a share of the club following the take over.

A spokesman for Mr Hughes said: "It’s very disappointing. Michael was offering to underwrite the club’s debts and had big plans that would have involved the whole community including a football academy in the area but that won’t happen now."

But central Park owner Roger Cearns says the matter with the lease isn’t as straight forward as it seems.

He said: "There is a new 10 year lease to be had from 2012 and Cearnsport Ltd has no problem with the current management of Sittingbourne Football Club.

"We have backed the football club from day one and they are there due to our good nature. But if Andy Spice is tired of it and wants to step down then we need the necessary references and credentials from the new owner to go ahead with the lease and that has not yet happened."

Mr Spice said: "Cearnsport was one issue but as far as I’m concerned the deal wasn’t right for the club at this time. It wasn’t just my decision, I spoke to the whole committee and they didn’t feel comfortable with it either.

"There’s no fall out with Michael and I’m not ruling out talking to him in the future.

"I will remain as chairman for the present time."

Mr Hughes, said: "I would like to thank everyone at the club for their input and hard work over the months. I wish the club good luck and all the best for the future."