FORMER England international Gary Stevens has elaborated on why he ended his interest in taking over Tunbridge Wells Football Club.

The club held an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday evening and released a statement afterwards saying Stevens had withdrawn his proposal and was now looking at ways he could work with the club.

Stevens said on Tuesday: "It was with reluctance and great disappointment that I withdrew my proposal to take over, restructure and drive Tunbridge Wells FC forward both on and off the pitch to the benefit of whole club including players, officials, supporters and the wider community.

"My hopes and plans for the club were totally honorable. Football has been a huge part of my life. I live in Tunbridge Wells and expect both to continue.

"My initial investment of £50,000 working capital was to be supported by initial sponsorship and pledges in excess of £100,000 that I had secured.

"These sums, coupled with grants and funding from various sporting and educational bodies, that I have confirmed are available, along with a 30 hour working week I had made available to oversee the club and its facilities in a professional and businesslike manner, would surely have been of great benefit to the club.

"I truly believe an excellent opportunity for all concerned has been missed.

"Despite a disappointing outcome following much effort, energy, time, money and the enthusiasm of numerous people, I would like to wish the club a successful future."