FORMER England International Gary Stevens has expressed his delight at gaining control of Kent League club Tunbridge Wells, but it could be weeks before the takeover becomes legal.

Meanwhile, the annoucement has put an end to speculation that he would be taking over as manager.

The 44-year-old, who played for Brighton and Hove Albion, Tottenham and Portsmouth in his professional career and appeared for England in the 1986 World Cup, said: "I was delighted to get the votes I need to take control of the club and I’m really looking forward to taking Tunbridge Wells Football Club forward.

"But I can categorically say I have no plans to become involved with the management of the football team. Martin Farnie is the manager of the club and will remain so.

"As the new owner, I will be looking forward to creating a platform for this club to move forward on and off the field. I believe a town like Tunbridge Wells has the potential to play at a level as high as Conference South.

"Bognor Regis play at that level and I don’t see anything in terms of population or location to suggest that they are any better off than Tunbridge Wells.

"But the immediate goal has to be to win the Kent League. If we can’t do that then we can’t progress up the pyramid."

Full story in this Friday's Kent Messenger