Ashford United have confirmed that Maidstone United will not be ground-sharing at Homelands next season.

The Stones made the decision to end their annual agreement after two years a couple of weeks ago.

They plan to return to their former "home" at Sittingbourne, while the owners continue their quest to take the club back to the County Town.

The news was revealed by former Stones owner and chairman of Homelands Enterprises, Paul Bowden-Brown at United’s meet-the-manager evening with Tony Reynolds last week which attracted 40 people.

Football club chairman Ernie Warren was pleased with the turnout and admitted: "I knew everyone in the room and they were all Ashford through and through."

United are now affiliated with the Kent County FA, although they have still to find out which league they will be playing in next season.

Mr Warren said: "We have applied to the Kent League and the new Step 6 but the decision will be made by the Football Association.

"We want to start in the highest position possible but we can’t choose."

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