Bowden-Brown committed to bring Stones back to the town

Ashford Town claim to have terminated their groundshare agreement with fellow Ryman League side Maidstone United.

Chairman Don Crosbie told the club's website: "The licence to groundshare the Homelands Stadium had been terminated with immediate effect."

The row surrounds the screening of satellite TV in the clubhouse.

But there is confusion over whether Crosbie has the authority to kick the Stones out, as co-owner Tony Betteridge is said to own the ground's freehold.

Both men are currently involved in a legal dispute involving the club.

Crosbie's statement added: "The background to this matter is subject to legal proceedings and therefore Ashford Town Football Club cannot comment in detail at this stage.

The club would like to reassure supporters that resolving this issue is a top priority Paul Bowden-Brown, Maidstone chairman

"But it's due to infringements regarding the illegal showing of commercial satellite television without the necessary licences for the past year at the Homelands Stadium."

"I am personally disappointed by the situation which has left myself and the club with no option. I am saddened that we have been forced to take such a stance."

Maidstone have vehemently denied any wrong-doing, with chairman Paul Bowden-Brown issuing a statement saying: "Maidstone United totally refute the contents of this latest statement.

"The club would like to reassure supporters that resolving this issue is a top priority and it will be handled in a professional manner."

The Stones left Maidstone in 1988 when they had to sell their old London Road ground and have not played in the town since.

During that time they won promotion to the Football League, then dropped out of it, before going out of business and subsequently reforming as a new company.

Since becoming homeless the side have played in Dartford, Sittingbourne and Ashford.

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