Maidstone United are due to move into their new home this summer

Maidstone United have received a major boost for the construction of their new ground after securing a sizeable grant towards the project.

The Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) have committed £150,000 to the Gallagher Stadium, which will end the club’s 20-year exile from the county town.

It is the largest possible figure for which clubs can apply and will provide added impetus to construction, which is due to be completed in time for the start of pre-season this July.

Terry Casey, a director at the club, said: “Oliver Ash [co-owner and fellow director] and I, since taking over the club, have confirmed our commitment to bringing the Stones home in 2012. With the help and additional funding from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, for which we are very grateful, this will be a reality.”

The new stadium will feature an artificial 3G surface available to all the club’s affiliated sides and the wider community.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the FSIF and Football Foundation, said: “The new project at Maidstone United will provide spectators with a significantly improved facility, creating a better viewing experience for home and away fans in the future.”

The first-team’s trip to Merstham on Saturday was postponed by the freezing weather on an afternoon when the whole Ryman Division One South programme was wiped out. Jay Saunders’ men are due to return to action this Saturday, when they host promotion rivals Folkestone Invicta.

Photo by LAWRIE PROCTER