This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
News


New hope for 3G pitch rule


MAIDSTONE United FC’s cam- paign to get 3G pitches permitted in the Football Conference has been boosted by a decision to allow them to be played on in the FA Cup. The main pitch at the Stones’ ground, the Gallagher Stadium in James WhatmanWay, has a third- generation synthetic surface. The Ryman Premier League club


could win promotion to the Con- ference South this year, and their battle to convince the league to allow games on 3G pitches has been helped after the FACup com- mittee gave them the go-ahead to be used for its flagship competition. Maidstone and the Weald MP


Helen Grant, the minister for sport, said: “I believe that allowing 3G pitches in the Football Conference would be a sensible step. Of course it is for the Football Conference in conjunction with the FA to make any decision. “I have held initial discussions


with the football authorities to con- sider a change of the rules and will


have further meetings. “3G pitches are weather-resis-


tant, offer big benefits to the com- munity and provide a beautiful, flat playing surface ideal for talent and skill development of players. “Maidstone United’s Football Academy, now in its second year, trains 65 full-time students with ac- cess to the pitch for 24 hours of training per week – something which would not be possible if the club had a grass pitch, which can just about cope with a competitive match every otherweek. The Football Conference board recently rejected a proposal to over- turn the 3G ban by 21 votes to 11. Shortly afterwards it sent a letter to the Stones stating the issue was “therefore settled”. The Stones are to unveil a plan to expand the stadium, built in 2012. The club want to build an 800-


seat stand at the Springfield end of the ground to raise the capacity to just over 3,000. Full details will be released at a


later date.


downsmail.co.uk Fans to tell story of Stones


KENT History and Library Centre and Maidstone United have appointed a photographer and writer for The Rise of Maidstone United, which explores the history of the town’s football club, as retold by their supporters. Writer Steve Tasane is a pub-


lished author, poet and writer. He has a three-book deal writing young adult fiction for Walker Books. He said: “Football has its own unique language, and every fan is a natural storyteller. The ups and downs of the club are a natu- ral framework for the story of Maidstone.” Documentary photographer Malcolm Glover has also been appointed. Malcolm has previously worked for Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. He said the work would be “a vibrant, exciting set of images captur- ing the passion of the supporters of Maidstone United Football Club.” Steve and Malcolm will work with the club and KCC’s Kent History and


Steve Tasane and Michael Glover


Library Centre until October 2014, and their work will result in an exhibi- tion and book launch in November 2014.


MPHelen backs England girls


LOCAL MP Helen Grant cheered on England girls’ U15 football team as they beat Republic of Ireland 8-0 at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium. Sports minister Mrs Grant,


who is pictured with the U15 girls, also presented medals to players taking part in the South East U11 seven-a-side tournament at the stadium. She said: “It was especially


good to see Maidstone’s Alessia Russo playing in the England squad”.


Do you have a property


Instruct Connells to Let your property and you will benefit from: FREE rental assessment


TO TO LET Unrivalled internet exposure


01622 677315 maidstonelet@connells.co.uk


www.connells.co.uk To arrange your FREE rental assessment please contact Connells today! 8 Maidstone East April 2014


Award winning service Convenient hours FREE local press advertising


Computer linked branches across the UK


30 King Street Maidstone ME14 1BS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72