by Alex Hoad

Ashford Town chairman Don Crosbie claims Maidstone United's groundshare agreement at Homelands has been terminated, just four weeks before the start of the season.

Mr Crosbie says he served notice on the Stones on Friday and posted a statement on the Town website claiming: "The licence to ground-share the Homelands Stadium had been terminated with immediate effect."

The row surrounds the screening of satellite TV in the clubhouse at Homelands, though there is confusion about whether Mr Crosbie - who is involved in a legal dispute with co-director Tony Betteridge - has the authority to kick the Stones out, with Mr Betteridge understood to own the ground's freehold.

Mr Crosbie's statement revealed: "The background to this matter is subject to legal proceedings and therefore Ashford Town Football Club cannot comment in detail at this stage, save as to say that (the action is) due to infringements regarding the illegal showing of commercial satellite television without the necessary licences for the past year at the Homelands Stadium."

He added: "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 strongly refuted the claims of any wrong-doing with chairman Paul Bowden-Brown issuing a statement to United supporters 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 are understood to have involved the Ryman League in the discussions with Town, who are currently suspended from all football by the FA for non-payment of fees to Ebbsfleet.