3G model adds up again
Frannie Collin’s FA Cup winner against Stevenage has been chosen as Maidstone’s best-ever goal at the Gallagher Stadium. The club offered a choice of 10 goals from the first five years at the ground and challenged fans to match the top three picked by boss Jay Saunders and chief executive Bill Williams. They selected Collin’s later header against Boro, Alex Flisher’s blockbuster in an FA Trophy win over Salisbury and Alex Brown’s terrific equaliser in a top-of-the-table clash with Margate. Collin’s goal was a popular choice but only two fans – Dave Usborne and Andre Essen – matched Saunders and Williams’ one-two-three. Joe Pigott scored just four minutes into his AFC Wimbledon debut. Pigott, who joined the Dons from Maidstone last Monday, came off the bench to complete a 2-0 victory over Blackpool. Neal Ardley, his new boss, said: “You want that bond between a new signing and the fans. “He’s certainly introduced himself well. I knew that’s what he’s capable of and that’s why we signed him.” Leo Deere scored twice as Maidstone under-16s beat Bearsted 5-0 in the Kent County Cup on Sunday. Harvey Brown, Luis Dos Santos and Abolfazl Abbasi also struck as United reached the next round. Charlie Hatton was Maidstone under-14s’ scorer in their 3-1 defeat by Ebbsfleet in the Kent Youth League Central Division. The under-15s drew 1-1 at Tunbridge Wells Foresters and the under-13s won 3-2 at Crowborough. Maidstone have been drawn at home to Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup semi-finals. The tie will be played at the Gallagher Stadium on Tuesday, February 13. Charlton meet Folkestone in the other semi-final. Maidstone United have made a profit for the fifth year running.
Figures covering July 2016 to June 2017 show a profit of £ 211,736, with turnover up from £1,535,598 to £1,718,355.
The latest figures further endorse United’s business model, which centres on revenue from their 3G pitch at the Gallagher Stadium.
Co-owner Oliver Ash said: “We are delighted with the results of our fifth season’s trading.
“It is no mean feat to be able to declare a fifth consecutive year of profitable operation in a business sector notorious for unsustainable business models.
“We will continue to be prudent in order to ensure the club is secure and self-sufficient for the foreseeable future.
“We see in these figures further evidence of the success of the 3G model, which has enabled the club to maintain an attractive football and social facility, which is appreciated by thousands of local people.”
The increased turnover reflects a rise in attendances and ticket prices following promotion to the National League, along with sponsorships, advertising and room hire.
The budget was increased as Maidstone sought to stay in the National League but player and management wages still accounted for less than 30% of turnover.
All spare cash flow from profits and reserves has been reinvested in the Genco Stand project, which gave the club the 4,200 capacity required to play in the National League. Further development is planned as Maidstone look to achieve their medium-term aim of a return to the Football League.
They were looking at what Mr Ash described as a “very expensive project” to develop the south end of the ground, lifting capacity above 5,000 but now intend to develop the west side – currently flat standing – with an all-seater stand.
He said: “Our disadvantage with regard to other competing clubs is that our stadium has been built from scratch over six years. It is too small every time we push for promotion.
“We now need to build up cash resources even faster if we are to develop the stadium further in order to be eligible for promotion to the EFL.
“We now need more local companies to come on board, together with our existing business partners, and share the benefits of the positive image we have as a club and business.”
Fellow co-owner Terry Casey said: “We look back on the last five years with an immense sense of pride. To still be turning a profit during a period of unprecedented growth is some achievement and that’s been made possible by our wonderful supporters and an effective business model, which includes the 3G pitch and venue hire.
“Match day attendances and season tickets sales are up yearon-year and we thank all the fans for their loyal support.
“The next challenge is never far away but we must ensure the club continues to be in good shape and find ways to generate the funding needed to move on to the next level.”