Gallagher Stadium to keep name until at least 2032

Maidstone have announced a 10-year extension of their stadium naming rights deal. It means the club’s home ground will continue to be known as the Gallagher Stadium until at least 2032.

Pat Gallagher, chairman of the Gallagher Group, said: “We are extremely proud of everything the club have achieved since returning to the town in 2012. “The stadium has been mentioned to me all over the world and that is testament to the success of everyone involved.”

Maidstone chief executive

Bill Williams said: “To have the continued backing of the Gallagher Group is massive for this club.

“They believe in and support our aim to get this club back to where it belongs and to do so in a way that allows us to push on and achieve the longer-term targets.”

The Stones are to reintroduce segregation after only one game of the National League South season.

They intended to limit segregation to five matches but incidents during Saturday’s game against Weymouth, when fans mixed in the Town End, have forced their hand.

Chief executive Bill Williams said: “Supporters’ safety has and always will be paramount here at Maidstone United and there were times on Saturday – given the large number of people – that our safety team felt this could have been jeopardised.

“Following a debrief, which involved key safety partners, and after much deliberation, the club has decided that in the interest of everyone here at Maidstone United, particularly our fans, all future home games will be segregated.”

A supporters’ coach is running to Maidstone’s game at Hungerford on Saturday. Cost is £15 for Maidstone United Fan Club or iMUSC members and £20 for nonmembers. The coach will leave Royal Engineers Way at 10.30am. To book, text Tim Murrell on 07921 193374.