Maidstone agree outline terms for sale of controlling interest; Alfreton seek buyer

Boardrooms and building sites have carried the week's news. Maidstone United's board says outline terms have been agreed for the sale of a controlling interest in the club, with the prospective investors now undertaking due diligence. Alfreton Town, meanwhile, are seeking a capable buyer, with the intention that whoever takes over inherits the club debt-free. Two very different positions, but both point to the same thing: the search for someone able to fund the next few years.

Further down the pyramid, Wolverhampton Casuals say their own ownership change has been delayed while legal and FA regulations are worked through, with new ownership on its way. At Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, the change is already done, Darryl Jones and Luke Forgione returning as Joint Chairmen in succession to former Chairman Mark Booth.

The week's most tangible milestone belongs to Merstham, back at The Hybrid Fitness Stadium after months away during redevelopment, and back on a brand-new 3G pitch. The club had warned that early-season home fixtures might have to be staged at a groundshare venue for the first couple of months. Merstham christened the pitch with a 5-1 victory in which Vinnie Tume scored twice and Mayowa Lawal, Sinnks and Tommy Bradbury also found the net, with BBC Surrey covering Saturday's opening match. The reopening is marked with Ashford United as visitors for an Opening Party and Spooktacular Family Day, gates at 1:30pm.

Not everyone is going home. Welling Town have moved to Chatham Town's ground, their first home game staged at The Bauvill Stadium, while AFC Portchester are settling in at The OnSite Group Stadium.

Elsewhere, the ground improvements are on a smaller scale. Wimborne Town have installed tiered hard-standing behind the dugouts, with that side of the ground closed for the visit of Chippenham Town while the job is finished ahead of the FA Cup tie with Crawley Town. Godalming Town begin refurbishing the main stand this week before its renaming as The Jane Phillips Memorial Stand on 7 November. Banstead Athletic's clubhouse reopens on 18 December, Netherton United's digital scoreboard at The Grange is working, and AFC Greenwich Borough have completed a full lighting install averaging 283lux.

Canvey Island have gone furthest in ambition, submitting a five-year plan for Park Lane to the local council covering a possible 3G pitch, improved seating, a sensory room, asbestos removal and replacement of the seated stand. Hastings United host a fans forum at 7pm on Monday 2 November in The Pilot Bar to update supporters on the Pilot Field redevelopment. Brentwood Town have announced a Fan Zone at the Brentwood Arena, and Chester are expanding alcohol sales at the Deva Community Stadium, with kiosks serving from 2pm and the Blues Bar and Canopy open at half-time. Oxford City, facing a sell-out, have increased capacity for Friday evening with a final allocation on general sale at 5pm.