Stones set Dyke straight on World Cup

Maidstone United co-owner Oliver Ash has answered the Football Association's call for ideas to help England win the World Cup again.

Six days after the FA's new Chairman Greg Dyke named-checked the Ryman Premier's Stones while calling for the development of more English players in his first major speech since his appointment, pictured, Ash penned an open letter to Dyke and the FA on the state of the national game and the key role Non-League clubs are playing in re-invigorating the sport.

In his wide-ranging address last Thursday, the former BBC director general set the England team the target of reaching the semi-finals of the Euro Championships in 2020 and to win the World Cup in 2022.

Ash, a spokesman for 3G4US, a group of nearly 50 clubs from the Football League, Scottish League and Non-League in favour of 3G pitches, responded to Dyke's rallying call on Wednesday with a reply running to nearly 2500 words.

Writing ahead of Maidstone's trip to Cray Wanderers, Ash highlights the benefits of 3G football turf and calls for the FA to show leadership in ensuring it is encouraged throughout the Non-League game and the lower levels of the Football League.

He also appeals for greater protection for Non-League clubs from higher league predators who lure away their talented youngsters and often pay little or no compensation towards years of development costs.

To read the full text of Ash's letter visit: www.maidstoneunited.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/speaking-up-for-our-national-game.html?spref=tw