NOMADS CITY GET GO-AHEAD BUT NEED A HOME!

CANTERBURY City have negotiated financial backing to ensure the club can continue playing in the Southern Counties East League – but they are once again searching for a ground share.

City tendered their resignation from the division in September after being told they would need to wait three years for a planning application to be submitted for a new ground.

However, a donation made by an anonymous supporter allowed the club to continue playing at Step 5 and groundsharing with Kent rivals Faversham Town – 10 miles away – for the rest of the season.

Now Canterbury say their “mid to long term future” has been secured after agreeing financial backing allowing them to continue competing at the level although the club will be on the move in the summer.

“After a difficult season we are sure that this will be positive news for all our players and supporters of CCFC as we continue the quest to get back to our own ground in the City,” the club said.

“Unfortunately this good news is somewhat dampened by the fact we now find ourselves once again searching for a ground share.

“We have been advised by Faversham Town Football Club that they don’t wish to discuss the possibility of remaining at Salters Lane when our lease ends after completion of this season.

“Therefore if there are any clubs in the region who are possibly able to assist and ensure our continued presence in SCEFL, would they kindly please contact CEO/ Club Secretary Richie Moore.”

Canterbury have not played in the city since 1999 when their Kingsmead home was sold to a housing developer.

The club folded two years later after successive bottom-place finishes in the Kent County League although reformed in 2007.

Canterbury City Council gave the club £525,000, in 2015, from the proceeds of the ground sale, and a part-loan, part-grant of £606,000.

However, the 2019 FA Vase semi-finalists have been unable to secure planning permission.