Canterbury City announce groundshare agreement with Isthmian Premier outfit Margate

Canterbury City have struck a deal to groundshare at Isthmian Premier Margate next season.

The Southern Counties East club, whose fight to build their own ground in the city rumbles on, sit bottom of the Premier Division and look set to play in Division 1.

City moved to Sittingbourne last year, having revealed they would leave Faversham’s Salters Lane, although their Woodstock stay only lasted a season.

Margate director Dan Winsbury is excited by the new partnership.

“Obviously as a club, we remember just how hard it is when you don’t have your own home,” he said.

“Travelling to Dover and Ashford in the early 2000s really had an impact on us as a club.”

City chairman Trevor James said: “The new partnership will, not only offer Canterbury City stability, but also offer our players and supporters the benefit of a first-class facility and easier travel access to get there.”

Canterbury had previously had a four-year stint, groundsharing with the Lilywhites, having also played at Herne Bay, Ashford and Deal in recent years.

The two clubs have also agreed a partnership which could see Margate Youth players earn game time at a senior level with Canterbury City.

Likewise, Margate have the opportunity to promote City players to the Isthmian League should they wish to do so.