Canterbury City announce groundshare agreement with Sittingbourne

Canterbury City have struck a deal to groundshare at Sittingbourne next season.

The Southern Counties East club, whose fight to build their own ground in the city rumbles on, had been looking for a new base since it was announced they would be leaving Faversham's Salters Lane.

They've been groundsharing with the Lilywhites for the past four years, having also played at Herne Bay, Ashford and Deal in recent years.

Sittingbourne, who have been at Woodstock since leaving Bourne Park in 2013, were open to a groundshare and an agreement has been reached.

"Since our current hosts Faversham Town FC informed us that they did not want to renew our agreement, we have had to work hard to source a new venue," said Canterbury in a club statement.

"Once we started to discuss options with Sittingbourne FC, we felt they were genuine and wanted to help us after what has been a difficult season.

"For that, we would like to thank all at Sittingbourne FC for their hard work in being able to make this agreement happen.

"These things are never easy and require negotiation on both parts.

"We are hopeful that this will be the final club we require to groundshare with whilst we work hard to get approval for our own hub in our own city.

"Whilst it is disappointing to have to move slightly further away from Canterbury, this really was the most viable and secure option presented to us."

Faversham Town have new tenants in place for next season, with Faversham Strike Force moving in to Salters Lane.