New Cinque Ports manager Martin Chandler planning promotion challenge as club prepare to move into their new home ground

Kent County League side Cinque Ports are entering an exciting new era.

The club are set to move into a new ground this summer, with the site at Freemens Way in Deal nearing completion.

And they also have a new manager in place, with Martin Chandler joining after a season with Lydd Town under-23s.

It’s his first permanent management role in men’s football, although he had a spell as Hythe Town caretaker boss at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Lydd but Cinque Ports advertised for a manager and it ended up being a quick turnaround,” said Chandler.

“I applied on the Sunday night, had a conversation on the Monday afternoon and then on the Wednesday morning I was offered the job.

“I think the club were keen to get someone in early and it gives me time to get pre-season sorted out.

“It was a whirlwind three or four days, to be honest.”

Cinque Ports finished seventh in Division 1 Central & East last season.

Chandler wants to build on that by mounting a promotion challenge as the club settle into their new home.

“It’s a brand-new 3G facility, with a two-storey clubhouse, and it should be open at the beginning of July, which really takes the club forward,” said Chandler, who is keeping caretaker boss Jack Thompson as part of his management team.

“It’s been in the pipeline for quite a long time.

“I know a lot of hard work and effort has gone in behind the scenes to get it over the line.

“I took a drive down there and sat outside the gates to have a look. The clubhouse is all built and the surface is nigh-on ready to be laid.

“Hopefully, we’ll attract people along because it’s right in the middle of a new housing estate, so you’ve got that community aspect as well.

“With the players I’m going to