Whitstable Town deny ‘financial considerations’ were behind decision to reach groundshare agreement with Faversham Strike Force, ahead of Canterbury City and one other club

Whitstable Town have denied “financial considerations” were behind their decision to reach a new groundshare agreement.

The Oystermen are expected to share their facilities at The Belmont, including their 3G pitch that was installed in 2022, with Faversham Strike Force from next season.

Overall, Whitstable said in Monday night’s statement that three clubs had approached them over a potential groundshare, including Canterbury City.

City claimed they had been outbid “at the last minute” by Southern Counties East League Division 1 rivals Strike Force, who are moving away from Faversham Town’s Salters Lane ground, with Canterbury having opted to drop to the Kent County League from next season and they, instead, return to playing in the city.

But Southern Counties East League Premier Division Whitstable - who are 90 minutes from a Wembley FA Vase final after last weekend’s 2-0 semi-final first-leg home win over Hartpury University - have said they aren’t responsible for Canterbury City’s plight.

A club statement read: “Whitstable Town Football Club would like to take this opportunity to clarify our position regarding the recent discussions and decisions surrounding the potential groundshare with Canterbury City Football Club.

“Firstly, we want to make it clear that Whitstable Town Football Club is not responsible for Canterbury City Football Club's current situation, including the termination of that club's previous groundshare agreement elsewhere.

“We have maintained open and transparent communication with Canterbury City throughout this process.

“They were fully aware that two other clubs had approached us for a potential groundshare and that we were seeking permission from our landlords, Canterbury City Council, who were