Whitstable Town Football Club would like to take this opportunity to clarify our position regarding the recent discussions and decisions surrounding the potential ground share 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 ground share 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 ground share and that we were seeking permission from our landlords, Canterbury City Council, who were conducting their due diligence before any decision could be made.

We kept Canterbury City FC informed and updated on all discussions and developments. They were aware for several weeks that, once the due diligence process was completed, we would convene a meeting of the club’s board to deliberate on the best options for Whitstable Town.

Additionally, Canterbury City Football Club had shared their options with us, including their intention to drop to Step 7 of the football pyramid if their attempts to secure a ground share were unsuccessful with us and others they were talking to.

On Wednesday, March 26th, we received formal notification from Canterbury City Council that we had been approved for a ground share. Following this notification, the Whitstable Town Football Club board held open and unbiased discussions to decide on the best course of action for our club. After careful consideration, we concluded that Faversham Strike Force was the ideal partner for our future plans and aspirations. Contrary to some online suggestions, financial considerations did not drive our decision, nor is the financial agreement aligned with the exaggerated figures mentioned in various reports. Our priority was to identify a partner that matched the type of collaboration we envisioned and would best support the development of our youth players and their pathway to senior football. Entering into any ground share would mean that the current Saturday Whitstable Town Under 23 team could no longer compete in the Kent County Football League, so the impact on opportunities for our younger players was a significant consideration in our discussions regarding any future relationships with other clubs. We will, of course, continue with our midweek Under 23 team in the SCEFL Development League.

At no point was any agreement made with any party. What occurred before Thursday, 27th March, were ongoing discussions about what a potential agreement might look like.

We remain committed to our club's long-term growth and will continue to make decisions that are in the best interests of Whitstable Town Football Club, its players, and its supporters.

Whitstable Town Football Club