Canterbury City will be playing their football at Deal Town from next season after agreeing a ground share.

A statement from Deal Town reveals the two clubs will share the Charles Ground from the 2017/18 season onwards:

“The board of directors of Deal Town FC are pleased to announce that next season we will be sharing the Charles Ground with Canterbury City FC.”

City, who have been playing at Ashford United’s Homelands ground for the past three years, will switch to the Charles Ground for their 2017-18 pre-season matches.

New Hoops’ chairman Dave Chmura said: “The rising standard of both the playing surface and the facilities at the Charles Ground were major factors in Canterbury’s decision to approach us requesting a one-season groundshare, and I consider that this agreement is a reward for all the hard work that has been put in by everyone at the club over the past few years.

“Our loyal supporters can now look forward to watching Southern Counties East League matches at the ground every week next season, and when the two clubs play each other the phrase ‘local derby’ will take on a whole new meaning!”

Canterbury City chairman Tim Clark said: “It is public knowledge that there have been some ongoing legal issues at Homelands which in turn have impacted on the 3G all-weather playing surface there.

“My job as chairman is to ensure that City can continue play SCEL football next season while we move towards having our own stadium in due course. We therefore approached Deal Town, who were very welcoming in their response, and we have now agreed terms with them for next season which is great news.

“Deal have put a lot of effort into improving the Charles Ground and the playing surface looks very good. Both myself and Deal chairman Dave Chmura feel that this arrangement will positively benefit both clubs, and the necessary League and FA registration formalities are now being attended to.”