Rolling deal to move in with rivals

Kingstonian are set to share the Fetcham Grove home of Ryman Premier rivals Leatherhead next season and beyond if needed.

The Ks - who will play their last game at Kingsmeadow on Saturday 22 April against Havant and Waterlooville - announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached with the Tanners for an ongoing "ground share agreement" while they find and build a new home.

In a statement confirming that an initial deal for one season had been given the green light by the Ryman League, delighted officials at the top flight club said they remain committed to developing their own stadium in Kingston after Chelsea Ladies move into their old home following its sale by landlords AFC Wimbledon.

The statement read: "Kingstonian FC is delighted to announce that both an agreement has been reached, and approval from the Ryman League received, for an ongoing "ground-share agreement" with Leatherhead FC for hire of their Fetcham Grove ground for all first team home fixtures. This will become effective from the start of the 2017-18 season and will include a number of pre-season friendlies.

Kingstonian

Kingstonian

"The club remains committed to developing their own stadium in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames but in the short term, an ongoing ground-share with Leatherhead is an effective short-term solution. The board at Leatherhead have been exceptionally accommodating and helpful throughout the process and we look forward to working with them throughout our stay at Fetcham Grove.

"The "ground share agreement" is for an initial year, but both parties have agreed to a rolling agreement based upon progress with our own plans. Leatherhead, unlike a number of alternative venues that we looked at, were able to offer that important Saturday afternoon at 3pm slot for home games and we can also confirm our midweek fixture night will remain, as in previous years, on a Monday."

The club added:"We would like to thank the Supporters Club who sought comments from all who attend Kingstonian matches and as a result provided us with a valuable list of priorities with which to help us when making the decision on the location of the ground to be shared."

The Dons, whose new Plough Lane stadium is set for completion in two years time, have pledged to gift the Ks a big sum to help build their own ground.

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