A statement from the club reads: “As a club we have worked hard over the last 14 years or so to have an independent hub in the City of Canterbury. A hub that would not only benefit the City would provide a platform for young players to progress to a level where they have the opportunity to be paid to play football. Our ambition has always been to have a local club for local people.

“This weekend we have been informed that we will need to wait three years for planning application to be submitted. We will not be able to sustain as a self-sufficient entity the funds required over this period, therefore we are faced with the awful decision to submit this request.

“We will continue to explore our options to be able to still have a Step 5 football team within the SCEFL set up. The reality is we will require funding to achieve this, without this we have no option other than offer to withdraw from the league."

The Southern Counties East League have called an emergency Board meeting for today, Monday 20th September, to discuss this matter.