This is now the closest the club has come to its dream home, says Canterbury City manager Ben Smith

CANTERBURY CITY manager Ben Smith says he is feeling excited by the club’s new stadium plans.

Quinn Estates have started public consultation on the site of the club’s proposed new stadium at Highland Court, which includes an eight acre site for the football club.

Plans include a stadium with an artificial pitch and full sized artificial training pitch.  The facility will be known as The Canterbury City Community Football Hub.

A club statement said: “Please show your support during the consultation.  The planning application is anticipated in September 2017. Canterbury City FC and Quinn Estates are working together to bring senior football back to Canterbury after 18 years’ absence.”

Smith, who guided Canterbury City to a ninth-placed finish in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with a 3-1 win at Erith & Belvedere, who finished rooted to the foot of the table, told the club’s website: “I’ve been involved with the club before when there were talk of big plans, which obviously never came to fruition and it certainly damaged public opinion of the club.

“We are further on than we have ever been so this is now the closest the club has come to its dream home and with Quinn Estates involved we can now talk with real credibility.

“It’s hard not to be excited by the possibilities and opportunities that such a project will bring to the club, local community and ultimately those players on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Canterbury City, who will be hiring Deal Town’s Charles Sports Ground next season, have confirmed that 19-goal midfielder Dave Pilcher has committed his future at the club for next season.

Smith added : “We are making steady progress with our squad and backroom staff. Details of the plans will only build momentum to take us forward and deliver our aims on the pitch."

Visit Canterbury City’s website:   www.canterburycityfc.net