Staplehurst Monarchs: Promotion has been an ambition of the club for a number of years and many have worked tirelessly to make this happen

STAPLEHURST MONARCHS United say they are feeling delighted to be promoted to the Southern Counties East Football League First Division for the first time in its 128-year history.

 

The Football Association announced at three o’clock this afternoon the League constitutions of all Leagues from Step Three downwards and the Jubilee Field outfit will be playing in a 20 club division when their League kicks off on 31 July 2021.

Faversham Strike Force - who groundshare Rochester United's Rede Court Road ground - Staplehurst Monarchs United and Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers have all left the Kent County League and will play Step Six football for the first time.

“Promotion to this League has been an ambition of the club for a number of years and many have worked tirelessly to make this happen,” said a club statement.

“We would like to thank the Kent County League, Maidstone Borough Council, Southern Counties East Football League, The FA and Staplehurst Parish Council for their continued support over this time.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to our players, fans, management and our sponsors past and present who have helped us to get to where we are today.

“We’re excited to welcome the Southern Counties East Football League sides to the Jubilee and look forward to this next chapter in the clubs 128 year history.”

Chessington & Hook United, Westside and Tooting Bec have all moved across from the Combined Counties League to compete in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division.

Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers have been putting in the hours to improve facilities at their New Hythe Lane ground.

Co-chairman Lawrence Coppen said in a statement: “There has been great improvements in the football club over the past 18 months and it’s great that everybody’s hard work has been rewarded.

“We now have a fantastic ground with an excellent pitch and the community of Larkfield will have the opportunity to share in our journey as we progress on the pitch and continue to enhance our stadium.”

Fellow co-chairman John Michel added: “This is fantastic news for the club. We will be playing at our highest level as we enter our 60^th year.

“The addition of new stands and floodlights has made this all possible.  I’m really looking forward to the new season and welcoming as many old and new faces to our community stadium.

“Many thanks to all our supporters and sponsors and in particular to the Southern Counties East Football League and Kent County League who have worked very closely with us.”

The 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns were not completed due to the coronavirus health pandemic.

Meanwhile, Kent County League Premier Division side Tudor Sports have appointed former Otford United boss Ricky Tompkins as their new manager.

"Pleased to announce that I have accepted the first-team's managers job at Tudor Sports for next season," said Tompkins.

"I've spent a good time away to reset and reasses and now I'm ready to go.  I'm looking forward to the new journey."

Tompkins has appointed Terry Donovan as his assistant manager.