Devastated local MP in last ditch attempts to save VCD Athletic from closure after Vickers' chairman Gary Rump announces club will cease operations due to change in ground ownership and not being offered a new lease for historic Oakwood ground

VICKERS Crayford Dartford (VCD) Athletic - chairman Gary Rump says he has come to the very painful decision to close down the club next month due to a change of ownership of their Oakwood ground in Crayford.

“It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that VCD Football Club announces that, as of 17^th May 2026, the club will cease operations,” said Mr Rump in a statement.

“This decision has not been made lightly.  Following the change in ownership of our ground, we have not been offered a new lease to remain at our historic home on Old Road.

“Despite sustained and genuine efforts by the club to engage in meaningful discussions and to find a way forward, regrettably, opportunities to enter into negotiations have not materialised.

“VCD Athletic has proudly been part of the Old Road community since 1916.  For over a century, the club has been more than just a football team – it has been a cornerstone of local identity, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers and generations of families who have shared in its history, spirit and achievements.

“To reach this point, where we must accept that the continuation of the club is no longer viable, is deeply painful.

“However, in the absence of a lease and with no alternative resolution available, we are left with no option but to acknowledge that this outcome is now inevitable.

“We extend our heartful gratitude to everyone who has supported VCD Athletic throughout its long and proud history.  Your loyalty, dedication and passion has been the lifeblood of this club.

“As we bring this chapter to a close, we do so with immense pride in what has been built since 1916 and with sincere appreciation for all those who have been part of our journey.”

Labour MP Daniel Francis, the member of Parliament for Bexleyheath & Crayford, is attempting last-ditch attempts to save the historic club.

“I’m devastated to read this,” he posted on X.

“in recent weeks, I’ve tried to broker a meeting between both parties.  To date, the landlord hasn’t accepted my invite to explore options.

“I’ll continue to press for the meeting, in order to save the club and this important part of Crayford’s history.”

The football community have reacted to the sad demise of the relegated Isthmian League South East Division club.

Former manager, Keith McMahon, posted the following statement on X:”Gutted for everyone involved in the club. I have been at the club as a young boy and managed there for 12 years in all capacities. I’m gutted for Gary (Rump) who has taken the club to another level and all the previous chairmen and of course Fordy (late former VCD Athletic manager Martin Ford).”

Tony Russell, who guided Vickers to the Isthmian League Division One North title in April 2014 with an emphatic final day 6-0 home win over Romford, added: “Surely something can be done? I Spent two and a half years at that wonderful football club. Some of the best people I have met in the game. Sad day for the game.”

During that post-match press conference with this website, Russell paid tribute to Martin Ford, who took charge of the club during their Kent County League days in 1993, before signing as manager at the end of the 2007 season.

"What I love about this club is that Martin Ford, who was down here before Gary (Rump) and everyone. He was the one that pushed this club on.  

"They were a nothing club if I'm honest and he put a lot of time, effort and money into this football club. 

"It wouldn't be on the foundations it was on now if it wasn't without him.  He's not at the club now and they always remind me and I love that.

"Brian Norris (who was the secretary at the time) always says to me Fordy was the one who pushed it and Gary took it on. Gary puts his hand in his own hard earned money and everythibng but you have to look at the people that started it off."

VCD Athletic is a club worth saving, in the memory of the late and great Martin Ford! Groundshare deals in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division are around the relms of £15,000 per year.

Micky Collins, who managed against VCD Athletic in the past, wants the club to keep going and secure a groundshare locally, with Chislehurst Glebe and Holmesdale available to rent next season.

“Such sad terrible news, shame you can’t get a groundshare until something long-term is sorted,” said the former ttile-winning Erith & Belvedere and Sevenoaks Town boss.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Football Association MAY decide to hand a relegation reprieve in the division that VCD Athletic were due to be relegated into next season.

Stansfeld – who claimed a shock 1-0 win at fifth-placed Rusthall in midweek – climbed off the foot of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 20 points with three games remaining, level on points with Hythe Town.

Stansfeld complete their campaign with games against Kennington (away, 18 April), Punjab United (away, 21 April) and Larkfield & New Hythe (home, 25 April).

Hythe Town, meanwhile, host fourth-from-bottom side Faversham Strike Force on Saturday, before travelling to play-off chasing side Punjab United next Thursday.

Despite the pair both being 17 points adrift of the side immediately above them (Chislehurst Glebe), they still have everything to play for, as VCD Athletic have been relegated from the Isthmian League after just one season back in the eighth-tier.

VCD Athletic play their final home game on Saturday (15:00) when Eastbourne Town visit Oakwood - before they end their campaign with a trip to Sittingbourne on the final day of the season.