SUPPORT for plans to relaunch a senior football club in a Kent city continue to gather momentum with the Kent County FA putting their weight behind the campaign.

Managing director Barry Bright and chief executive Keith Masters both say they are delighted steps are being taken to revive senior football in Canterbury.

Mr Bright said: "The Kent County FA are pleased that an effort is being made to reinstate senior football in Canterbury.

"I am delighted at the initiative and am trusting that the huge efforts being made by a dedicated group of real football people in and around Canterbury will bear fruit.

"The loss of the club and Kingsmead Stadium was a huge blow for Kent Football but I was particularly pleased when the youth club continued.

"We cannot live in the past but I can but trust that the City Council will assist in identifying a new site for a ground.

"I am confident that matters could then move more speedily forward in a structured and professional manner which would bring credit to the city and create an excellent football club at senior and youth levels incorporating a ladies/girls section which will be beneficial to the whole community."

Chief executive Mr Masters said it had been a sad day when the old club folded, in 2001.

He hopes the new club will be able to follow the lead set by Faversham, who are challenging for promotion from the British Energy Kent County League having only been revived within the last couple of years.

Mr Masters added: "It is good news that there appears to be some positivity for football in Canterbury. It is one of the most important cities in the county and really needs a senior football club.

"The lesson at Faversham was that a lot of good people in the town were prepared to roll their sleeves up to bring football back and that is what seems to be happening at Canterbury. I’m more than happy to give them whatever support I can."

Responding on behalf of the project leaders, Phil Knight said he was thrilled that the county FA were behind the campaign to "Bring Football Home".

He explained: "We’re grateful both to Barry and Keith for their backing and having the full weight of the KCFA behind the campaign will give everyone involved a real fillip."

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has accepted an invitation attend a youth training session at Polo Farm on Friday, March 31. It had been hoped that Shadow Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson, would also attend but he will be in Australia on a Parliamentary scholarship.

Mr Knight said: "We’re delighted that Julian Brazier has agreed to come to the training session. It is a great opportunity for us to discuss with him how he might assist us."

* Campaign organisers have established an email address and mobile phone number to which messages of support or offers of help can be made. The telephone number is 07786 412292, and the email address: canterburycityfc@aol.com.