WITH two weeks to go until the beginning of the new season, things are looking up at Margate Football Club.

They announced today that the club will be moving out of administration by the end of September. Despite the club being in administration while the season begins, they will not be docked points.

Margate filed for protection from its creditors at the end of last season following two years away from its home ground at Hartsdown Park, playing matches at Dover's Crabble Ground and Ashford's Homelands.

The administrators have applied for a Creditors Voluntary Arrangement to allow the club to continue.

Now a new pitch has been laid and Hartsdown Park is being painted and primed for kick-off against Malden Town on August 20, with a temporary stand put up.

An embargo on buying new players has also been lifted, meaning some new faces in the side for 2005/2006.

Club director Keith Piper said: "To be honest the process has been a very tough one. The commitment of the supporters is stunning.

"I said to one man how on earth do you spend all the time that you do here? He said I drive a taxi so I work nights.

"It just underlines the commitment these guys have to this football club."

Planning permission has been granted for Hartsdown Park's redevelopment, with plans for a hotel, conference centre and 5-a-side pitches.

While funding for the new stadium is being put up by the club's financial partners, Mr Piper underlined that the club still owns the lease on the ground and will retain income streams from the development, including the 5-a-side pitches and conference facilities.

He added: "I'm relieved but there was never any question with the support the club has in the community that we would return here."