The reopening of Deal Town FC’s Charles Ground next Wednesday will mean the club is free to concentrate on playing football and fundraising for a new clubhouse.

The nearly finished clubhouse burnt to the ground on Thursday, October 6, devastating the club’s players, trustees and supporters.

But now it has been demolished and made safe, the club is thinking of ways to recoup the money lost by what police believe is an arson attack.

Club spokesman Phil Moore said: "We are delighted to announce that the re-opening of the ground will take place on Wednesday, October 26, with a charity match between Derek Hares’ Deal Town first team and a Deal Town Legends 11."

It is hoped some of the squad who won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2000 will join in.

The game will offer fans the chance to see players old and new back on the pitch.

Mr Moore said: "It’s hoped it will be a good, fun evening to let everyone know we’re open for business and that this thing won’t kill us."

The scorched grass has now regrown, and the area has been made safe thanks to donations of time from Charlie Harris of C.H. Groundworks, who flattened the sides of the metal-framed structure.

He later won the contract to get rid of the jagged metal from the fire-ravaged clubhouse, which was cleared on Tuesday.

Other volunteers replaced the sponsor boards around the pitch which were damaged and the floodlights are now working again, having been re-configured after one wilted in the heat of the flames.

Mr Moore added: "Other fundraising events will be taking place over the weeks to come, thanks to the generosity of pub and restaurant owners and musicians from around the town.

"This will range from black-tie balls to dinners, red-carpet events and discos.

"We also hope to turn the joke back on ourselves by having a bonfire night here on Saturday, November 5."

If the event is permitted, a bonfire will be built on the site of the flattened clubhouse out of charred wood that was ruined by the fire. There will be a bar, hot dogs, jacket potatoes and burgers on sale.

Mr Moore said: "We will probably go and watch the fireworks at Warden House and then have the bonfire here with a competition to build a guy for children."

A High Street collection is also planned for this Saturday if the club can get permission.

Fifty collection cans are now on display at pubs, shops and service stations as well as at the East Kent Mercury office, raising much needed cash to rebuild the clubhouse.

The next official home fixture for Deal Town will be on Saturday, October 29, when the reserves play Folkestone.

Read the full story and see pictures in this week's Mercury.