Deal Town are still waiting to hear from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust whether they are to receive a £250,000 grant towards the refurbishment of their new clubhouse.

The deadline set by the Trust for the two groups who have been fighting for control of the club to resolve their differences, otherwise the grant
would be cancelled, expired 10 days ago.

But David Hannent, a Dover-based project management consultant who has offered to mediate in the dispute, said he was still hopeful that the grant would come through.

Mr Hannent said: "I have told the Trust that I have copies of letters from both parties saying they have reached an agreement and now I’m waiting for their response.

"I believe the person who has been handling the Deal Town grant award has been away on holiday, so hopefully that helps to explain the delay and that
we will still achieve a positive outcome."

Representatives from the two groups, one led by David Reid and backed by the Supporters’ Club, and the other by Steve Bowers with the support of Deal Town Rangers, finally sat round a table three weeks ago try to resolve their long-running conflict.