It’s now "business as usual" at Deal Town – according to the club’s new committee.

Although chairman David Reid (pictured) is on holiday, the committee issued a statement this week insisting – following an EGM in March – they are now fully in control of the club after a prolonged dispute with the rival group headed by Steve Bowers and backed by Deal Town Rangers.

The statement said: "A number of concerns with regard to the running of the club led David Reid and a consortium of associates to take action and regain control of the administration of the club.

"Following independent legal advice, which was also ratified by another firm of solicitors and consultation with a number of parties, an EGM was called that was backed by the known members of the football club, the supporters’ club and all interested parties.

"A new committee was voted in which has been able to stabilise the club’s finances and develop a way forward that supports football in the community at both senior and junior levels, and which still maintains our links with the Deal Town Football Academy."

One of the consequences of the battle between the two groups is that it has put in jeopardy the award of a £250,000 grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust towards the refurbishment of the new clubhouse at the Charles Ground.

The two sides met recently to try to produce a united front where winning the grant award is concerned, but in their statement the Deal committee said that "the advancement of the new clubhouse is being progressed independently to that of the running of the football club.

"We have started a dialogue with Mr Bowers and David Hannent, the clubhouse project manager, to secure sponsorship and funding from a number of parties.

"This is reliant on the full co-operation of both sides for it to be successful. However, contrary to what has been said elsewhere, the clubhouse project doesn’t have any impact on football matters."