GILLINGHAM Football Club chairman Paul Scally is having private talks with council leader Rodney Chambers over a possible Medway site for a new stadium.

The location is being kept secret but it is understood a third party, a major landowner, has been involved in talks facilitated by Cllr Chambers.

The search for a Medway location is going on with active, if private, assistance from the Council.

Both Cllr Chambers and Mr Scally confirmed this week that they were talking to each other.

Cllr Chambers said: “The relationship is very good, but we have agreed – because of the hoo-hah before over sites like Temple Marsh – that we would work together, out of the media eye.”

Mr Scally said: “We have made a point of conducting our business in private.

“I am very pleased with the relationship we have with Medway Council. They have been very supportive and positive to keep us in Medway.”

Mr Scally is looking for a site of between 10 and 20 acres on which to build his stadium.

But Cllr Chambers declined to go into further detail. He said: “Neither of us are in a position to mention that site because there are a number of parties involved.

"It would be inappropriate to make any comment if we are to get any measure of success. My aim is to retain the club in the Medway Towns if it can be achieved.”

Mr Scally said: “We are looking to build within three or four years. We have to. We can’t go on as we are. That means we need to find a site within 12 months, and we are looking very hard.”

Work would start on the club’s new home within four years. Mr Scally also confirmed that two sites outside Medway are being considered as a possible venue for the club when it moves out of Priestfield. “They are both very good sites – but neither are in Medway,” he said.

Mr Scally would not confirm earlier reports they were in Gravesham. He would like to remain in Medway if it is possible .

He stressed; “We would much prefer to stay in Medway. It is what the fans would like and it is what people would prefer us to do."