Kent League chairman Denise Richmond is hopeful that the Football Association will approve their proposed name change.

The League are hoping to change their name to Southern Counties East at their annual meeting on June 22 but first need the green light from the FA.

She said: "The Kent League's request to change its name is something that has been discussed at various management committee meetings and also at wider general league meetings.

"In fact a name change was given the green light by member clubs at an AGM a couple of years ago. However, at that time we couldn't quite work out what the new name should be, and when would be the right time.

"We are very hopeful that the FA will agree to this for the coming season."

And with Rye and Crowborough also expected to join the Kent League in the close season after being moved across by the FA from the Sussex League, Ms Richmond is keen to get away from the perception of county league football at step 5 in the non-league pyramid.

She added: "The league needs to expand, and it can only expand inland, having Kent in the name could be restricting that growth.

"We are not a county 'league' but a part of the National League System, and most leagues at step 5 have clubs from several counties - up to nine in one instance.

"With the now ever-evolving National League System, we need to change and adapt with it."