The K's In Point

Update from the Kingstonian Board (Yes it’s real!)

By Filipo17/11/2023 10:52Fri Nov 17 10:52:32 2023

Views: 1500

Hi All,

I recently wrote to the Kingstonian FC board and have received the following responses to my questions:

1) What is the current position on finding a new ground?

We are in discussions with two leaseholders in potentially building a new stadium on their land within the Royal Borough of Kingston.

Both councillors and council officials have been fully involved in these discussions and have been providing assistance and guidance.

Various models have been suggested and are under consideration.

We will provide a further update on progress in due course.


2) Where will we be playing next season? Has any engagement taken place with Casuals, Hampton or Met Police?

We have commenced discussions with a number of local clubs on the possibility of sharing their ground for next season.

Again we will provide a further update on progress in due course.


3) When can we re-visit fan ownership models?

As supporters will be fully aware, a proposal and vote for community ownership was rejected by supporters before we moved out of Kingsmeadow.

We remain open to new ideas and welcome additional support.


4) What was the exact amount of money provided by AFC Wimbledon? How much is left? What has the money been used for to date?

The amount provided by AFC Wimbledon was widely available in the public domain and is accepted to be a seven-figure sum.

The current balance of funds remaining is and must remain private and confidential, as this would be prejudicial in current discussions around our proposed new stadium.

However we possess sufficient funds to progress the project for a new stadium when we reach agreement with a potential leaseholder.

Funds have been used to fund our groundsharing arrangements and to cover the legal fees required (for example) to confirm the Club’s taxable position relating to the AFC Wimbledon donation.

All withdrawals of funds have fulfilled the requirements of the Legal Agreement surrounding the donation and use of these funds, and have been signed off by Kingstonian and AFC Wimbledon Club signatories in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.


5) What is the current strategy to keep the club alive or improve the clubs standing?

The directors remain committed to finding a suitable piece of land upon which to build a new stadium in the borough. But, as supporters will recognise, this is extremely difficult given the lack of suitable areas within the borough.

On more than one occasion we have entered fruitful discussions with potential leaseholders about the possibility of a joint project, but for various reasons (including the impact of the coronavirus) the other party has regrettably decided not to pursue the matter.

As previously mentioned, we are in discussions with two leaseholders in potentially building a new stadium.

Once we are able to take the project forward and build a new stadium we will be able to create new revenue streams and generate additional income from the new facilities.
This will in turn enable us to expand and grow.

However, a board of five directors cannot run and take the club forward on their own, and we remain extremely grateful to our officials and volunteers who give up their free time, not only on match days, to assist in the running of the football club.

We are also grateful to our patrons and season ticket holders, and to those supporters who generously provide financial support in sponsoring matches, match balls and, players’ kits and who contribute to the 12th Man Scheme.

We are always looking for new ideas and would welcome additional financial support.