GRAVESEND & Northfleet have made the decision to become a full-time football club.

The move brings Fleet into line with the majority of other clubs in the Conference – with 14 of the 22 clubs now run on a full-time basis

Manager Liam Daish will now be able to offer players full-time contracts, although members of the current squad will have the option to remain on part-time deals.

Contract negotiations have already started with details expected to be finalised before the end of the season or during the summer break.

Chairman Brian Kilcullen hailed the move as one of the most significant events in Fleet’s history.

He said: "A lot has happened to the club over the years but this is a real landmark moment. Most of the clubs in our division are full-time and even those that are part-time train three nights a week rather than two.

"We are competing against these clubs and it makes it a stiff task to get up around the play-off places.

"Hopefully, going full-time will put us on a level playing field and take us one step closer to our dream of winning promotion to the Football League."

Mr Kilcullen said that the transition would be a gradual process and reassured fans that the club was not trying to walk before they can run.

The financial structure is being developed to cope with the switch to full-time contracts and the deal to buy the Beauwater site means Fleet will have the necessary training facilities.

"Some people may think that the club is overstretching themselves but we would never do anything that would put the club at any risk," said Kilcullen.

"Hopefully, people will be as positive as we are about the decision. Liam Daish believes it’s a step in the right direction but, as he has said, the transition has to be carefully managed.

"Our focus is to keep the core of the existing squad together and those that want to remain part-time will do so. However, those that want to go full-time will be encouraged."