News that Ebbsfleet United Football Club now owns its ground brought some cheer to staff, players and fans recovering from the team's dramatic penalty shoot-out promotion defeat at the weekend.

The club has announced that it has completed the purchase of the freehold title of Stonebridge Road from Gravesham council.

Club director Stuart Butler-Gallie said the news represented a "huge personal commitment" from Kuwaiti owner, Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi.

"However sore we are feeling at the moment, we should not lose sight of how far the club has come since Kuwaiti European Holdings stepped in to save the Fleet from administration or worse in summer 2013," he added.

"The purchase of Stonebridge Road by EUFC is a key stage in securing the future of this club.”

The news came as work starts on the new £5million main stand and pitch installation, including a pop-up irrigation system.

Mr Stuart Butler-Gallie added: "The land now belongs to the club and as with all funds committed by Dr Abdulla, this will be fully capitalised and leaves the club debt-free.

"This is a huge personal commitment from Dr Abdulla and should be acknowledged as such.”