Kingstonian’s future has once again been thrown into jeopardy after fans rejected the chance to take over the club, citing doubts over the board’s promise to build a new ground in Chessington.

Fans voted on whether to become a community owned club over the autumn, but only 56 supporters moved to take control compared to 111 people against. 

Ks supporters were expected to vote without knowing where the team would be playing next year following the sale of current stadium Kingsmeadow, with the board yet to reveal where the club will play from next season.

March 2016: 'It will be the making of the club': Kingstonian announce plans to build new stadium on Chessington Golf Centre

October 2015: “We're the pride of South London, The mighty Kingstonian FC”: Where could Ks move?

December 2015: What now for Kingstonian? Ks' future in the balance as AFC Wimbledon secure move back to Plough Lane

Some fans also said they now question the board’s hopes of building a permanent stadium in Chessington due to new London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s reluctance to build on green belt land.

Joint-chairman Malcolm Winwright said the current board still has “some optimism” over the Chessington project and that announcement on ground-sharing will be made in the coming weeks.

Former board member Gary Enkins said: “There is zero chance of it happening – I can’t see it. I love Kingstonian but why anyone would build a football ground on that land is beyond me.

“I wish I could have been able to vote yes, every football club in general would benefit from having more say.

“I personally think this is the death of the club - it will be a long, slow death.”

Surrey Comet:

Kingstonian have ground-shared with AFC Wimbledon since for more than a decade

Ks have to leave Kingsmeadow stadium for the start of next season as leaseholders AFC Wimbledon, who share the ground, sold it to Premier League giants Chelsea last year.

Joint chairmen John Fenwick, Mark Anderson and Malcolm Winwright have been considering three options for a ground share, though fans have still not officially been told which due to costs and conditions having to remain “confidential”.

Ks fan and Kingston councillor Jon Tolley was on the working party set up to oversee the fan vote on becoming a community owned club.

He said: “I wanted it to be a clear decision and get as much information out as possible. If there was cause for doing it, it wasn’t argued strongly enough.

“How can you be a community club if you don’t know where you’re going to be based? That is the biggest problem. It was just a bad time.

“I don’t think Chessington is happening - I think everyone’s just resigned to it.”

Surrey Comet:

Ks chairman Malcolm Winwright

Plans to build a stadium on the former Chessington Golf Centre – which is designated green belt land - were presented to Ks supporters earlier this year, but an application is yet to be submitted.

In June last year, concerns were raised over its future when Mr Khan refused a planning permission for building a three-storey football stadium on green belt land in Chislehurst in one of his first acts as mayor.

Mr Khan said he was "determined to oppose" building on the green belt.

September 2016: Fans to vote on plan for a community-owned Kingstonian - without knowing where their new home turf will be

June 2016: AFC Wimbledon and Chelsea exchange contracts on Kingsmeadow Cherry Red Records stadium sale, as Kingstonian search for new home

Ks Chairman Mr Winwright said: “We still have some optimism regarding that project - there are a lot of hurdles to get through.

“I fully understand the vote and it was a difficult time for us to ask the question. It think there is every possibility that when we have a clear picture we will go to our supporters once more.”

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said: “It’s always been the case that building on the green belt is contrary to policy. I don’t think it’s in jeopardy because of that.

“What I will say is what I’ve said to the developer is that the mayor will be very important in that process.”