Kingston council leader Kevin Davis has said he expects Chelsea FC to complete their move to Kingsmeadow stadium some time next year.

Cllr Davis met with representatives of the Premier League club last week to discuss the sale of the lease by AFC Wimbledon, who currently share the ground with Kingstonian.

He said: “It [the meeting] was just around the details of the lease. It’s just a matter of time before they move in, as far as timescale is concerned sometime next year.”

Thursday, October 8: Campaign to save Kingstonian from extinction closes in on council debate

Tuesday, November 17: AFC Wimbledon vote to sell Kingsmeadow - also shared by Kingstonian - making Plough Lane move a step closer

Thursday, December 10: Cheers and hugging as AFC Wimbledon have Plough Lane stadium plans unanimously approved by Merton Council

AFC Wimbledon secured planning permission to build a stadium of up to 20,000 seats in Merton in December, opening the door for the sale of the ground to Chelsea, who plan to use the stadium for their women’s team.

The stadium complex will also feature some 600 flats, a leisure centre and shops.

The move leaves Ks, who pay a reduced rent at Kingsmeadow, facing the prospect of having to find a new stadium in the borough.

Cllr Davis admitted during a council meeting in December that the club is “struggling” to find a new site.

Cllr Davis added: “There’s no absolute fix, nothing has changed as far as Kingstonian are concerned.”