SYDENHAMS Wessex One outfit Folland Sports have opened dialogue with landlords GE Aviation regarding the club’s future.

The Planemakers have been advised that their current ground, Folland Park, could be made available for development sometime after the end of the 2017/18 season, subject to planning approval.

But chairman Roy Kingdon insists that, contrary to rumour, the 79-year-old football club will remain alive and kicking.

He reported: “I had a really good meeting with the guys from GE Aviation and it was very constructive.

“Far from being all doom and gloom, I am delighted to say that GE Aviation are committed to securing the future of the football club.

“We are not at this stage in a position to identify any new facility, but I am just pleased to start discussions with them.

“As we say in football, it’s very early doors at the moment and we will all know a lot more in the ensuing weeks and months.

“The main thing is we can plan ahead now and stop the rumours that we are going to close down.

“Folland Sports FC is here to stay.”

The club was established in 1938 by workers of the aircraft factory in Hamble-le-Rice and was originally known as Folland Aircraft.

During World War II players from Portsmouth and Southampton worked in the factory and played for the club.

The Planemakers have undergone several name changes since then, becoming Folland Sports, Aerostructures S&S and Hamble ASSC.

In 2011 the club adopted the name GE Hamble after the parent company became GE Aviation Systems and, at the end of 2012/13, they reverted back to Folland Sports.