Gillingham Women have a new chairman and owner.

The future of the club was in the balance on the eve of the season, with owner and chairman Josh Oatham stating in August he feared "for the club's existence" if a new buyer wasn’t found.

After a two-month process, businessman Kevin Hake, already manager-chairman of Chatham Town men’s team, was revealed as Gillingham Women's new owner and chairman on Tuesday.

It means they will now also play their home games at Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium as Hake takes the reins from Oatham who had been in sole charge for the past two years after Gillingham Football Club's decision to no longer fund the women's section. Oatham will, however, continue to manage Gillingham Women's first-team.

“I couldn't sit back and allow Kent's highest-placed women's team that sits in the third tier of English football struggle,” Hake said.

“With the success of the Lionesses’ in the summer, and seeing how this galvanised a community spirit, this resonated with me. I'm excited to have the opportunity to become the club's new chairman and can't wait to get started.

“What Josh has achieved with, not only this club, but also for wider female football participation in Kent, is nothing short of fantastic and epitomises everything I strive for. I thank him for everything and he will always be a big part of this club.

“As a show of my appreciation, I'm delighted that he's accepted the invitation to become our club president.

“I'm thrilled to announce that, after a series of talks with Josh, he's also agreed to remain in charge as manager of the first-team. This will provide a fabulous platform for stability and continuity as we look to continue building on the team's successes over the recent seasons.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Gillingham Women FC's players, volunteers and supporters who can rest easy in the knowledge that their club is in safe hands. The club will continue to compete at the highest level and use the Bauvill Stadium as their new home.

“I'm keen on inclusivity and this will allow the local community to watch Gillingham Women FC in Chatham. I'll be embarking on some exciting community initiatives that will encourage everyone to support Josh and our fantastic group of players.

“Now's the time to get behind your local team and get to know the players! Further details will be released across a variety of social media platforms in the forthcoming days."

Hake has enjoyed great success as Chatham Town chairman in recent times.

Since the departure of Scott Lindsey on the eve of last season, he has also managed the Chats' first-team himself and guided them to promotion from the Southern Counties East Premier Division, while they have enjoyed a strong start this term in Isthmian South East too.

Gillingham Women played their home games at Rochester United last season but had re-located to Sporting Club Thamesmead for the new campaign.

They sit seventh in the Southern Premier League.

All Chatham Town season ticket holders will get free entry to Gillingham Women fixtures at the Bauvill Stadium.