The chairman of Newport Football Club has sought to reassure fans, staff and players following a notice to quit their grounds.
The notice, from South Coast Leisure (SCL), means they will have to find an alternative ground by August 2017. The site will be redeveloped as a retail park and will sit adjacent to the Isle of Wight’s first ASDA.
The Supporters Trust and Club Chairman Stuart Ross said,
“I want to reassure all Staff, Managers, Players, Members, Supporters and those connected to Newport (IW) Football Club that everything is in hand, I urge you not to panic in anyway.
“I have a fantastic team of professional and experienced people working with me on this matter and will endeavor to provide you all with further information on this as and when I can.”
Business as usual
He went on to say,
“Newport IW FC continues to operate its business as usual and I look forward to seeing as many of you at St Georges Park on Saturday 26th November to show your support for the club and our 1st team as we take on Horndean for a 3pm kick off in the Sydenhams Wessex Football League Premier Division.”
Notice to quit
The letter from SCL explains that when Newport Football Club went into receivership (2004) SCL bought St George’s Park.
On behalf of the company, Paul Airey told Newport FC,
“SCL subsequently bought the facility and has, for the past 12 years, supported the club by allowing continued use of the ground and facilities at St George’s Park, while subsidising the costs. During this time, SCL has endeavoured to find an alternative facility for the club to use and secure its future, while allowing the site to be redeveloped.
“In March of this year, SCL proposed an alternative site in Newport, which would have had far reaching benefits to both the club and the wider community, including an all-weather pitch, upgraded facilities and opportunities for use by schools during the day. There would also have been a significant annual income for the club by way of renting the pitch and facilities to other Island clubs during non-match times.
“The club has however indicated that it does not want to support this proposal. We understand that the club currently have more ambitious aspirations for a relocation scheme that could include the provision of up to three pitches.
“As much notice as possible has been given, so that you can make alternative arrangements for the 2017/ 2018 season.”
Earlier in the week the club issued this statement in response,
“Newport (IW) Football Club Ltd are currently seeking advice in relation to the notice from South Coast Leisure and therefore have no further comment to make at this time. Newport IW FC continues to operate its business as usual.”
