Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Rovers admit they are unable to proceed with plans for a new stadium
A brief statement issued by the club has put an end to three years of promises by the board of directors that the gound would be constructed on 11 acres of council-owned land off Bridge Street, a mile from their existing stadium in Moat Street, Church Gresley.
As recently as last month the club's finance director, Lance Luckhurst, was reassuring fans that the project was still going ahead on the back of a massive sponsorship deal promissed by an unnamed backer.The assurances came against a backdrop of financial crisis at the club, which suffered relegation from the Dr. Martens Premier Division last season and is barred from signing players on contract after failing to meet it's wage bill.
But Mr Lukhurst and his fellow directors today finally conceded that the project could not go ahead within a "suitable timescale".
The statement said: "The club's board of directors regrets to announce that the timescales now envisaged for any possible funding of a new stadium are beyond the expectations of both the club and the South Derbyshire District Council, the owner of the prospective site.
"The project is therefore, unable to proceed on this basis at the present time. The club has now approached the council to seek advise and assistance as to any alternative way foreword, hopefully with the support of the local comminty."
Mr Luckhurst confessed he had "not seen" the club's statement but that he was aware of the situation and "don't really have any further comment."
He said it would be "totally unfair" to suggest that the cub's supporters had been misled by the board. Asked if he would now consider his position as a director, Mr Luckhurst said: "I am always considering my position. I think we all are."
A South Derbyshire Council spokesman said: "In response, the council would wish to receive from the club written details of any alternative proposals they may wish the council to consider."
