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).
Story courtesy of
Wembley wonders Gresley Rovers were denied membership of the Beazer Homes League on a string of “minor” ground shortcomings, it can be revealed today.
The “stay were you are” bombshell has overshadowed the greatest season in the club’s 109-year history, in which Rovers lifted the Banks’s League title for the first time, won the Derbyshire Senior Cup for a record fourth successive season and reached Wembley for the FA Vase final.It means that, despite winning the league title by 16 points, the club must stay in the West Midlands League next season – soon to be renamed after Banks’s Brewery pulled out its sponsorship – instead of making a deserved move up to the Beazer Homes League Midland Division.
Rovers’ committee meets tonight to discuss a letter from the Beazer Homes League detailing the points highlighted by a ground inspection committee as not meeting their criteria for promotion.
And although its contents have not yet been made public, club chairman Peter Hall told the Mail last night: “All points relate to the ground, and there is nothing listed that isn’t something that couldn’t have been put right without any difficulty whatsoever.”
It is understood that the faults highlighted by the committee after the inspection include the ground containing two seats fewer than the minimum 200 required – even though Rovers claim they pointed out during the inspection that two seats had been temporarily removed for maintenance purposes and could be replaced immediately.
A certificate relating to the power of the Moat Ground floodlights being updated and chain fencing along side the stand was said to be “too flimsy” – another point that Rovers committee men said they could put right without any difficulty.
It was claimed there were no writing facilities available for the press despite the club having provided special press seats in the stand with writing desks combined, a table and typewriter in the committee room and the use of two telephones.
Part of the stand overhangs but a letter was produced during the inspection showing that work was in hand to rectify the problem.
Other difficulties raised by the inspection committee include the “geography” of the ground – a matter never before raised despite two previous refusals – and leasing details.
Said Hall: “Last time we were refused we looked at their reasons and put right all the shortcomings. Now they have come up with a list of different points on which to refuse us.”
What they failed on:
Two seats fewer than minimum 200 – both had been temporarily removed for maintenance.
Certificate relating to the power of the Moat Ground floodlights was undated.
Chain fencing alongside stand too flimsy – could have been replaced immediately.
No writing facilities for press – special seats, desks, telephones and typewriter are provided.
Part of stand overhangs pitch – work being carried out to rectify problem.
