News

The speculation appeared in a Coalville-based weekly newspaper but was quickly scotched by Gresley.

Secretary Neil Betteridge said today: “For the benefit of all Gresley Rovers supporters I can categorically deny reports that the club may be considering relocating to Newhall United’s ground contrary to a report yesterday. Immediately following sight of the report, I spoke to Newhall United’s acting chairman, Sid Gutteridge, and secretary, David Wain, who were also unaware of any such proposal.

“Naturally, this has resulted in disbelief and embarrassment to both the clubs concerned.”

Gutteridge confirmed the stories were wide of the mark. “There’s no truth in it whatsoever,” he said.

The report arose following a comment by Ashby Woulds town councillor Colin Wood, who claimed Rovers had earmarked a site between Church Gresley and Albert Village for a new ground.

In fact, Rovers officials have been working behind the scenes for well over a year to secure a new ground for the club. But Mail reporters aware of the plan agreed to a voluntary embargo of the news because of the delicate negotiations between the club and other concerned parties, believed to be the landowners and various funding groups. It is believed the club feared that premature publicity could jeopardise the deal.

Meanwhile, the Moat Ground will remain Rovers’ home for the immediate future.

Betteridge said today: “Bearing in mind the problems experienced with the Moat Ground meeting grading standards several years ago, we must consider it a tremendous achievement to have overcome these difficulties and now be accepted into the Premier Division of the Beazer Homes League.

“However, it is appreciated that, realistically, we have now reached the highest standard possible at the existing site, as there is sufficient space to meet the requirements of a higher league.

“Accordingly, the club had viewed “several sites” but said: “We have avoided reports on speculation due to the delicate stage of negotiations. However, we have no control over what local councillors may sat at council meetings.”

Betteridge declined to comment on the exact location of the new ground. He said he “could not confirm or deny we have been in negotiation with any particular party” and that no firm timetable for a move had been agreed “at the present time.”

The Mail understands that a site for a new ground to be named The New Moat Ground, has been earmarked between Gresley and Albert Village and that plans have reached an advanced stage.

The site thought to be most favoured by club officials lies behind Church Street close to what was once Gresley Miners Welfare ground.

A move there would fulfil the majority wish that the club stays within the parish of Gresley.

But Betteridge was again unable to confirm this, saying: “Because a planning application has not been submitted no firm plans have yet been detailed.”

Ashby Woulds Town Councillor Bryan Weston said: “I understand there is a rumour about development on land just inside Derbyshire to include a football stadium for Gresley Rovers, but it is just a rumour.”

Rovers commercial director Frank McArdle, who has masterminded the project, was not available for comment today.