Fenmen ready for big day
David Blackmore Excitement is building in the Fens as Ridgeons League Premier Division club Wisbech Town gear up to start a new era in the club's 90-year history. The visit of Leicestershire-based St Andrew's in tomorrow's extra preliminary round of the FA Cup will be the first game at the club's new Lynn Road ground.
David Blackmore
Excitement is building in the Fens as Ridgeons League Premier Division club Wisbech Town gear up to start a new era in the club's 90-year history.
The visit of Leicestershire-based St Andrew's in tomorrow's extra preliminary round of the FA Cup will be the first game at the club's new Lynn Road ground.
For Wisbech chairman Paul Brenchley the first fixture at the �350,000 ground cannot come soon enough.
He said: “I am really happy with it and how it looks. It's all going to be ready for Saturday's game and I think the people coming along will really like what they see. It has been hard work but everyone has pulled together to make sure this new ground is ready in time, with people working day and night, and I just hope we get the support and pack this place out.
“I should think the total cost of the development will be �350,000 but that also includes a �50,000 grant from the Football Foundation, which has gone a long way.”
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The modern clubhouse at the new ground has a swish VIP bar, large supporters bar, kitchen and a club shop. Players will enjoy the spacious home and away dressing rooms with a fixed tunnel leading the teams onto the �30,000 pitch.
Supporters will also be catered for with a great view of the game from the main grandstand.
“It is a really nice playing surface with great drainage,” said Mr Brenchley. “The grass has been growing really well, despite the lack of rain, and I've been mowing it twice a week.”
The club is still awaiting a result on a licence application which could see the clubhouse stay open to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 12.30am on weekdays. Neighbours have expressed concerns that the clubhouse could become a 'nightclub' and become a haven for boozers and antisocial behaviour if the application is granted.
Brenchley added: “We don't want to turn the clubhouse into a nightclub. I don't want to be there all night and I have no ambition to run a nightclub. But we want to use the place seven days a week and try to make it financially viable.”
