Gloucester City could groundshare with Cheltenham Town
CHELTENHAM Town chairman Paul Baker has confirmed that the club are in early discussions with Gloucester City about a proposed groundshare at the Abbey Business Stadium.
The Tigers have been without a permanent home since their Meadow Park home was destroyed by the 2007 summer floods.
-
Whaddon Road could become the temporary home of the Tigers
They initially groundsghared with Forest Green Rovers but moved to Cirencester's Corinium Stadium home at the start of the 2008/9 season.
However promotion to Blue Square North has meant that they have to upgrade some of the facilities at The Corinium and the prospective cost coupled with a forthcoming return to Gloucester have forced them to look elsewhere.
Baker said: We've held some initial talks with Gloucester City, the discussions were positive but we are still in the early stages.
"Both clubs have to be sure that a ground-sharing arrangement is right for them and we will be holding further discussions in the near future."
City's interim chairman Nigel Hughes said that the club were yet to make a decision on any future groundsharing agreement either at Cheltenham or Cirencester.
“The club needed to look at addressing the ground to grading to remain in the Conference for next season," he said.
“We have to look at every opportunity and we’re not discounting anyone at this stage."
For the full story plus reaction from both Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town fans see tomorrow's editions of The Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo.
43 Comments
View all
by Dr Tiger Andy, New Meadow Park, Whaddon
Thursday, March 18 2010, 1:34PM
“Jack, think you are secretly worried that City will lure a few of their old fans back.
Fingers crossed that Chelt go down, we stay up, share Whaddon Road for a season and beat the Bobbins in FA Cup QUALIFYING.
Hopefully your oponents put in a valiant effort tonight.”
by CF, Gloucester
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 8:17PM
“Yes Jack and tonight your club are playing a 'relegation clash' . Where will you go if you get relegated? Oh no! not Non-League football.”
by Lee, Gloucester
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 4:55PM
“Jack you must be about 10 years old”
by Jack, c&g stand
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 12:13PM
“How on earth would 100 gloucester fans make a difference to our income. No point in opening 3 stands lets just put them in the away section and i very much doubt they will fill that. It makes me laugh hearing GC fans say they are the pride of Gloucstershire. They are jelouse of our football league status and always will be.”
by C&G Robin, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 10:00AM
“If it means a worthwhile revenue stream for CTFC, and as long as it is not open-ended and 'for ever', lets do it.
Business is business.
The Cheltenham/Gloucester 'rivalry' should have been buried years ago.
It is an embarrassment that there are still a few Cheltenham fans who still sing the 'Gloucester Hate' song.
There has not been any meaningful competitive rivalry between the two clubs for years.
Cheltenham have had a wonderful 10 years or so moving up through leagues, had some memorable F.A. cup runs, played at Wembley, won at Wembley, signed and played international players and successfully developed/financed pretty respectable ground.
Gloucester have achieved none of these things.
Cheltenham fans embarrass themselves for even thinking about Gloucester, let alone singing about them at our home or away games.
Bury the hatchet I say.”