Statement Issued Regarding Possible Kingsmeadow Sale Involving Kingstonian

[FF News]

Following recent press coverage relating to a possible sale of Kingsmeadow, the Board of Ryman League Premier Division club Kingstonian have made their position clear.

 

A statement reads: "We are of course aware of the recent announcement by AFC Wimbledon Trust that they have submitted their planning application to Merton Borough Council, and of the club's need to eventually sell Kingsmeadow to help finance their proposed new stadium in Plough Lane.

"If AFC Wimbledon are successful with planning they would vacate Kingsmeadow in the next two to three years.

"The AFC Wimbledon Trust have kept us informed of their progress at all times and our Board have therefore been able to assess the effect the Dons' departure from Kingsmeadow could have on Ks, particularly if the eventual purchaser of the ground is not able to facilitate our club continuing to play at the stadium. The Ks' Board has always understood this could happen one day, given that we are not in a position to buy Kingsmeadow.

"Our continuous dialogue with the AFC Wimbledon Trust has reached a point where, because of their culture and previous experiences, they fully understand our position and have expressed their desire to give as much moral, practical and financial assistance as possible.

"After much long and careful thought, the K's Board have come to the conclusion that the best long-term interests of our club would be served by us taking this opportunity to leave Kingsmeadow, at the appropriate time, and finding a stadium better suited to our needs, income and level of support.

"It is important for all to know that our search for a new facility is well underway and progress has been made. Otherwise the process could be lengthy and frustrating as clubs such as Horsham and Cray have discovered.

"The identity of possible new locations for K's must remain confidential as speculation would inevitably undermine this process. Naturally we all expect to receive significant support from Kingston Council and our local MP.

"The Board, of course, fully understands that some supporters will be reluctant to move from Kingsmeadow but the facts before us are that a five thousand capacity stadium that is expensive to maintain, and where in future we would be subject to rent is simply not a practical option for us to consider, even if the stadium continued to be available for us to use."

 

Source: Kingstonian FC

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