Plastic fantastic for ground move
BURSCOUGH announced plans for their new stadium were beginning to take shape through a statement released to the club website this week.
Martin Gilchrist, owner of Chequer Properties Ltd. and Burscough’s current Victoria Park residence, had come under fire recently from supporters frustrated by the club’s lack of direction.
On Monday morning, however, the Linnets board confirmed plans for a new stadium were indeed “gaining momentum” as they purchased the land that will see them relocate from Victoria Park.
Planning consent was granted last year as well as the necessary legal requirements, and the club are now free to move forward with their plans.
Chairman Mike Swift commented on the news, saying: “With the three key preliminary elements now settled, we can again move forward to design details, preparing for construction tenders and debating a couple of temporary issues.”
The statement also announced Burscough will be abandoning their traditional grass playing surface for a synthetic turf when they close the doors on Victoria Park.
Steve Haliwell, releasing the statement to the club website on behalf of the board, however, believes the decision to use astro turf has not been taken lightly.
“Traditionalists will no doubt have strong views on retaining a grass pitch,” the document reads.
“But with new technology, an accommodating FA and specific league rules, artificial turf playing surfaces are both attractive and viable.”
Swift also weighed in on the “new technology” being used by the club.
“The footballing heritage of Victoria Park should not be lost as we make progress and relocate,” Swift said.
“Bobby Langton would no doubt have had an opinion or two, especially as new technology makes the game available to more and more in our community, particularly youth players.”
Burscough are also aiming to enhance spectator facilities, develop their reserve and youth teams and introduce women’s football as they prepare to bid farewell to Victoria Park in the near future.
The statement admits naming rights for the new stadium will be sold as the club aims to bring commercial opportunities to Burscough’s new home.
“As an open club we look forward to welcoming supporters, players, spectators and those with positive passions to see the national game develop,” Swift says, inviting fans to speak with club officials after Burscough’s home tie with Ashton on Saturday.