Sumas close in on ground share plan

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK are closing in on completing a groundshare agreement to stay at step six next season.

The Sumas have been provisionally granted a spot in next season’s Hellenic Division One East, but only on the condition that they play their home matches away from Lowther Road.

The news came as a blow to Wokingham, who admitted they did not expect to have to find a new temporary home, hoping the FA would give them an extra year to bring the ground up to the required standard.

Sumas are no strangers to groundsharing but moved back to Lowther Road in 2016 after they were granted planning permission from the council to build a stand and erect floodlights, as is compulsory to compete at step six under recent stricter enforcement of the laws.

Despite that permission, the floodlights have still not been installed, meaning Wokingham have to find a compliant G Grade ground in the interim, otherwise take voluntary relegation into the Thames Valley League.

And following an internal meeting led by chairman Steve Williams, plans are now being finalised with an announcement expected by the end of this week.

“Wokingham and Emmbrook are committed to playing at step six next season and we will groundshare,” said club secretary Bob Good.

“We will develop Lowther Road to stay at step six in the following season and we are aiming to be where we should be at step five.”

n Sumas held their annual awards evening at the weekend at the White Horse Pub, run by former first team boss Clive McNelly.

Sam Lawrence picked up the trophies for supporters’ player of the season as well as top goalscorer.

Dan Carter was named manager’s player of the season while Joe Cummuskey was selected as the players’ player of the year, with Lawrence runner-up.

For the reserves section, Dan Best and Toby Morgan won the manager’s and players’ player of the season awards respectively with Matt Booth the top goalscorer.

Josh Harris won the young player of the year award while special awards were handed to Gary Collin and Lee Mason.