Plans to revamp old ground

A HISTORIC Northumberland football ground where Sir Bobby Charlton played as a youngster is set for a major upgrade.

Rothbury Football Club was founded in 1876 and was gifted its home, Armstrong Park, by Lord Armstrong in the 1940s.

The ground sits to the south west of the Cragside estate, less than a mile from Rothbury.

Charlton played on the pitch for Northumberland County juniors and a veteran Chris Waddle appeared there for a visiting side.

Now Rothbury FC want to upgrade their facilities to match their award-winning ground at picturesque Armstrong Park.

An application has been submitted to Northumberland County Council following three years of design and planning.

Club secretary and chairman Dan Herron said: “There has been a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to bring this to fruition.

“All club officials feel this is the type of development needed to improve football and sport for the Coquet Valley and surrounding areas.

“It has been a long-term ambition of the club to have facilities which match the quality of playing surface and picturesque setting and this planning bid is the first step on that journey.”

Rothbury FC’s plans include a 4G training area, improved safer access and car parking, floodlighting, a new clubhouse, bleachers behind one goal and a covered seated area.

The club hopes the whole community will benefit, with the potential for universal access for local schools and groups.

The plans can be viewed and commented on at the Northumberland County Council planning portal.