THE FINAL whistle appears to have been blown on Worcester City’s bid to end their six-year exile from the city after a move to Claines Lane was provisionally agreed.
Club chiefs have reached a tentative agreement to return to Worcester for the first time since April 2013 when City’s historic St George’s Lane home hosted its final game.
A ground-share immediately followed with Kidderminster Harriers before the Blue and Whites moved to Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground which they have shared since 2016.
The club has had a possible return to Worcester at Perdiswell thrown out by planning chiefs, although the decision was overturned on appeal, while efforts to find another site in the city had proved fruitless until a breakthrough last week.
Council chiefs kicked off discussions involving the club, the Worcestershire Football Association and the club’s Supporters’ Trust, over City coming home to the County Sports Ground.
The site, which is currently being re-developed, is owned by Worcestershire FA and is also the home ground for Worcester Raiders FC.
Only minor changes are needed to Claines Lane to meet the ground grading requirements for the level at which Worcester City compete in the Midland League Premier Division.
The agreement would see Worcester City join Raiders and other teams who already play at Claines Lane, with the club becoming a long-term tenant of Worcestershire FA.
City chiefs praised the work done to date including the new stand and floodlights and confirmed they would seek a strong working relationship with Raiders and other clubs using the site.
All three political parties, including the Green Party, have backed the agreement and City chairman Steve Goode said he was pleased to potentially bring the club home after ‘far too long’ in exile.
“We’re very pleased with the level of support, cooperation and commitment we have received from Worcestershire FA and Worcester City Council and look forward to bringing this to fruition,” he said.
Kevin Jenkins, chair of Worcester Raiders, said “Raiders are proud of their efforts in upgrading the Claines Lane ground with the installation of a new stand and floodlights.
“The support from members of our club, Complete Utilities and Bradford’s Building Supplies has been fantastic. We look forward to developing a working relationship with City and to enhancing the facility for the benefits of both clubs.”
Nichola Trigg, chief executive of Worcestershire FA, said: “This will be an opportunity for the two senior ranked clubs in Worcester to play out of a central venue, share resources and opportunities.”
While no agreement has been signed, City chiefs hope to kick off next season back in Worcester and all parties have committed to working with residents to ensure the move is as seamless as possible.
