THE LEADER of Worcester City Council has pledged to ‘overcome all obstacles’ to ensure football returns to the Faithful City.
Coun Marc Bayliss made the pledge after a joint meeting between senior members of Worcester City Council and directors of Worcester City Football Club.
The two organisations have now pledged to work together to bring Worcester City home after the club was exiled in 2013 following the sale of the historic St George’s Lane site.
City chiefs blew the final whistle on their ground share with Kidderminster Harriers earlier this month and have until March 31 to find a temporary home for next season.
Fans vented their anger at a perceived lack of action during the game with FC United of Manchester on March 5 with one banner accusing the council of ‘abandoning’ the football club.
Coun Bayliss and Coun Mike Johnson, cabinet member for Sport, Leisure and Retail, met with Worcester City directors Rob Crean and Jem Pitt as well as officers from the club’s Supporters Trust.
The meeting was very positive and the two organisations agreed to form a joint working party that will strive over the next few months to ensure the club finds a permanent new home in Worcester.
“It was good to meet Rob and Jem face-to-face and to assure them of our commitment to bringing the Club back home to Worcester and find them the ideal ground,” Coun Bayliss said.
“Worcester City Football Club belongs here and together we will overcome all obstacles to ensure they are once again playing in the Faithful City.”
Mr Crean said: “This was a really positive meeting and I’m now hopeful the City Council will help to bring the Club home.
“We can and will work together to find the new ground we need.
“It’s too early to talk about the details of what was discussed but we will ensure that all possible options remain on the table for consideration,” he added.
The Council is currently awaiting amended plans from the Supporters’ Trust, addressing concerns that have been raised in relation to their planning application for a new stadium.
The amended plans are expected to be submitted very soon and there is then due to be a further public consultation.
