ASHLEY Giles insists Worcestershire County Cricket Club want to remain at New Road amid concerns over the club’s long-term future.
The club’s CEO is awaiting a report which will look at the “potential redevelopment and flood mitigation” for the club to remain at New Road.
A series of floods at the start of the year forced the club to move their first two home County Championship matches of the season to Kidderminster.
And although Giles would prefer to remain at New Road, he accepts a move elsewhere may be necessary to safeguard the club’s long-term future.
Giles said: “We at Worcestershire County Cricket Club are facing significant concerns about our sustainability due to the increasing volume and regularity of flooding at New Road.
“These flood events have had a severe impact on our cricket operations, business, and revenues, posing a serious threat to the future of the club. It is important to emphasise this point, that these issues pose a threat to the long-term viability of the club, not just the ground, an important distinction to make in this matter.
“As we navigate these very real challenges, the Board of Worcestershire County Cricket Club is awaiting the delivery of a comprehensive report that aims to provide an evidence-based assessment of the current situation, moving beyond emotional responses to present clear, factual insights, and look at potential options for redevelopment and flood mitigation that would enable an economically viable, continued presence at New Road.
“As per its previous statement in April the Board thinks it only right and responsible as part of the process to also look at what alternative options there may be if, at some point, the club was forced to move away from New Road.
“This would not be the preferred option for anyone involved with the club but, given the worsening situation and the club’s location on a flood plain, it would be reasonable to argue that the Board and executive would not be carrying out their roles responsibly if they didn’t consider these options.
“We remain committed to addressing these issues head-on and will use the findings of the report to inform our decisions and strategies moving forward.
“Once the Board has had an opportunity to digest this report it is committed to keeping its members and other stakeholders informed as a sustainable plan is developed that helps ensure the long-term viability of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
“We welcome all forms of support that both the City and County Council can offer in this very serious matter and ask that they work closely with the club’s Board and executive in any future decision making and communication.”
