THE LONG-RUNNING bid to bring Worcester City home has come to an end after the Blue and Whites signed a long-term agreement with the Worcestershire FA to return to the city.
After initially signing an in-principle agreement in December, City chiefs have confirmed the club has now signed a contract to return to Worcester at the regional FA’s County Sports Ground on Claines Lane.
City have been in exile since the final whistle was blown at St George’s Lane in May 2013 and have ground shared with Kidderminster Harriers and at Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground since 2016.
The club saw 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 have had proved fruitless until a breakthrough last year.
As part of the agreement, City will integrate into Worcestershire FA’s community football venue where it will play its matches, train, have office space and a boardroom. In addition, the reserves, women’s senior teams and FA Youth Cup fixtures will be played at the site allowing the club to properly cement its place in Worcester.
Speaking after the agreement was revealed, City chairman Steve Goode said: “It has taken a bit longer than we would have liked to have made the announcement, but if this was to be our new home, it was our responsibility to carry out due-diligence to make sure the deal was right for us.”
“Since entering into these discussions at the end of last year, we have cultivated a co-operative and understanding relationship with the Worcestershire FA and we are pleased to be moving in to their brand-new facility that will be a beacon of football for the county.”
Goode hailed the news as a new era in the club’s history and hoped the move would give Worcester ‘a football club to be proud of’ and ensure local businesses wanted to be a part of to share its successes.
“Following the immeasurable damage of the Coronavirus pandemic on the economy, the football landscape is going to become very challenging for a lot of clubs,” he said.
“The commitment Worcester City has received from local businesses and individuals over the last few months has been phenomenal and showcases the belief present in our vision. Ultimately, our football club will be as much of a success as we are all determined to make it.”
The City chief paid tribute to all those who committed their time to bring the club home and who supported the team whilst in exile and vowed a bright future for the club.
“Special mention must also go to Pinches Transport and the Pinches family for their unwavering support. These last seven years have demonstrated to us Worcester is unquestionably the faithful city,” Mr Goode said.
“We would also like to place on record our thanks to Bromsgrove Sporting for its support over the last few years.”
