Southwick 1882 FC wait to see if they can return home

Southwick 1882 FC are having to play a waiting game as their bid to return to Old Barn Way rests with council bosses.
In need of TLC - Old Barn Way as it looked in the summerIn need of TLC - Old Barn Way as it looked in the summer
In need of TLC - Old Barn Way as it looked in the summer

The council is considering bids to be the new leaseholder at the ground and Southwick 1882 FC - the new club formed to try to preserve nearly 140 years of football in Southwick since the original club was formed - is anxiously waiting to hear where it stands.

But it seems they will have to wait ... with the council saying it cannot say any more at present.

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Southwick had to quit Old Barn Way and leave the Southern Combination League at the end of last season after the previous leaseholder surrendered the lease. With the ground needing hundreds of thousands of pound of repair work, the club are now playing in the Mid Sussex League with home games - outside of lockdown - at Southwick Rec.

Southwick 1882's first team, who have been playing home games at Southwick Rec / Picture: Stephen GoodgerSouthwick 1882's first team, who have been playing home games at Southwick Rec / Picture: Stephen Goodger
Southwick 1882's first team, who have been playing home games at Southwick Rec / Picture: Stephen Goodger

Southwick 1882 FC have confirmed they have been informed by The Russell Martin Foundation, a prominent bidder for the lease, that they would be delighted to invite them to return to Old Barn Way as the affiliated club at a planned new football academy if they are in a position to do so.

Football club chairman Tony Kybett said: "Working together and creating a sustainable community football project, we can ensure that the residents of Southwick and the local area will have a facility to be proud of."

A group of dedicated local people have been working hard since April to secure the future of the club and they now boast a successful youth and adult section. The adult team have a six-match 100% record in the Mid Sussex League.

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A council spokesman said the authority could not say any more at this stage but did add: "We know how important the issue is to local people which is why we're working quickly to get a good long-term result."

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