Wands to be in their own home for 24-25

On Friday Cray Wanderers announced that they'd be in their own ground, currently being constructed at Flamingo Park, for the start of next season. Wands, the oldest football club in London and currently one hundred and sixty four years old (and they don't look a day over thirty), have never owned their own ground in the past, so it will be a season of firsts. The new pitch was actually used for its first competitive match last weekend, when Wands Women's side defeated Oakwood two-nil (pictured, courtesy of the club), but there is still quite a bit of construction to complete- however it should be done in time for pre-season.

Wands have shared with Bromley since 98-99, and had to fight a prolonged battle to get permission to develop the Flamingo Park site- but all the worry and heartache now seems firmly consigned to the past.

Chairman Gary Hillman, explained:

“ I have spoken to Robin Stanton-Gleaves (Chairman) and Mark Hammond (CEO) at Bromley FC and given them an update on developments and building our new ground and informed them we are all on target to end our groundshare at Bromley FC at the end of the season."

He continued:

"I would like to thank Bromley FC Chairman’ over that time Eddy Davis, Jerry Dolke and Robin Stanton–Gleaves and also to the part the late Glyn Beverly made and who arranged with the Isthmian League to allow us to groundshare even though it wasn’t allowed at the time when we got promoted in 2003-04.

Glyn always said that Jack Pearce (Vice-Chairman of Bognor Regis Town FC/Ex-Isthmian League Committee member) was instrumental behind the scenes in playing a part in this so it’s somewhat fitting that currently our last game at Bromley FC is due to be against Bognor Regis on 20th April, 2024."

Congratulations to all at the club- and we look forward to attending the first competitive match for the mens side, at the start of next season!

More here.

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