Stay of execution postpones exile!

10 May 2017 By David Watters

Basingstoke's jubilant fans, players and officials are looking forward to playing at their Camrose home for at least one more season in the EVO-STIK League Southern after club officials confirmed they would not be moving out after all.

Supporters preparing to groundshare with Farnborough for the 2017-18 season were celebrating on Wednesday after chief executive David Knight confirmed they'd been given a 12-month stay of execution before being forced to play in exile.

The EVO-STIK League Southern Premier Division club had agreed to share the Cherrywood home of their Hampshire neighbours with the Camrose set to redeveloped after former chairman Rafi Razzak stepped down, an agreement that has now been cancelled after being signed before the Football Association's March 31 deadline for clubs to prove security of tenure on their grounds.

With the Dragons still exploring other options for an eventual move to a new stadium, a meeting to update supporters on the latest developments has been provisionally scheduled for a 7pm start on Tuesday 23 May at the Camrose, pictured, following the news.

Knight told supporters: “A lot of hard work has been going on behind-the-scenes as the club prepares for next season and the future. While much work has still to be done, I am pleased to announce that the club will continue to play at The Camrose.

“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Farnborough for their kind offer of a groundshare for next season, and we appreciate their patience and support during the last few weeks. We look forward to meeting them this season following their promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.”

Images courtesy of putajumperon.wordpress.com

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