Vision' for future of Taunton Town FC

THE chairman of Taunton Town FC has called on the town to “realise how big this football club could be” as he unveiled a plan to develop the club’s ground.

The Peacocks romped to the Evo-Stik South West title last season and are aiming to climb further up the footballing pyramid in the years to come.

While plans for the Viridor Stadium, in Wordworth Drive, are at a very early stage, chairman Kevin Sturmey explained why he feels changes are both necessary and, crucially, sustainable.

We have to modernise what we’ve got,” he said.

“First on the list would be the changing rooms, which have been on their last legs for a few years now, and then we’d have to look at turnstiles. If we make it to Step 2 (the next league up), turnstiles to segregate supporters would become a big priority.

“We are also looking to upgrade the Tom Harris Stand with extra seating as well as increasing parking.”

Further down the line, Sturmey believes the club could make use of the adjacent Hamilton Park to help the club grow.

“Hamilton Park is an underused facility,” he said.

“It’s a huge open space and it should be used for more recreation.

“We can’t grow with only one grass pitch. We need a grass training facility and a 3G training facility and we are also running youth sides – 210 youngsters turned up to our trials.

It’s too much for one facility and it makes sense to look at how it can be done close by.

“Taunton needs more leisure facilities – the population is growing all the time. We need support and vision as I’m not sure people realise how big this club can be.”

”I know some people might criticise these ideas, but my door is always open and discussion is important.”

Sturmey is also set to meet Andrew Cornish, Somerset County Cricket Club’s new chief executive, to look at how the two clubs can work together for the benefit of sport in the town.

Read More At: Somerset County Gazette