Rescue sale upsets fans

Harrow Borough’s supporters’ trust has hit out at the ‘lack of consultation’ over the sale of their famous Earlsmead Stadium home that the board says will put years of struggle behind them.

By Neil Harvey

A board statement on Wednesday revealed contracts have been exchanged for the sale and the club will have to play elsewhere from next season.

Boro say spiralling costs meant they were left with no choice but the move means they can secure the club’s future, plan for next season and look at increasing manager Wayne Carter’s budget.

It’s been a turbulent period for the Isthmian South Central club as they struggle to keep their head above water.

In April, fans formed a trust – with legendary boss David Howell named president and their most famous son Albert Adomah a patron – in a bid to help raise funds to ensure Borough could kick-off this season.

But they say the latest news brings “mixed feelings” and are seeking more details on long-term plans.

In response to the board’s statement, the trust said: “As a trust, we have mixed feelings that we are leaving Earlsmead.

“However, we are extremely disappointed and frustrated with the outcome, and with the lack of communication and consultation from the board throughout the process to us, supporters and members.

“We look forward to seeing more detail on where this decision leaves the club going forward and plans for the long term future.

Memories

“In the meantime, we will continue to do everything we can to support Wayne his staff and the players for the rest of our time at “Earlsmead.”

The board had earlier hailed a “significant date” in the proud club’s history.

It read: “Wednesday, August 26, 2026 became a significant date in the history of Harrow Borough Football Club.

“It is the day when the contracts were exchanged for the sale of the Rogers Family Stadium.

END OF AN ERA: Harrow Borough have sold their famous Earlsmead stadium to safeguard the club’s future

PICTURE: Alamy

“The proceeds from which guarantees the future of the football club. The years of struggle will be behind us.

“Sadly it will mean the closure of the clubhouse on the 31st May, 2027 with the mem-

ories of social evenings being destined forever to history.

“In the meantime your board will be seeking to secure an agreement with a partner football club to share their ground for the 2027-28 season and beyond.

“As a direct result of the sale, all debts will be settled in full and with the residual the football club will prosper.

“We will also be looking to increase the playing budget. Confident of a successful sale we had already agreed a two-year contract with popular manager, Wayne Carter.

“For the first time in decades, we can confidently start planning the next season’s campaign now with funds secure for years to come.

“We will be sad to move away from Earlsmead, but our debts had become too large.

“We were falling behind with vital maintenance of the premises and the costs of running the operation were soaring. Against this membership levels were decreasing.

“With nine months left of our tenure we now look to maximise the facilities and enjoy the short time we have left.”