Robins launch ground appeal

Funding support vital for Shields

By Mark Carruthers

NORTH SHIELDS have made a desperate appeal for financial support after an offer for funding for upgrades at their Daren Persson Stadium home was withdrawn.

The Robins have enjoyed one of the most memorable years in their history after romping to the Northern League Division One title by losing just four of their 38 games and ending the campaign with a storming goal difference of plus-56.

That took Marc Nash's men into the new look Northern Premier League East Division as they competed in Step 4 alongside north-east rivals such as Consett, Stockton Town Dunston UTS, Hebburn Town and Shildon.

Criteria

However, the step up in class also meant improvements were necessary at the Daren Persson Stadium so that the club could meet the stringent ground grading criteria in the upper-reaches of the Non-League system.

An FA Stadium Improvements directive has informed the Rob- ins they require a double turnstile, a pitch rail infill, a covered spectator stand for 120 supporters and further covered seating for another 50.

After meeting part of the criteria with the installation of a new hospitality unit, the club have revealed they are applying for a Football Foundation grant of around £50,000 to go towards the overall cost of £100,000, but are now looking to raise the shortfall after the promise of funding from elsewhere was withdrawn.

More worryingly, ground grading improvements must be completed or, at very least, be well underway by March next year and a failure to do so would see North Shields relegated by the Football Association, just 12 months after they secured a historic promotion.

Heartbreaking

Deputy chairman Trevor Campbell told The NLP: “Thanks to the hard work of the committee, the management and players over the last 30 years the club has progressed from the second division of the Wearside League to its current position in the Northern Premier League East Division, and we have won the FA Vase and Northumberland Senior Cup in recent years.

“It would be heartbreaking for all at the Club and their loyal supporters if ground improvements could not be made and the club consequently relegated.”

For more details on what is required or to make a donation, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/north-shields-fc-ground-improvements

HOME COMFORTS: North Shields need support to fund improvements to their ground