AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Wellingborough Town face being homeless

AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS and Wellingborough Town could both be homeless at the end of the season after the clubs revealed the lease at their Dog & Duck home will be terminated.

Phoenix club Diamonds, who will be playing in the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South next season, have been sharing Wellingborough’s Dog & Duck Stadium since the formation of their first team four years ago.

Both sides have been dealt a huge blow as they prepare for the new season, confirming they will be homeless at the end of the campaign.

Wellingborough’s landlord Alper Ozdogan has invoked a clause in their lease which will force them to leave the ground by May 31, 2017.

That of course will also bring an end to Diamonds’ groundshare at the Dog & Duck, meaning both clubs will now need to look elsewhere.

While Diamonds have already begun their search for a new home, United Counties League Premier outfit Wellingborough, reformed in 2004, fear their eviction could mean the end for the club.

In a joint statement, the clubs said: “AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Wellingborough Town FC regret to announce that they will liekly vacate the Dog & Duck Stadium at the end of the 2016-17 playing season.

“This follows WTFC’s landlord, Mr Alper Ozdogan, invoking a clause in the club’s lease which will force them to leave the site by May 31, 2017, hence also bringing to an end the ground share agreement with AFC R&D.

“Since the original issuing of this notice in May, WTFC have held talks with Mr Ozdogan, but unfortunately no significant progress has been made.

“Both AFC R&D and WTFC are especially disappointed with this given the hard work which has been put into upgrading facilities at the ground by volunteers from both clubs over the last four years.

“AFC Rushden & Diamonds are currently looking to secure an alternative ground share agreement within the local area, whilst Wellingborough Town FC feel that eviction from the Dog & Duck is almost certain to put an end to the club’s 142 year existence.”