| Saints consider Chester ground-share |
| Wednesday 10 February 2010 |
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THE New Saints could move from their Oswestry base after applying to ground share with Blue Square Premier strugglers Chester City next season.
The revelation comes after the ambitious title chasers were refused grant aid for further development of their Park Hall stadium by Welsh Grounds Improvement last month. TNS had applied for funding towards the cost of a 1,000-seater stand and other upgrading work, and managing director Mike Harris yesterday confirmed the application to share the Deva Stadium. The matter will be considered by the FAW, with Harris looking to ensure the club meets the new licence criteria to play in next season's slimmed-down Welsh Premier. "We are exploring all options at the moment, of which ground-sharing with Chester is one," Harris told the Shropshire Star. The move follows Harris's disappointment and frustration at being refused grant aid that would enable Park Hall to meet the new criteria and he described the FAW's move to deny TNS help towards upgrading the ground as "short-sighted". The Saints are in their third season at the £3.5 million Venue at Park Hall development, which is owned by Harris, after moving from Llansantffraid.  |