GREAT Harwood Town chairman Bill Holden admitted today that the crisis club were considering a move away from The Showground to 'ground-share' elsewhere as a possible solution to their problems.
But that option is not as straightforward as it seems and might not provide a possible escape route for the club, who face being booted out of the Unibond League because of their inability to carry out major ground improvements.
"We have not made any formal approaches to another club so far, but, obviously, we have to look at every possibility and that is one of them," said Mr Holden. I would be loathe to leave The Showground, especially for our loyal supporters.
"But we might be left with no choice but to look down that road. We want to remain in the Unibond League."
Harwood's problem is that Accrington Stanley, Chorley and Bamber Bridge are the only three clubs that could be considered as suitable potential hosts from most angles.
And Chorley, who already host Lancashire Lynx, and Bamber Bridge are really too far away for Harwood to retain their own identity. Stanley, who might be seen as ideal from the point of view of being Hyndburn's other major club, have other commitments and it might be impossible for them to accommodate their neighbours, even if they were asked. "We have had the Bolton Wanderers Academy games here this season and I am delighted to say they have been very impressed," said Stanley chairman Eric Whalley.
"Meetings have already been arranged to discuss next season."
Another League club from the lower divisions has also expressed an interest in playing reserve matches at The Crown and such arrangements earn Stanley vital income.
So, unless someone comes forward to buy The Showground and invests cash for redevelopments, it will mean Town throwing themselves on the mercy of the Unibond League next month.
And that is unlikely to prove successful as the Premier Division clubs have the majority of the votes and are expected to back the management committee.
Harwood could then find themselves at best dropping through into the North West Trains League Second Division.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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