Cougar
Park has been Steeton's home since entering the NWCL last season but will not
be their ground going forward.
This
comes after the Rugby League team informed Steeton of their intention to serve
notice on their arrangement.
That
agreement was made with a prior regime at Keighley Cougars, with the new Board
deciding to explore other options.
This
leaves Steeton with the task of finding an alternative home, whether it be
temporary or more permanent, for the 2020/21 season and going forward.
A
club statement said: "Last Monday Keighley Cougars advised us that it is
their intention to serve notice on us playing at Cougar Park at the end of the
2019/20 season.
"Whilst,
of course, this is a huge blow to the club, we are grateful to Keighley Cougars
for giving us a six-month notice period.
The
club confirmed the search for a new ground is already underway.
The
North West Counties League are also aware of the situation and offering support
and advice to the club during this period of instability.
One
option that is not viable is a return to the club's former home of Summerhill
Lane due to the unlikelihood of it meeting ground grading requirements.
Steeton's
manager Roy Mason was keen to stress the club are eager to resolve this issue
and continue the club's progression. He said: "As a club we have put a
considerable amount of time, effort and not to mention expense in progressing
from Step 7 to Step 6 and taking our first steps on the non-League ladder.
"We
believe that playing non-League football is the way forward for the club and
myself and the whole of the committee are resolute in our ambitions to keep
progressing and moving the club forward.”
He's
also keen to retain the support of the current spectators and local businesses
despite the upheaval.
"The
support that we have received since making the move has been fantastic and
ideally we wish to remain in Keighley and we hope that the business’ and
sporting public of the town will continue to support us as we look to secure
the long term future of the football club".
David
Brindle |