Claro League champs Sherwood told to find new home

Reigning Claro League champions Sherwood have been told to search for another ground by Harrogate Railway – possibly ending a 30-year association between the clubs.
Supporters at Harrogate Railway's ground Station View (Caught Light Photography)Supporters at Harrogate Railway's ground Station View (Caught Light Photography)
Supporters at Harrogate Railway's ground Station View (Caught Light Photography)

Sherwood rent the second football pitch at Harrogate Railway’s Station View ground to play their Sunday League matches.

Sherwood manager Richard Hunter received a phone call this week informing him that Railway’s committee had voted to turn the field into two smaller junior pitches.

He hopes Railway will rethink the plan.

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“It’s a massive shock to us,” Hunter said. “I didn’t think it would happen in this way. We all expected to be within the decision or at least asked about it to come up with a compromise.”

A Railway club statement said: “The club are working hard to find a resolution for the issue and hope to find a way to continue our partnership with Sherwood football club.”

Several players have represented both teams over the last three decades and Railway players Mike Morris, Fatlum Ibrahimi and Dan Thirkell have turned out regularly for both this season.

Hunter, a former Railway player, added: “We have been always seen ourselves as a massive part of Harrogate Railway.”

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“It’s our club and we don’t want to go anywhere. But if our hands are forced, we don’t want to fold the club.”

The news came days after Hunter’s men were dumped out of the West Riding FA Sunday Cup following a 4-0 defeat to Ferrybridge Progressive.

Sherwood will now have to concentrate their attentions on the Claro Legaue title race. Kirk Deighton are four points ahead at the top, having played a game more.

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