britman Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 From the local. http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/promotion-problem-for-hoddesdon-town-after-ware-groundshare-is-not-sanctioned-by-ryman-league/story-29597191-detail/story.html Promotion problem for Hoddesdon Town after Ware groundshare is not sanctioned by Ryman League Hoddesdon Town have hit a major problem in their groundshare agreement with Ware FC – the Ryman League have refused to sanction it. The Lilywhites had signed the agreement with Ware, who returned to the Ryman League this season from the Evo-Stik Southern League, in order to fulfil ground criteria to play in the Ryman League themselves in future should they earn promotion. Hoddesdon currently ply their trade in the Spartan League Premier Division and plans fell through to improve their own Lowfield ground to meet criteria. The agreement with Ware was struck towards the end of last season for league, FA Cup and league cup matches to be played at their Wodson Park ground, but now chairman Roger Merton has been told it's no longer viable. "It's very disappointing, but we are where we are. We'll be playing at Lowfield. I have no idea what the reasoning is. The Isthmian League will not sanction the groundshare," he said. "The league would not sanction the groundshare agreement that was put in place and signed between the two clubs. As a result of which Hoddesdon Town FC have no other option than to play all their designated home fixtures at Lowfield during the period of their tenancy. "Any games before and after will be played at Ware, which is as far as I'm concerned is the Stortford, Edgeware, Premier Division Cup match, and Colney Heath at the end of the season." Hoddesdon Cricket Club currently have occupancy of the site for their season, but Merton explained what will happen with matches once the football club returns. "From when we get our tenancy back at Lowfield, which is the Saturday September 7 until the third Saturday of April, any fixtures in midweek that were going to be played at Ware on a Wednesday will now be played at Lowfield on a Tuesday," he said. "Those fixtures that were designated on a Saturday will be played at Lowfield on the same day. We're fine to play at Ware in the meantime until our tenancy begins." When asked whether that meant Paul Halsey's team cannot now get promoted if they were to win the Premier Division, the chairman added: "It doesn't necessarily mean that. We're still talking to the FA and the council about this." The Ryman League is yet to comment on the matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Fantastic news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britman Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 Jonno, Any reason why the Ryman did what they did? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
non league fan Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Hopefully roger can come to some sort of compromise with the FA and council Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I think the agreement was made with Ware before they moved leagues. Can't speak for the Ryman League. Just happy that my club will be playing football in Hoddesdon. We would all like to get promoted but I don't think it should be at the expense of the clubs identity. Hopefully those in charge can come up with a viable option should we finish in a promotion place. We will have to wait and see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catdog Rovers Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 True that, Jonno. I really feared for Hoddesdon at Ware. Not much point going up if there's no one there to see it. And not going up whilst being there would have been a real disaster, with lasting effects on the fan base. So I'm glad to see you back where you belong. Though it raises many questions about going away in the first place. I know that Roger is an intelligent man. But he's had a few howlers lately. But anyway, the real question is, will the pictures go back up in the clubhouse as quickly as they came down? And have you considered a ground share with Hertford??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britman Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 Agree with your thoughts Jonno. Would be nice as to why the Ryman said no to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecoldend Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Club's identity over promotion all day long. Defiantly right Jonno Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Browne Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Warexit Rules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 True that, Jonno. I really feared for Hoddesdon at Ware. Not much point going up if there's no one there to see it. And not going up whilst being there would have been a real disaster, with lasting effects on the fan base. So I'm glad to see you back where you belong. Though it raises many questions about going away in the first place. I know that Roger is an intelligent man. But he's had a few howlers lately. But anyway, the real question is, will the pictures go back up in the clubhouse as quickly as they came down? And have you considered a ground share with Hertford??? Whilst I agree, it's important to remember that the club is committee run and not just run by Roger. Roger lives and breathes HTFC and works hard to secure its continued success. Unfortunately, in my opinion, some of those around Roger have lost their way. Everybody needs to take responsibility for the series of embarrassing events at the club in the last 3 years. Whether they will or not is another matter. I try and stick to football these days. Bored of the politics and those who ruin things for everyone else. I'll get back involved in the administration of the club in a few years time. Hopefully by then, there will still be a club, but those who put their personal agendas ahead of sport in Hoddesdon, will have moved on. Anyway, viva la Lilywhites! Bring on the league season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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