An ambitious Halesowen-based football club is sweating on the outcome of a crunch meeting which could condemn the team to relegation regardless of events on the pitch.
Officials at Bartley Green Football Club want to build six 15-metre high floodlights at its Illey Lane ground so the club can retain Midland Combination Premier Division status. They need funding by next February to play at the same standard next season but hopes hinge on the Football Federation stumping up 60 per cent of the cash for the scheme.
If the federation gives the plan the green light, Bartley Green would then need to raise an estimated £60,000 for the other 40 per cent. Officials have already launched an appeal to raise the club’s share.
The club, which has been based at the ground since 1973, has been forced to play its home games at Tividale’s ground this season as the lights are a league requirement. But the arrangement was only for one season and cannot be extended.
A Football Federation panel meeting is due to discuss the floodlight proposal at the Illey lane ground in April.
Secretary Mark Wigley said it would be a backward step if the club could not secure funding.
“We would not use the lights for more than 12 nights a year so it won’t have much impact on people living near the ground,” he added.
“It’s in the lap of the gods at the moment and we have to beg, steal and borrow to raise the money.”
Permission for the floodlights was granted by Dudley Council’s development control committee last month, despite complaints from residents who claimed lights around the ground in Illey Lane would ruin the spot for walkers and attract more football fans to matches, which would increase traffic in the area.
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