Revamp for Halesowen Town FC

Halesowen Town Football Club is having a major revamp of its home ground to boost the experience for fans and players including new dugouts and tea rooms.

A supporters group has helped raise thousands of pounds with prize raffles throughout last season towards the works.

It comes as the club has enjoyed success on the pitch in the last two years - bouncing back after suffering problems with debts, administration and fallouts.

Now officials say they are planning for the future with a series of projects aiming to renovate their ground, The Grove, during the pre-season.

Their old tea room is being rebuilt to improve the offering for supporters and visitors wanting refreshments on matchdays.

Pitchside dug outs for Yeltz players and coaching staff and their opponents will also be renovated during the summer.

Painting and decorating will be carried out as part of efforts by a 20-strong group of supporters who have formed a volunteer working party.

The main work will also be carried out preparing the pitch for next season as the club prepares for a new season in the Northern Premier League.

Club chairman Colin Brookes says officials are grateful for the help of supporters to kick start restoration works.

"About 20 supporters have been rolling up their sleeves behind the scenes starting the works," he said.

"It is great that they volunteer their time to help the club.

"The main focus will be on the pitch to ensure that is in a good condition ahead of next season.

"We also wanted to have an improved team room at the fair corner of the ground. It is for supporters on matchdays.

"The club has had success over the last couple of seasons and we want to improve on that."

Mr Brookes said the club had already sold 60 season tickets ahead of their next league campaign.

He said the club had bounced back well after suffering a break in which costs thousands of pounds in damage and losses.

Televisions were ripped from the walls inside the club's James Grove Lounge and a quantity of cash was also stolen in the raid last August.

The club has work to boost security in the raid thanks to a cash donation of around £480 from money from the Friends of The Grove supporters group.

The group had raised around £3,000 for the club during last season.

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