Joint statement from Runcorn Linnets FC and Northwich Victoria FC
Runcorn Linnets and Northwich Victoria are delighted to have agreed in principle a two-year groundshare.
This will initially be for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons and involve Northwich Victoria playing all home games at Linnets' APEC Taxis Stadium in Murdishaw, Runcorn.
Northwich Victoria play in the Midland League Premier Division, currently as tenants of Winsford United.
The Northwich club is in the second of a four season deal but their circumstances at Barton Stadium have changed.
Facing the prospect of becoming homeless at the end of the 2024-25 season, Northwich Victoria approached Linnets early last week.
After discussion by the Trust Board of Runcorn Linnets and talks between the two clubs, both parties are happy to proceed with this mutually beneficial arrangement.
Formal agreements are being drawn up and will be signed at the earliest opportunity.
Runcorn Linnets will receive a significant sum from the new partnership, which offers Northwich Victoria a new home and secures their immediate future.
The move will have no impact on the Runcorn Linnets teams currently using the stadium.
Linnets first team will continue to have first claim on Saturday fixtures at their stadium with Vics playing their home matches when Runcorn are in away action.
In the event of fixture clashes in national FA competitions, Northwich will work around Linnets' own commitments with Runcorn Linnets U21s men and Runcorn Linnets Ladies continuing to use the Stadium on Sundays as normal.
Peter Cartledge chairman of Runcorn Linnets said: "This is good news for both clubs.
"When we were approached by Northwich Victoria, we were very happy to help and support them.
"They have a long and proud history, being in their 150th season, and we could not countenance the prospect of a club with such tradition being left without a home.
"We were particularly mindful of our own past.
"Without another of the county's long-established clubs, Witton Albion accommodating us for our first four years of existence, the Linnets name would probably not have survived.
"We also remember that Northwich Victoria were among those clubs, who supported our predecessors Runcorn AFC by offering them a temporary home late in their final season.
"This allowed the former club to complete that campaign and gave supporters an opportunity to establish Runcorn Linnets as a fans-owned successor.
"Northwich Victoria are also a supporter-owned club.
"The financial agreement with Vics will help with the costly annual renovation of our pitch and with ground improvements, which will be necessary for our continued climb of the National Leagues System.
"Vics' matchday hire of our clubhouse will generate additional revenue for us through the licensed bar and tea bar.
"There will also be a chance for Linnets fans not travelling to our away matches to see Step 5 action on the doorstep and make further use of our facilities.
Ian Egerton, chairman of Northwich Victoria said: "We are delighted to have agreed a 2-year groundshare agreement with Runcorn Linnets and are truly grateful for the warm welcome and all the help and support from Peter and the board in the weeks of discussions.
"Northwich, like mentioned, are currently celebrating our 150th birthday year and whilst currently not having a ground of our own, the help and support in recent seasons from Witton Albion, Winsford United and now Runcorn Linnets will be forever a part of our history and our gratitude will always be remembered for the support shown.
"Northwich currently play at Winsford but due to subletting concerns raised by Winsford Town Council and shared with us by Winsford United, we have been asked to find a new home from the 2024-2025 season.
"Runcorn Linnets have kindly given us this opportunity to work with them and we are delighted to be working together and very much are looking forward to supporting the club in any way we can.
"I would like to reach out to all our supporters and thank them for all the recent support and hope that they will support and enjoy our time at Runcorn, which will give us the best possible platform to continue our own future plans."
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