Latest news on Wadham Lodge return

There has been much speculation about our anticipated return to Wadham Lodge. To put an end to unfounded rumours the current position is that the lease that Wadham Lodge Trust propose to issue to Match Day Centres is currently with the Charity Commission. Because the Trust is a registered charity the Commission needs to be satisfied the lease satisfies their criteria. Unfortunately this has been with the Commission for several weeks now, and Match Day Centres’ solicitors are desperately trying to move things on.

Until the lease is in place Match Day Centres are unable to offer a tenancy to Waltham Forest, as the Isthmian League need to be satisfied that all parties have security of tenure.

On the positive side, the stadium has now received the appropriate Ground Grading Certificate from The FA, and work on the refurbishment to the rest of the complex is nearing completion.

This means that for the foreseeable future we will be continuing to play our home matches at Ilford.

The Club is committed to returning to Wadham Lodge as soon as possible, and the League have given us an assurance that once the lease is sorted out and the ensuing Ground Share Agreement is signed off, we will be given every encouragement to return. That could be for the latter part of this season, but may have to wait until 2011-12, it just depends on the paperwork being completed.

The return is out of the Club’s control, and is not being held back by The FA or the Isthmian League.