Stags set for Ilford move

WALTHAM Forest look set to move to their new home at Ilford’s Cricklefield Stadium as they await the official seal of approval from the council.

Club secretary Andy Perkins admitted he had held positive talks with Ilford chairman Roger Chilvers, and that the club were looking forward to playing host to the Stags’ home games.

“Everything has been agreed,” assured Perkins.

“The league have approved the documentation and it’s just a case of waiting for the official signatures from the council.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with Ilford, and having spoken to Roger (Chilvers), they are happy to be holding our matches.”

It brings an end to the saga that has seen Waltham Forest moved out of their home of 12 years Wadham Lodge due to an increase in rent.

The club’s final game at their old ground was played on March 24, ironically a 1-0 defeat to Ilford.

The Stags survived the drop by just one point, while Ilford were relegated from the Isthmian Division One North.

The two teams will now share Ilford’s Cricklefield Stadium from next season, although it is not yet known how long Waltham Forest are contracted to remain there.

Stags boss Ged Searson though, is pleased that the issue is all-but resolved in time for the new season, and is now looking to concentrate on football matters.

He said: “This possibility has been knocking around for a while and it at least gives us a base.

“Travelling up to Witham for home games like we were doing in the final few games of the season was just too far.

“It’s good to remain local for many reasons and I think that it is a positive move. For one, a lot of the players are from the area.

“Personally, I also know a lot of people from the area and it is a new locality from which to attract new players and more supporters.”