Cheltenham Town FC

The Tigers have been tenants at Whaddon Road since 2010 after spells at Cirencester Town and Forest Green Rovers after their Meadow Park ground was hit by the floods of 2007.

 

Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker said the new deal is an improved one for the Robins.

“This was a very difficult decision for us,” he said. “In an ideal world we would not have agreed to extend the arrangement due to the impact it is having on the pitch which frankly looks well past its sell by date when compared to the fantastic award-winning playing surfaces of the past.

 

“But we are not in an ideal world and Gloucester City need to have an arrangement in place for next season by the March 31.

“If we were assured of our Football League status by now it is highly unlikely that the arrangement would have been extended, but we are not and as we all know the financial consequences of relegation are dramatic, we therefore have to maximise all our revenue streams to cater for the worst case scenario.

 

“The new deal however is a much improved one with a decent increase in the basic rent, additional rewards for extra cup matches and cup progress and only one pre season friendly as opposed to two.

“The income from the new agreement when we include match day revenues is significant and will be a welcome additional revenue stream which is not to be sniffed at. 

 

“It also has to be said that we continue to enjoy an excellent relationship with Gloucester City at all levels and that they have been first class tenants throughout.

“Groundsharing arrangements of course are not uncommon and we will also be looking at the way in which we maintain the pitch to see if we can do things better.”

 

Gloucester City chairman Mike Dunstan added:  “I would like to thank Paul Baker for a tough but fair negotiation, culminating in this deal. 

“We have agreed a contract that balances the needs of both clubs from a financial and footballing point of view.

“I believe the structure of the deal with a fair increase in the basic money, and add-ons should we progress in the cups achieves that. 

“I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have with the Robins for another season.”