Former Lincoln City chairman Steff Wright says he will continue his mission to unite Newark Town and Newark FC in bid to evolve football in the town
Former Football League chairman Steff Wright said he will continue talks with Newark Town and Newark FC in a bid to create a way forward for semi-professional football in the town.
A meeting between Mr Wright, supporters of step five Newark FC, formerly Newark Flowserve and representatives of feeder league (step seven) club Newark Town took place in February to determine a possible outcome.
Both clubs, along with supporters, were asked to leave feedback over a potential merger that would see the two clubs play under a new name at step five level from the YMCA stadium.
It would mean the new club 'Newark United' — a name suggested on the night — would use Newark FC's league status and Newark Town's home facilities.
Mr Wright said: "The meeting has so far not achieved its aim of bringing those that are running the two senior teams together around the table.
"The town and district council have both reacted positively to the idea of a joined-up approach to the development of a competitive semi-professional team that the whole town would get behind.
"I have been in conversation with the key individuals from both our senior teams, however, while Newark Town FC have said they would be happy to enter into discussions, Newark FC is currently progressing with their own independent plans, which are likely to see them playing at Harrowby next season.
"Personally, I will continue to talk with both clubs and Newark Town have said they will leave the door open to talks while continuing to focus on their promotion challenge and preparation for next season.
"There is certainly great support from all sections of people involved in football in Newark for a joined-up approach and so I am confident that eventually, it will happen."
Mr Wright said Craig Berens, chief executive of the Notts YMCA, who run the sports village in Newark, said they would be keen to work with the clubs to upgrade the facilities to step five for next season, and the league (United Counties League) have confirmed that they would require the addition of a 100-seater covered stand and an additional area for 50 covered standing.
"The YMCA building has been designed to have a licensed bar on the ground floor alongside a player’s lounge with an additional bar and exec-style entertaining area on the first floor which has a balcony overlooking the pitch," said Mr Wright.
"While the facilities at the YMCA haven’t been specifically designed as a stand-alone football stadium, they are the best facilities we have ever had in the town and will be a great stepping stone towards the building of a dedicated stadium when the time is right."
