As supporters will be aware Guildford City FC has been unable to play home matches this season at the Spectrum. This has been due to works to replace the athletics track that surrounds the football pitch. Originally this work was due to be completed by mid-September. However when the old track was removed the contractors found the surface to be in a poor state which required a two month extension to the project. Last week we were informed by our landlords Freedom Leisure Ltd that the work contractors have reported that they have run out of time to do the remaining work given the cold, wet and windy conditions that we will now experience. The very earliest that work can recommence is February – March 2019.
Together with Freedom Leisure Ltd we have investigated whether football might be possible in the stadium, despite the mothballed building works around the perimeter of the pitch. We have been advised however that nobody can set foot on the work undertaken so far and no fence or cover can be placed on the track work. We have therefore reluctantly decided that a return to the Spectrum is impossible this season.
Godalming Town FC has very kindly agreed for us to extend our stay at Wey Court until the end of the season. There are however some dates where both Guildford City and Godalming Town are scheduled to play at home on the same day. The Combined Counties League has said in these instances that another suitable ground must be found for these matches. Talks with another local club about playing those matches there are at an advanced stage.
We are hugely disappointed not to play at the Spectrum. The circumstances are totally out of our control and I hope that our supporters and sponsors understand the position we are in. Playing matches away from the Spectrum puts an extra financial burden on the club, and to alleviate this we do hope that supporters will get behind us for the remainder of the season.
Barry Underwood
Club Secretary
