NORTHWICH Victoria have not given up hope of a return home despite their ground’s new owners saying the no more matches could be played there.

Solicitors for the club issued a statement on Friday repeating their threat to ask a court to intervene following Vics’ eviction from the Victoria Stadium yesterday, Thursday.

In a statement, Else Solicitors said:

“FURTHER to the ongoing publicity regarding the Victoria Stadium, we remain instructed by Northwich Victoria Football Club.

“The club is extremely disappointed with both the manner and content of the press statement released today by the proposed purchasers of the Victoria Stadium; Thor Specialities (UK) Limited.

“We had remained in active dialogue with the solicitors acting for both the receivers Deloitte and Thor, so the release comes as something of a surprise given the exchanges that were taking place.

“We wish to be clear that the club continues to do all that it can to protect its right to play home fixtures at the Victoria Stadium, and all legal options continue to be explored over the coming days.

“The lack of a home match in the next few days is something of a small blessing in these extremely difficult times.

“The football club continues to assert legal rights over its occupation of Victoria Stadium and the receivers are fully aware of the club’s position in this respect.

“We have requested undertakings from the receivers that they will not endeavour to complete the sale of the stadium while these avenues continue to be explored, and that they will ensure that the football club’s possessions and stadium are preserved in their current status in the short term.

“We reiterate that despite the statements made by Thor, it is most surprising that they have not yet spoken to the football club despite its heritage, fanbase, place in the community and given its intentions to demolish the stadium which was only built in 2004.

“The offers made in respect to the football club by Thor in its statement are noted, but the club can make no comment until such time as the parties can meet directly.

“It does not seem however that Thor has any intention of discussing matters with the football club with an open mind.

“The football club wish to thank its supporters and the public generally for their ongoing and passionate support and hopes that this will continue over the difficult days to come.”