League makes clear expectations of Northwich (From Northwich Guardian)

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League officials urge Northwich Victoria to find a temporary 'home'

12:25am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Sport Exclusive By Andrew Simpson

LEAGUE bosses prefer Northwich Victoria to play their remaining home matches on the same pitch.

At a summit on Wednesday, officials from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League told the club’s owner to find a ground to share with a rival if he could.

“We expect the club to complete its fixtures for the current campaign,” read a statement.

“To that end, Northwich must endeavour to obtain a licence or lease up to the end of the season at a ground with the appropriate grading for the competition.”

The Guardian understands that the league is prepared to be flexible in the short term though.

Vics have arranged to play this Saturday’s FA Trophy third round tie against Hampton & Richmond Borough at Macclesfield Town’s Moss Rose home.

Rushall Olympic are due to be their guests next Tuesday in the Doodson Sport Cup, but it is not known yet where that match might take place.

“[Northwich owner] Jim Rushe has given a full commitment to the club’s obligation to finish the season, mentioning the appointment of Paul Simpson as manager to show how serious he is about the team remaining competitive,” added the league statement.

Vics, currently fourth in the Premier Division table following Saturday’s defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Marine, have six home league matches left to play.

A victory this weekend could add a further FA Trophy fixture to that list.

“I’m grateful for the league’s patience during what is a difficult moment for the club,” said Rushe.

“They are sensitive to what has happened in the past couple of weeks, for which I wish to thank them.”

He has until the end of March to find the team a place to play next season, whether that be in the Northern Premier League or the Football Conference if Vics are promoted.

The league added: “For the long term, Northwich has been given instruction on how they must abide by the security of tenure regulation that requires an approved lease or ground share to be in place – with the league’s approval – before March 31.

“Because of the ever shifting sands, it is important that if there is any possible chance the club can return to the Victoria Stadium then that should be their immediate objective.”

Vics were charged for failing to fulfil a fixture in August when Rushe was unable to complete a deal to buy the club’s home ground.

He had agreed to a temporary move to neighbours Witton Albion if that happened, but league officials later accused him of reneging on that arrangement.

A scheduled home encounter against Kendal was postponed as a result.

“If a club does not own its ground or have a lease or licence in place, then it must arrange a ground share no later than May 31 prior to the season’s start,” said a league source in September.

“A deadline was set for the club to provide documentary proof that the required security of tenure was in place, but it did not.”