New club will call Winsford home, for now (From Northwich Guardian)

1874 Northwich announces deal to share ground with Winsford United for its first two seasons

12:25am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Football By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

A NEW football team from Northwich will host opponents in Winsford after it could not agree a deal to share a pitch in the town.

Followers of 1874 Northwich, a fans-run club formed by members of Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust, were told last night, Tuesday, that their home for the next two seasons will be Blues’ Barton Stadium.

They have an option for a third.

“Our main objective has always been to secure a home as close as possible to Northwich,” said 1874 chairman Paul Stockton.

“In reaching this arrangement, we have achieved that aim.

“Every time I have spoken to [Winsford United chairman] Mark Loveless, my gut feeling has got stronger that we would end up there.”

He told the Guardian that negotiations with Witton Albion had been without success, but did not wish to say why at this stage.

The final contact between the two clubs was last week.

Mr Stockton said: “We could not come to an agreement that was satisfactory to both parties.

“However I want it to be known that the discussions with Witton were extremely positive, and I wish to thank personally [chairman] Mark Harris for the professional manner in which he dealt with us.

“Playing at Barton Stadium enables us to establish ourselves as a key part of the mid Cheshire community. I’m sure that the arrangement will be of mutual benefit.”

Mr Stockton stressed that focus remains on finding a permanent home in Northwich.

He added: “We’re working with a number of organisations to make that a reality. 

“It will always be one of our principal objectives.”