WINSFORD United and Northwich Victoria have announced that they will ground share from next season onwards.

The two clubs confirmed on Sunday evening that Vics would move to Barton Stadium for the 2024-25 campaign, when their groundshare agreement with Witton Albion comes to an end.

The deal is for an initial three seasons with the option of a fourth, meaning Vics will play in Winsford until at least the end of the 2026-27 season.

Steve Pickup’s side recently used Barton Stadium for their FA Vase clash with Selby Town when the U Lock It Stadium was unavailable and now, chairman Ian Egerton says they are thrilled to be making the arrangement more permanent.

“I would personally like to thank Anthony Duckworth, Steve McKenna, and Rebecca Duckworth for all your help and support during the negotiations which has made this such a smooth process,” he said.

“During the few occasions where we have used The Barton Stadium over the past few seasons, including recently in our FA Vase match vs Selby Town, the hospitality provided by the club and especially from Becky has been amazing and I am delighted that we can now work together in what are two historic clubs within the area.

“On Friday evening, the club held a members meeting where the proposal made by Winsford United was discussed and voted on unanimously in favour.

“We are all super excited for the next chapter and to celebrate our 150th year anniversary at Winsford United.”

The Winsford board confirmed they had been looking for new tenants at their home ground for some time and were delighted to accept Vics’ proposal.

“Northwich Vics are a club rich in heritage and this deal will allow Barton Stadium the opportunity to house two football clubs with almost 300 years of local football history between them, creating an unofficial Mid-Cheshire hub for non-league football,” a club statement read.

“It’s no secret that we have actively been looking to bring other teams and clubs up to Barton Stadium for the last couple of years.

“We have approached several teams to enter a groundshare partnership – partnership being the key word.

“In August, Ian, and the rest of Vics board approached us and put a detailed proposal to the board and we accepted.”