Football club could be forced to leave home of more than 100 years

Prescot Cables FC says there are concerns over Valerie Park main stand

A Merseyside non-league football club could be forced to relocate as soon as next season after it was revealed its main stand must be rebuilt or replaced within the next three years. Prescot Cables FC, who play in the Northern Premier League West, released a statement on Monday evening revealing how the board of directors may need to consider moving out of the town amid concerns around the sustainability of its main stand at Valerie Park.

The 142-year-old club said any long-term solution is likely to require substantial investment, either to undertake a major refurbishment of the existing structure or, alternatively, to consider a complete rebuild. As a result, Cables are now in discussions with Knowsley Council and the club’s landlord regarding the possibility of relocating from the area it has called home for 116 years.

Knowsley Council has now confirmed to the LDRS the main stand, which envelopes the club house at the ground, will need to be rebuilt or replaced within the next three years as it is “nearing the end of its life.” Cllr Graham Morgan, council leader, said the club has no funding plan in place for required works.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the fan-owned club’s board said it was now faced with “an important decision regarding the future of the stand.” It added: “Given the scale of the challenge, the club is exploring all available options to ensure a sustainable future for Prescot Cables.

“As part of this process, we are in discussions with the local authority and the club’s landlord regarding the possibility of relocating the club to an alternative venue. Such a move could potentially be on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the options available and the outcome of the discussions.

“While no final decision has been made, it is important that supporters are aware that a relocation could potentially take place as soon as next season.” The club – who sit seventh in the table following their relegation last season – said the directors appreciated the news of a possible move “may raise questions and concerns among our supporters” and any decisions would be made “with the long-term interests and sustainability of Prescot Cables Football Club firmly at heart.”

The board added: “Prescot Cables has a proud history and an important place within the local community. Our priority is to find a solution that allows the club to continue to grow, develop and provide a sustainable future for generations of supporters to come.”

Knowsley Council stepped in to secure the future of Cables in 2018 when it bought the ground for £300,000 from private ownership and granted the club a 99 year lease. Cllr Morgan confirmed talks were underway over the club’s future.

He said: “Since then, we have supported the club in making improvements to Valerie Park and bring the ground up to the standards required by the Football League. This has included providing the club with a loan of £63,000 to enable them to secure funding for £200,000 of ground improvements – via the Premier League Stadium Fund.

“This has funded work at the ground to meet the grading requirements associated with playing Step 3 of the Non-League System. Following a recent independent assessment, it is clear that the main stand is nearing the end of its life.

“Within the next three years it will need replacing/rebuilding at a significant cost and currently the club has no funding plan in place to cover this. We are working closely with the club to support them in identifying funding sources and developing a future plan for Valerie Park.

“While this does regrettably mean some uncertainty in the short term what is absolutely clear is that both the club and the council – and the wider community too – want to see Prescot Cables remain in the town for now, and for generations to come.”