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Next Game: Rushall At Home In The League On Saturday 30th November At 3.00pm

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Morecambe's New Stadium to be Fan Friendly

Almost all 'new' stadia in the lower league are all-seated, however Morecambe are about to buck the trend and keep standing areas in their new stadium.

"We talked to the people that matter most, the fans, about what they wanted from a new ground - and what they wanted most was to be able to choose to stand and watch football rather than sit," said Morecambe's chief executive Rod Taylor in an interview with The Football Supporter.

"We are going to give them what they want - safe standing accomodation in the new ground. It's part of the experience of watching Morecambe which has served us well for generations. It's important to maintain such traditions, they're part of the heart and soul of clubs like ours."

Morecambe will lose out on Football Foundation grants (they insist on all-seated stadia) but will save on construction costs.

"In terms of Football Foundation funding, we've had to take the fact that they won't entertain funding any new stadia that isn't all seater on the chin," continued Taylor.

"However the new stadium will allow us to provide standing accommodation in a safe, family-orientated, environment and at affordable prices."

Morecambe have sold their Christie Park ground to a supermarket. Their new ground will still be within the town boundary and the club aims to be wholly debt free after the move.

Meanwhile many Hereford United supporters who currently stand in the Meadow End will probably hope that chairman Graham Turner follows Morecambe's example and keep it as a standing only area when it is re-developed.