Nuneaton Borough: Troubled non-league side to stage match at Coventry's CBS Arena

Image source, Andrew Kearns (CameraSport) - Getty Images

Image caption, Championship side Coventry City play their home games at the CBS Arena
  • Author, Ged Scott
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport

Troubled Nuneaton Borough are to host their next home game, against AFC Fylde on Saturday, 9 December, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Sky Blues, who rent the stadium from Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, are hosting a Championship game against Birmingham the Friday night before.

That leaves the stadium free for Boro's FA Trophy second-round tie.

Boro face ongoing issues regarding access to their stadium in Nuneaton, at Liberty Way.

The club, who have rented their ground since 2012, having left their long-time Manor Park home in 2007, were first served with an eviction notice over rent arrears in October.

Having switched their FA Trophy first-round tie with Hyde United to Manchester, they have since played two home games at fellow non-league side Stratford Town.

They approached the Sky Blues - and the two clubs have now reached an agreement with the Coventry Building Society Arena, which will host the game free of charge.

"We can't thank Doug King [chief executive], Dave Boddy and the team at the Coventry Building Society Arena enough for their unbelievable gesture," said Boro manager Jimmy Ginnelly.

Coventry owner Doug King added: "We are pleased to be able to help our friends at Nuneaton Borough in these difficult times for them.

"As a club we are only too aware of the situation that they find themselves in. When they approached us, we were very keen to play our part and help arrange for the game against Fylde to take place at our home ground.

"We thank Coventry Building Society Arena for supporting us in making this happen. Supporting our local community is really important for us at Coventry City."

Seventh-tier Nuneaton face a trip to Leiston in the league on Saturday before their cup game against Fylde.

CBS Arena managing director Paul Michael said: "We're proud to be working alongside Coventry City to host Nuneaton Borough's upcoming FA Trophy fixture against AFC Fylde.

"Supporting our local community is really important to us as a venue, so we are pleased to be able to support Coventry City in providing Nuneaton Borough with access to their pitch next weekend as a goodwill gesture.

"We appreciate this is a difficult time for Nuneaton Borough supporters, and we hope this gesture plays a part in helping them to secure their long-term future."