Nuneaton FC: Reformed club to move in with Bedworth on artificial pitch

Image source, Bedworth United FC

Image caption, Bedworth United play at The Oval
  • Author, Ged Scott
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport

Reformed Nuneaton FC are planning to get going again next season in a two-season pitch deal with neighbours Bedworth United, starting in 2024-25.

Bedworth currently play in tier four of the non-league pyramid, in the Northern Premier League West, two levels below where the former Nuneaton Borough sat.

Financially-challenged Boro withdrew from the Southern League Premier Division Central on 18 January.

The old club is expected to be wound up by His Majesty's Revenue & Customs.

Hopes of a takeover quickly faded - and there are now no listed directors to start insolvency proceedings.

That came three months after being evicted from their previous home in the town at Liberty Way, just under five miles away from their proposed new home.

Fan-owned Nuneaton face a deadline of 1 March if they are to be allowed to enter the non-league pyramid system for the 2024-25 season - and do not know yet whether they have been accepted or at which level they will play.

'Hopefully the start of some positivity'

Bedworth announced the plan for a 'stadium hire' agreement on their artificial pitch, which has the option for a third season in 2026-27, in a statement released on Monday morning.

"The intention is that both first teams will play alternate Saturday afternoons," said the statement. "In the event of any fixture conflict, Bedworth United AFC, as the host club, will take priority.

"The financial benefits of the hire agreement, along with the club house revenue, including the snack bar, will be solely for Bedworth United. All other matchday revenue, gate takings etc, will be solely for Nuneaton FC.

"Bedworth United recognises that this has been a challenging time for Nuneaton Supporters. Hopefully this agreement will be the start of some positivity for their future.

"While we are rivals on the pitch, none of us would wish to see a proud club and its supporters go out of existence."

Nuneaton Borough was originally formed in 1899, but reformed in 1937 and again in 1991, before being recreated as a phoenix club in 2008 after Nuneaton Borough was liquidated.

The club said it faced "insurmountable challenges in maintaining operations" and was unable to continue trading.