Castleford chief re-assures fans over stadium donations
Castleford chief Steve Ferres says fans donations towards the club’s new stadium, which currently stand at more than £25,000, will be protected, even if the club remains at Wheldon Road.
The “Buy a Brick” scheme was launched in 2010 to encourage supporters and their families to purchase their own brick which would feature at the new proposed stadium in Glasshoughton. Each brick would be engraved with words or a message of the fans’ choice and the donated money would contribute towards funds for the stadium’s development. The total donated currently stands at £25,415.82.
Since Ferres’ arrival at the club, concerns have been raised over the Tigers future, and the stadium development could be shelved in favour of a re-development of their current home.
Ferres said: “I would like to take this opportunity to assure any fans who have invested in the ‘Buy a Brick’ Scheme that all monies donated so far are to be moved to a separate account and will be used as originally outlined.
“Should the new ground not be built, the donated money and engraved bricks will be incorporated in to the re-development of Wheldon Road and thus still offer the lasting legacy it was intended for.
“We are dedicated to delivering a new or re-developed stadium that provides us with a versatile space that can generate additional revenue and enable the club to thrive. The support received so far and any future support we get for this scheme is not to be underestimated as we strive to realise our ambitions for a stadium the club and fans can be proud of. We hope to be able to give an update on the stadium’s progress in the coming weeks.”
Back in 2009, Castleford were one of five clubs handed an official warning by the RFL for a lack of progress with promised stadium development.
Since then, two of the five – Salford and St Helens – have moved in to brand new stadia, while the Crusaders Super League franchise collapsed last year.
Wakefield have invested in improvements at their Belle Vue home in the past 18 months, but are still planning to move to a new stadium in future, with their plans, much like Castleford’s, hit by the recession in recent years.