Gloucester City AFC
Gloucester City issue update on new stadium after receiving funding offer
Club set target for work to begin after Football Stadia Improvement Fund offer
Robert IlesHead of Sport
Eamonn McGurk at Meadow Park in 2012
Gloucester City hope to start building their new ground in November after receiving the written formal offer from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
The club have been sent a list of conditions to meet and if they accept the offer, it will be full steam ahead for their return after 12 years in exile.
However, it is "unlikely" they will be in their new ground at Meadow Park this season.
Gloucester City co-chairman Alex Petheram said: "We are delighted to have received written confirmation from the FSIF that our funding application has been successful."
Gloucester City "within touching distance" of returning home after taking "massive step"
"We're unable to give full details of the amounts we have received because of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements we are currently in, but it's going to be a huge help and we're very grateful for all the efforts put in thus far. "
"We are really pushing forwards and it's an exciting time. Ideally and with best endeavours, we would like to be working on site in mid-November, as we always need to set targets.
"We would love to be there for a game there this season, but realistically, it is looking more and more unlikely. We have permission from both the FA and the National League to move if we are ready.
"All we would need is a safety certificate once the work was completed. Let's see what we can achieve, but for now our attention moves to the legal process, which is a bit of a minefield "
The proposed main stand for Gloucester City's new stadium at Meadow Park as submitted to Gloucester City Council (Image: Gloucester City)
The proposed T-End for Gloucester City's new stadium at Meadow Park as submitted to Gloucester City Council (Image: Gloucester City)
The planned layout of Gloucester City's new stadium at Meadow Park as submitted to Gloucester City Council (Image: Gloucester City)
Tigers co-chairman Eamonn McGurk added: "As Alex confirmed at the end of last week, we have now received the formal offer following last week's conversations.
"Alex, my brother Brian and I are now working through the details. Brian has issued the grant and the long list of conditions to our solicitors to review, as we must now complete the due diligence process.
Salford City v Forest Green Rovers: Midfielders to miss game against side owned by Man Utd's Class of 92 stars
"The next steps are for us to make sure we're comfortable with the conditions and the legal position. If we are, then we'll formally accept the offer with the FSIF, instructing their solicitors."
Over the course of this year, the groundwork at Meadow Park had already been completed with the site successfully raised and settled and ready for work to begin.
Cheltenham Town FCFormer Doncaster Rovers striker Alfie May signs new contract at Cheltenham TownLeading scorer commits his future to League One Robins after impressive first half of the 2021/22 campaign
Homegrown hero and international commit to new Gloucester Rugby contracts
Gloucester RugbyHead coach George Skivington continues to build his squad ahead of the 2022/23 reason, with retainment his key objective
"It was a little bit farcical" – Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards on Mansfield Town abandonment
Forest Green Rovers FCForest Green Rovers 0 Mansfield Town 0 (match abandoned after four minutes)
Former Chelsea midfielder and Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town Shrewsbury Town and loanee Charlie Colkett to be offered contract by Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town FC25-year-old is likely to be final arrival of January transfer window at Jonny-Rocks Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur striker Kion Etete completes loan move to Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town FCSixth January transfer window signing confirmed at League One club after spending first half of the campaign at Northampton Town
Cheltenham Town condemns 'homophobic chanting' at home game
Cheltenham Town FCThree fans were ejected from Saturday's game
January window still "quiet" and how he was nearly signed by Nigel Clough – Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards ahead of Mansfield Town at home
Forest Green Rovers FCThe Stags visit the Fully Charged New Lawn on Tuesday night