Ground problem is hampering our plans, says Cofie

2:04pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

FOOTBALL

WALTHAM Forest chairman Azumah Cofie admits the uncertainty over the club's future has already hampered team preparations for next season.

The Stags were forced out of their Wadham Lodge home in Kitchener Road, Walthamstow - a ground they have played at rent free since 1995 - after the owners, the Wadham Lodge Trust, decided not to renew the football club's lease.

A decision has yet to be made on where the club will play next season, although the Guardian understands an announcement will be made this week.

Whatever the outcome, Cofie (pictured) insists that all the upheaval has hardly been proactive to the team's plans for the new season.

He said: "It has had a very destabilising effect, to the point where we haven't been able to confirm pre-season friendlies becuase we can't tell the other side where to come.

"Although this season has just ended, our preparations for next season are alread affected because of it. Hopefully, we can get around all this in the coming days."

Waltham Forest FC is still in talks with the local council about the possibility of using the land in Marsh Lane, Leyton, to build a ground.

Cofie also revealed that Forest had been offered a ground share with Harlow FC, although it was knocked back by the Ryman League who did not deem it appropriate.

But the chairman, while keeping his cards close to his chest, is confident the team will have a home for the new season.

"What I can say is that Waltham Forest will be playing in the borough next season. If all goes to plan, we will be playing to a facility quite close to where we have been," he said.

An uncertain future off the pitch has been coupled with a tough time on the pitch. The team managed to avoid relegation from Ryman One North on the penultimate day of the season.

Cofie was naturally delighted with manager Ged Searson and his players for keeping the team in the division.

"It speaks well of the determination of the players and management to their football and to keep this club going," he said.

"I'm very grateful to everyone who played a part in the struggle and hopefully we won't find ourselves in that position next season."

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