Heartache for Grays Ath as they could be homeless again

GRAYS Athletic could be moving into a new home, with Aveley’s Mill Field ground understood to be earmarked as yet another temporary home for the Blues.

Grays were believed to have had a two year contract with West Ham at the Rush Green ground in Romford.

The question of a contract has always been a matter for debate. When Grays Ath moved into the ground in July 2012, West Ham said on the club website that the Blues had been given “permission” and “loaned” the ground.

The matter could end up with a legal battle but newly promoted Grays have had to make contingency plans and are believed to have spoken to Billericay and Aveley – among others – with a view to a groundshare for the new season and sources say Aveley’s Mill Field ground is the most likely option.

A source at Billericay, who groundshared with Chelmsford for several seasons, confirmed they have been approached by Grays but said it was unlikely an agreement would be brokered.

Aveley secretary Craig Johnston declined to comment on the matter and would neither confirm nor deny talks had taken place but the Millers are also used to sharing their ground, with Romford most recently among clubs that have used the facility in the past.

They now play at nearby Thurrock – a club themselves whose future is in doubt as they fight a battle over Ryman Premier demotion – which rules out Ship Lane as an option. After leaving their New Rec ground three years ago, Grays spent two years at East Thurrock United but a return there is deemed highly unlikely.

Another option could be Tilbury’s Chadfields ground, but there may be issues over grading there, with little time to carry out any required work.

In recent months Grays have aired several plans for a return to Thurrock, with options talked about including a move to a new site at Blackshots near Thurrock Rugby Club, a move to land adjacent to Treetops Special School and even sharing Thurrock Harriers stadium – an option that could yet prove to be realised if difficulties with conversion to appropriate ground grading requirements could be overcome.

The matter could well be a topic of conversation with the Ryman League over the weekend when Grays officials will be at Wembley for the Ryman League’s annual dinner on Saturday and annual meeting on Sunday morning.

Should Grays move away, it may be particularly distressing for the fans who spent blood, tears, toil and sweat (and money) renovating Rush Green.

Grays secretary Andrew Packer said: “The club has no comment to make at this time as discussions are ongoing and we hope to be in a position to release more information after the weekend.”