Horsham chairman Kevin Borrett says plans to secure a site for a new ground are at an advanced stage, but he shares fans’ frustrations that details cannot be fully disclosed yet.
The Hornets plan to finally replace their former Queen Street home after a year of ground-sharing at Worthing and almost three years so far at Gorings Mead, home of Horsham YMCA.
In a statement to supporters, Borrett said: “I am very conscious that the club last issued a formal statement regarding progress on its new ground plans last autumn.
“For those within the club, involved on a daily basis in advancing the necessary arrangements, progress can feel painstakingly slow.
“For those not directly involved, but with the same passionate interest in getting things sorted, the silence can be deafening and raise feelings of frustration, doubts and even worries about what exactly is going on.
“Add to this our first-team position at the bottom of the Ryman Premier League and even the most ardent supporter can feel disillusioned.
“I can assure you that every individual on the board, and each member of the club committee, do understand how frustrated every supporter of the club feels.
“The extraordinarily complex nature of the legal documentation, and the sheer weight of detailed analysis required, is monumental and utterly time-consuming.
“This approach is needed without taking shortcuts, however attractive they may seem, if we are to realise our intentions.
“All that – together with our desire not to give opponents of our plans an early head-start and the confidentiality agreements in place – prevent sufficient detail from being publicly disclosed that gives the level of reassurance we would like to.
“However, since the last statement we have progressed a long way down the road and formal contracts are close to being signed. I cannot say exactly how close, as that is determined by the speed of response by others.
“I can tell you there is a very strong will and desire from everyone involved to conclude the contracts – from the officers of Horsham District Council to the landowners of the site, our prospective development partners and the Holbrook Club.
“Once contracts are agreed, and the support of the club’s trustees (who hold an influential shareholding) is secured, a public consultation by way of a display of our plans will be required.
“Following that, the planning process itself will be detailed and lengthy. But that is another very necessary part of the process that cannot be hurried – one where the club was rightly criticised by supporters last time around for inadequate preparation.
“This season has thus far brought a fair measure of disappointment on the pitch and little real news off it, yet I continue to be amazed by the level of continued backing the club enjoys from its loyal supporters.
“That loyalty and support is not taken for granted and, very soon, we hope to make good on the trust you have bestowed in us.”
