FC Clacton fighting with Tendring Council over ground

Founded in 1892, FC Clacton has been fighting a battle with Tendring Council over its ground at Rush Green recreation ground which the club moved to in 1987. 

When he took over in 2006, former chairman Stephen Andrews discovered the club's lease had been put under a different company name since 2004.

Pleading - Fans want their ground saved (Image: Jay Hall) That meant the club could not apply for grants.

In 2007, the name was reportedly changed in full consultation with partners including the council.

The club says it was assured it would enter into a new lease but says that never happened.

The council says the ground was let to the club on a 'heads of terms' agreement for £4,250 in 2017 for a period between April 2019 and March 2024, despite a valuation estimating the market rate rent at £15,000 a year.

The club was then issued with an eviction notice in November which club bosses are fighting.

Fans and club members have protested against the threat of eviction, with displays of banners saying "Please TDC, save FCC".

Former chairman Mr Andrews left the club in November after nearly two decades.

A post on FC Clacton's Facebook page last week by new chairman Harry Underwood said: “I feel incredibly proud to take over as chairman of this great club and want to thank Stephen for all he has done.

"After serving the town for 133 years we are now in an extremely precarious position and my first action as chairman has been to reach out to TDC via our solicitors and ask for an urgent meeting to try to find a resolution which avoids the costly court action we are currently heading for.

"I will do everything I can to lead the club in the very best way, to resolve the lease issue and then get FC Clacton to where it should be.

"Come on you Seasiders.”

Disbelief - Jay Hall wants to see some form of agreement (Image: NQ) First team assistant manager Jay Hall said: “Due to us not being able to pay the money they say we owe, we should have been evicted as of May this year.

“We’re still waiting for the council to sit down with us, which they’re not willing to do.

“They aren’t happy for us to put a lease down on it, but they are happy to put it out to tender.

“The club has a history of 133 years and has been a focal point of Clacton for so many years. It’s a real shame to be at the stage we are today.

“If we could just sit down with the council and sort out a deal it would be ideal for us.

“The club means so much to so many people.

"We were away at Holbeach, which is two hours and 20 minutes away, and 15 fans made the journey.

“It is a real shame and what annoys me is everything is about money. I’m not really sure where we go from here, but if we fail to secure it we have to find another home.”

Tendring Council assets boss Peter Kotz said: "FC Clacton was formally notified by the council in November that it must vacate the Rush Green Bowl ground and clubhouse, following the club’s failure to agree a lease and settle outstanding rent.

“The council now plans to retender the site, which is owned by TDC.

"FC Clacton, along with any other interested club will be welcome to submit a bid to take it on.

“As legal proceedings are ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time.”

The club currently has a GoFundMe page to cover legal fees in their fight to survive, which can be found at https://tinyurl.com/FC-Clacton-fundraiser