FANS have the chance to get involved with the rebirth of stricken Nuneaton Borough at two open meetings this week – but there is no future at Liberty Way.
Boro resigned from the Southern League earlier this month having been unable to keep up with bills after being kicked out of their home by landlords Arden Tigress in late October.
Owner and manager Jimmy Ginnelly walked away, believing that to be the quickest route to regaining access to the stadium, while sponsor and stand-in chairman Ian Cook tried to keep things going through an emergency groundshare at Barwell.
With no sign of progress, officials had to admit defeat.
Tomorrow (Monday), Nuneaton Borough Supporters’ Co-Operative will host an event to discuss the prospect of a phoenix club with Andy Walsh, head of national game and community ownership at the Football Supporters’ Association, on hand to offer them guidance.
That will be followed on Wednesday by a presentation from Gary Holliday, leader of the consortium that tried to save Boro, on their new proposals.
BBC broadcaster and Boro fan Dave Sharpe will host and it will be followed by a question and answer session.
Devastating
The first event will be held at Bermuda Phoenix Centre, Bermuda Road, Nuneaton, from 7pm on Monday, while the second is at Coton Liberal Sports & Social Club, Henry Street, Coton, from 7.30pm.
Admission is free for both but attendees must book in advance for Wednesday’s event to ensure the venue remains within capacity.
Boro secretary Mark Grimes, who thanked the Southern League for their help and understanding over the past few months, confirmed that Boro Leisure, the entity behind the current club, would fold, paving the way for it to be considered a phoenix club by the FA.
“Both meetings will be very important,” said Grimes.
“What has happened is devastating, all Boro fans are feeling the same. It is still very raw but with deadlines to register a phoenix club, which we are in the process of doing at the moment, we don’t have long.
“Even though we are hurting, we are having to get on with it and we will need our fans with us – we are nothing without the fans.”
Potential grounds will form part of this week’s discussions but Grimes added: “It is our understanding that football will not be played again at Liberty Way under any entity.” Tickets for Wednesday can be booked by visiting borofc.co.uk
