WORKSOP TOWN have avoided a third spell in exile after agreeing a new lease to remain at their Sandy Lane home next season.
The Tigers had been in negotiations with leaseholder Peter Whitehead and have finally agreed a deal in principle ahead of the March 31 deadline.
The Northern Counties East League Premier side had looked at possible destinations for a groundshare such as Clipstone but they’ll remain in Worksop after a new 12-month lease was signed with the possibility of it being extended for a further two years.
Worksop originally moved out of the town to groundshare at Gainsborough in 1989 before returning home to the newly built Sandy Lane in 1992.
They were kicked out in 2008 by leaseholder 1861 Leisure Limited and were forced to play at Hucknall, Ilkeston and Retford for the following three seasons.
Whitehead, who owns league rivals Handsworth Parramore, purchased the Sandy Lane lease in 2011 and agreed a deal to allow Worksop to return.
A club statement read: “Worksop Town Football Club is delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed in principle which will see the Tigers extend its tenancy at Sandy Lane, and play home games there during the upcoming 2016-17 season.
“The new lease will run for an initial 12 month period, which could be extended by a further two years should all parties be in agreement.
“Worksop Town would like to thank our fantastic fan base for their patience surrounding this matter, and continued support this season.
“We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Pete Whitehead and the team at P&M Leisure, whose offer has allowed the club to secure its short term future in the town. Their patience whilst negotiations took place within WTFC is also noted and appreciated.”
