AS Grays Athletic began 2025 with the disappointment of a postponed match today (Wednesday 1 January), there was still plenty for Blues fans to consider after a new year message from the club's board about plans to move to their planned new ground at Ship Lane, Aveley.

The club expect to take possession of the former Thurrock FC ground, which is in a derelict condition, in the very near future – but say they are unlikely to be able to play there until the 2026-27 season.

It's a year and a half since the club's joint planning application with car dealers Group One Automotive was approved by Thurrock Council and negotiations then began over the final legal agreements.

They were completed in June last year.

In a statement to the club's fan-based ownership and supporters, the directors say: "Grays Athletic Football Club would like to wish all of our supporters, players, management, volunteers and sponsors a very Happy New Year.

"2025 is set to be a monumental year for the club as we take ownership of Ship Lane, and for the first time in the club's history, we will finally own our own ground and have a place to call home.

"It is incredible to think that almost 15 years ago, the club played its last game at the New Rec and that it would take this long to finally have a home to call our own. The club is indebted to the dedication and determination of a number of individuals who have ensured that the dream of finally owning our own ground has come to fruition.

Ship Lane in the halcyon days of Thurrock FC

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"It has been a long, protracted process to achieve the dream of owning Ship Lane. There has been much heartache, false dawns and bumps along the way, from failed planning applications and setbacks to that wonderful moment when the council's planning committee finally approved the application.

"The dedication and superb commitment to the cause by the Board of Directors and our wonderful supporters, has ensured that despite all the setbacks, we are almost ready to start the monumental task of bringing Ship Lane back to life.

"The Board of Directors, having visited the site, are in no doubt of the magnitude of the task ahead. It will take time, commitment and resolve to bring the stadium up to a standard to be able to play football there once again.

"A survey has been completed of the works required and the club are now accessing this report and the various funding opportunities available to the club through a number of different grants to be able to start the refurbishment.

"It was hoped that the club would be able to move into Ship Lane for the 2025/26 season, this however will now not happen, and the target is now the 2026/27 season. Talks are continuing with Tilbury FC to extend our ground share agreement into next season, and we hope to announce some news soon.

"The club has been inundated with offers of help from individuals and businesses to bring Ship Lane back to life, and we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who has contacted the club. We hope to be able to begin the process of refurbishment within the next few months.

"We would like to thank all our supporters who have continued to support the club through thick and thin.

"It is testament to our supporters that despite not owning our own ground for 15 years, that core of loyal support has never left our side, and we would like to thank you for your unwavering and steadfast support. It is never taken for granted and is always appreciated."

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