THE longstanding chairman of Aveley FC has made a statement rebutting criticism of his club by some sections of the Grays Athletic fanbase who have expressed condemnation of the Millers' perceived opposition to their side moving into the derelict Ship Lane ground, a former home of the now defunct Thurrock FC.

Grays recently announced they were joint applicants in a bid to turn a large part of the Ship Lane site into a car pre delivery inspection plant (PDI). As part of the project, Grays, who have been without a home of their own for more than a decade, would move into the stadium.

The move is controversial, not particularly because of the stadium use itself, but because of fears by local residents that the car preparation plant will be a major blight on the green belt – and their lives.

Two previous applications by Group One Automotive, who want to open the car plant, have been rejected by councillors – while a third was thrown out before it even got to be considered.

Grays, and other footballing organisations including the Thurrock Sunday League, were linked to all three previous submissions but it is only at the fourth time of asking that they have become formal applicants.

And they have been pro-active in attempting to rally support for the planning application. Mor ethan 160 public comments have been made on Thurrock Council's planning portal, the majority of them being people from Grays supporting the application.

That has led to some friction between Grays supporters and Aveley residents, with many spats on social media.

At the weekend the campaigners opposed to the plant lobbied supporters in attendance at Aveley's home match and collected signatures on a petition.

The campaigners have also planned a meeting on Thursday evening (24 February) at Parkside, Aveley's ground, where they will continue to seek support for their opposition.

That has led to more bitter accusations and bad blood from some Grays fans, reciprocated not just by opposition campaigners but also some Aveley fans.

Grays, who are tenants of Aveley and groundshare at Parkside, are leaving at the end of the season to take up a two year tenancy with Tilbury FC and that move too appears to have added to the furore.

Criticism of Aveley FC, who sold their long time stadium Mill Field  and surrounding land  several years ago to self-finance their move to Parkside (which is in the green belt) has included allegations that they are showing double standards by opposing Grays' move on the grounds they believe it impinges on more green belt land.

The reality is significantly different says Aveley chairman Graham Genner, normally a quiet man who keeps out of the spotlight, and he has been sufficiently angered to make a rare public statement.

Today (Tuesday, 21 February) he took to social media to say: "I have been chairman of this fantastic football club for 22 years now.

"I keep myself to myself and stand behind the goal each week with my dad and son.

"Many supporters and players of Aveley have no idea who I am, let alone those of Grays Athletic.

"However, I feel I need to risk the wrath of many and put my head above the parapet and respond to the comments being made about my club.

"What is being written about us is not only very upsetting but somewhat misguided.

"I would like to try and put an end to that but realise in all reality I'm just going to be another target for abuse, a risk I shall take and accept.

"First and foremost Aveley FC has no objection to Grays Athletic being given use of the Ship Lane stadium.

"I have had several conversations with Steve Skinner at Grays and wished him, his club and Grays supporters well.

The Ship Lane site at the heart of the verbal battle.

"Since opening in 2017, Parkside has made every effort to be the hub of the village and support the community. As such we have hosted many local organisations and forums.

"Thursday, 23 February is no different.

"We have been asked by residents of Aveley to open our doors for a meeting which opposes the proposed pre delivery inspection plant in Ship Lane - and for the benefit of any doubt - Aveley FC stand with the residents in that objection.

"One final point also needs some clarity.

"When looking at the options for our new ground we were offered the plot of land Parkside is built on by Thurrock Council.

"The plot was a landfill site with a cost of purchase and removal works of more than £1.5 million.

"The topic of green belt seems to be the stick to hit us with but I repeat, our advice was that it was a section of landfill on green belt and that was why it was being given as an option.

"Grays Athletic will do what they can to support their application. I have no problem with that, but please appreciate Aveley and its residents will do as we see fit, standing firm in our objection to the car plant."