GRAYS Athletic has announced its senior mens team will be groundsharing at neighbours Tilbury FC next season.
The Blues, currently chasing promotion from the Isthmian North division, are in the midst of a planning application that - if approved - would see them take over Thurrock FC's derelict ground in Aveley.
Grays are, at present, tenants at Aveley FC's Parkside ground.
A statement released by Grays says: "Of course, the club had hoped by now, that we would be in our own stadium after so many years as a homeless team, however, the ongoing situation with the Ship Lane planning application, coupled with the continued delay in the decision around the Lower Thames Crossing (option C was chosen almost six years ago), has meant that we need to be looking at a new groundshare agreement for the forthcoming season (2023/24) with an option for the following season (2024/25).
"Obviously, with the cost of living issues that individuals and businesses are facing, as expected, clubs that rent their grounds to other teams are going to be looking at charging higher rates to cover their costs and the challenge for us is to find an affordable groundshare that will enable us to still be competitive at this level.
"With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that Grays Athletic have accepted an offer from Tilbury FC to share at the EMR Stadium at Chadfields next season and their new stadium during the following campaign.
"The club is extremely grateful to Tilbury FC Chairman, Danny Nash and his committee for accommodating us and we look forward to building on the good relationship between our two clubs.
"We are aware that some of our supporters will be disappointed that we will no longer be playing at Parkside, whilst others will be pleased about the move, especially if this helps them geographically and with transport links.
"Lastly and importantly, Grays Athletic would like to play tribute to all at Aveley FC for their help over the ten seasons we have ground shared with them at Mill Field and the fantastic new facility at Parkside.
"Our ex player, Craig Johnson, will always have a special place in our history as, if he hadn't stepped in last minute during the close season of 2013 to allow us to share at Aveley, our club would have folded or had to drop a long way down the football pyramid.
"We look forward to our remaining games at Parkside and wish Aveley all the very best with their current promotion push."
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