Skelmersdale future in doubt as stadium lease is denied

The future of Skelmersdale is in doubt after the club revealed that the owners of their ground, Chequer Properties, have failed to come to an agreement with the club to extend the lease. 

The news is the second bit of bad news in a few days after they were relegated from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division on Saturday.

Long-serving manager Tommy Lawson left the club earlier this season and was replaced by former Nottingham Forest defender Alan Rogers.

The club, who won the FA Amateur Cup in 1971, fear that they could be thrown out of the league and could go out of business due to being unable to agree lease terms for their stadium.

A club statement from chairman Paul Griffiths said “We have been trying for almost 2 years to reach an agreement to remain in business at our stadium, but the owners of the site Chequer Properties have refused to grant an official new lease or extension."

He added "Without this we will be thrown out of the league and the history of this great community club may be lost forever. We would appreciate support and help from anyone to resolve this matter, and keep the Amateur Cup Winners, Skelmersdale United alive and well for the West Lancashire community. It is unthinkable that one business should decide to close the club down by their unfair actions, and unwillingness to grant this lease. This closure would be tragedy for Skelmersdale United, its fans and the wider community.”

JC