Bromley's most famous part of Hayes Lane disappear to meet Conference Premier ground grading

BROMLEY have signalled their intent to seal promotion into the Conference Premier for the first time in their illustrious history with the installation of 300 white seats at their iconic Hayes Lane stadium.

The club celebrate their 75^th anniversary at their current ground this season and the time has come for significant development to match progress on the pitch.

Bromley manager Mark Goldberg has guided the club to the summit of the Skrill (Conference) South with 59 points from 26 games.

They are 11 points clear of second-placed Eastleigh, who have three games in hand, but the Spitfires went down to a shock 2-1 defeat at third-from-bottom Tonbridge Angels last Monday night.

The two clubs meet each other at Hayes Lane on Tuesday, 8^th April.

But the club will bring the stadium up to the necessary ground grading in time of the deadline next month – but it will sadly signal the removal of the bench seating at Hayes Lane.

“Changes to the National Ground Grading criteria, made in 2011, mean that in order to be able to achieve promotion from Skrill South or even take part in the play offs we have to say goodbye to some of the benches behind the goal at the Norman Park end of the ground,” said a club statement issued on the club’s official website.

“Whilst it’s a shame to see one of the most famous parts of our ground disappear, the replacement of the traditional benches with more modern plastic seating will bring Hayes Lane more firmly into the 21^st century and hopefully provide a more comfortable experience for those choosing to sit behind the goal.”

Bromley are giving their loyal band of supporters a chance to sponsor the ground improvements.

“Given the timing of the change and the memories that many supporters will have of all the dreams that have been made and dashed whilst cheering on the club from behind the goal, we wanted to give supporters a chance to be a lasting part of the new memories that will doubtless come in the future.

“The club will therefore be launching a new Sponsor a Seat campaign at tomorrow’s home game against Boreham Wood.

“We’ve tried to keep the price as low as possible so that everyone can be involved.  Therefore, for just £10.50 you can adopt one of the new seats behind the goal.

“Everyone who joins in will receive a certificate (suitable for framing if you wish) and will be commemorated as part of a lasting tribute within the bar.”

Installation of four rows of 75 seats are being installed at the back of the stand behind the goal. Installation began at the beginning of the week and is expected to be completed in early March.  The cost of installation and transportation of the seats has reached £5,000.

The Conference South club added: “Thanks to The London FA, the club were fortunate enough to be able to obtain the seats from the London Legacy Development Corporation, who are the public sector, not-for-profit organisation responsible for the long term planning, development, management and maintenance of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its facilities after the London 2012 Games.

“The seats themselves have already seen plenty of memories being made as they were part of the Aquatic Centre at London 2012.”

Bromley’s last league title success was back in 1961 when the club won the Isthmian League title (Ryman Premier League in today’s money).

The club have finished runners-up to Leytonstone Ilford (1979-80), St Albans City (1985-86), Chesham United (1990-91) and Hampton & Richmond Borough in 2006/07.

Bromley are at home to fifth-from-bottom Boreham Wood tomorrow, while tenants Cray Wanderers host Lewes in the Ryman Premier League on Sunday.  Both games kick-off at 3:00pm.
 
 To purchase your seats please visit: www.bromleyfc.net
 
Bromley v Boreham Wood
Skrill South
Saturday 22^nd February 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF