It's been some planning battle over the last ten years, says Cray Wanderers chairman Gary Hillman

CRAY WANDERERS are celebrating their greatest ever victory tonight.

 

Bromley Council have this evening voted 10 to 6 in favour for the club to build their new stadium at Flamingo Park.

“This is one of the most remarkable results in the club’s 156-year history and hard work, aspirations and dreams of many have paid off,” said a club statement.

“A new chapter of the club will be re-written over the next few years.

“We owe a great deal of gratitude to Gary Hillman, Dave Francis, Mike Paye, Terry Pullen and the team at Substania (our PR people) and our star performer on the day, Bob McQuillan whose eloquent defence helped sway the final decision.

“Also a huge amount of thanks to everyone who made their contribution towards supporting the project.

“Big days ahead for Cray Wanderers.”

Cray Wanderers chairman Gary Hillman was naturally overwhelmed when he broke the news of the club’s greatest victory on Twitter earlier.

“Yesss we got it!! Planning granted tonight for Cray Wanderers new ground!! 44 years of hurt!! Football’s coming home!!

“The champagne’s going down well! Thanks to everyone involved it’s been some planning battle over the last ten years!”

Cray Wanderers play their home games at Hayes Lane in Bromley.

Bromley chairman Jerry Dolke tweeted: “So pleased for Gary Hillman. I know exactly over the last 15 years I’ve been at Bromley what this approval means to that man.”

On the pitch, Cray Wanderers sealed a 4-0 win at Wroxham in their penultimate Ryman League Division One North game of the season tonight.

The Wands are in fourth-place in the table, which means that they will be away from home in their play-off semi-final.

Manager Tony Russell tweeted: “What a night, some people questioned why I would leave a team in the Premier and drop down. Well now you know…

“Just doing my half-time team talk and Mark Simpson (club secretary) burst in shouting “We have got the ground, we won!!”

“That will stay with me for a long time – great times!"

Tonight we congratulate Mr Hillman and his team on their successful long drawn out battle to bring Cray Wanderers back home.

Cray Wanderers will remain at Hayes Lane for the next couple of seasons before moving into their new stadium ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Visit Cray Wanderers website: www.cray-wanderers.com