Kentish Football 
Floodlighting delays are holding us back, says Holmesdale secretary - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Holmesdale’s promotion into the Kent League hangs in the balance due to local Council red tape over their floodlighting application, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Bromley Common side will clinch the British Energy Kent County Premier League title on the last day of their season with a win over Rusthall on Saturday.
But whether the Oakley Road outfit will be playing their neighbours Beckenham Town or Croydon in the Kent League next season is still in doubt.
“Our planning application with Bromley Council has gone backwards and forwards due to extra information that they have requested,” secretary Mark Hayes said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.
“The planning decision has been deferred until the end of May.
“We have managed to reduce the light spillage from the ground scheme, from 40 meters outside our boundary fence to within our boundary fence.
“We have offered to paint the columns green to blend into the background, and to also remove our training lights on our north east boundary adjacent to the nearest residence.”
The club are raising the necessary funds to ensure they can erect floodlights at their ground.
“We have had several estimates ranging from £34,000 to £43,000 but we will have the additional cost of purchasing a three phase silent generator to run the lighting scheme, which will cost around £6,000,” revealed Mr Hayes.
“As soon as the planning, fingers crossed, is accepted, we will apply for funding and also continue to raise funds through our existing - and hopefully - new sponsors.
“All the work we have undertaken at the ground has been self funded but we have now got to the stage where we will need some financial help.”
Mr Hayes admitted the club are still puzzled with regards to which league they will be playing in when the new season kick’s off in August.
He said: “We are still in correspondence with the Kent League on the promotion front.
“It has been muted at the Joint Liaison Committee meetings that there may be some relaxations in the ground requirements, but what they are, we do not know!
“But as long as you have planning in place for lighting and are working towards installation, that would help, or you could negotiate a ground share for a couple of seasons, that would also help, but we will have to wait and see.”
But if that fails, Mr Hayes believes the club, once it’s erected their floodlights, will be playing Kent League football within two years.
“We would still have to finish in the top two of the Premier Division,” he said. “If we keep the squad together and get the lighting installed, hopefully a couple of seasons.
“It’s only really the lights holding us back. We have most of the other requirements in place.”
Holmesdale are expecting to attract their largest crowd of the season to Oakley Road on Saturday for their championship winning finale.
But Mr Hayes warned Rusthall, who will be parting company with their manager Robbie Forbes at the end of the season, could be party poopers.
“We had over 150 on Saturday (and) it would be nice to get the same or more as it all helps our financial situation,” he said.
“The support was terrific and it gave the lads a real boost.
“But Saturday’s game is no forgone conclusion as we scraped a 2-1 win away to Rusthall earlier this season.
“It’s also their managers last game after quite a few years in charge, so Rusthall will be up for it.
“It will be down to how much the players want to win the title and gain promotion with Holmesdale.”
But Mr Hayes is delighted with the progress of, not only their first team, but also their second string.
“Our reserves won their reserve divisions cup and they are also top of the reserve division west with three games to play, so both sides could win their respective titles,” he said.
“It would be a brilliant way to end our 50th season and will add to the celebrations at our 50th Dinner Dance on the 9th June at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon.”
www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be making our first ever visit to Oakley Road to cover this match.
Admission prices:
£3 (including programme)
£2 (without programme)
Holmesdale Football Club: 0208 462 4440
Visit club websites:
Holmesdale v Rusthall
British Energy Kent County League Premier Division
Saturday 12th May 2007
Kick Off 2:45pm
At Holmesdale Sports & Social Club, 68 Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 8HG
* The above article was written before Bromley Green lost at home to Stansfeld on Monday afternoon, meaning Holmesdale are able to celebrate their second successive title before Saturday's game with Rusthall.
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd