I have no idea what the future holds for Greenwich Borough, says Holmesdale chairman Mark Harris

GREENWICH BOROUGH face an uncertain future after Holmesdale chairman Mark Harris confirmed that he is looking for a new tenant at Oakley Road.



Greenwich Borough have shared the Bromley based club for the past three seasons after their lease at their former ground at Harrow Meadow in Eltham was not renewed by Greenwich council, who sold the land for a new housing estate.

The club secured a three-year lease to play at Holmesdale, but they have failed to attract a sustainable fan-base and this season average around 40 in all competitions.

Their biggest gate of the season was for the visit of neighbouring Ryman Premier League side Cray Wanderers – who share Bromley’s nearby Hayes Lane ground – which attracted 141 fans to a FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie back in September.

Their lowest was on Tuesday night when only 19 watched Greenwich Borough’s 2-0 win over Woodstock Sports, courtesy of second half goals from Dan Akpoveta and Dan Stenning.

Holmesdale, meanwhile, also suffer from trying to attract crowds at their games as 656 fans have watched 15 league and cup games at their modest ground, averaging 44 per match.

Their largest was their first home game of the season when 80 flocked through the gate to witness their midweek 2-1 defeat to Tunbridge Wells.  Their lowest was 14, against Rochester United, in their 1-0 win in the Macron Kent League Cup First Round First Leg.

Holmesdale chairman Mr Harris is now inviting applications for a three-year groundshare deal at Oakley Road.

He said: “I have no idea what the future holds for Greenwich Borough.  The three-year deal is coming to an end and we are seeking approaches for a further three-year deal.

”Greenwich Borough are able to approach us if they wish and we will consider alongside others we receive.

”Our relationship with Greenwich Borough was always cordial.

”We are looking for a tenant who is financially secure, shares similar values and ultimately is a good face fit with Holmesdale and our members.”

Fisher’s Ryman Youth League side play their home games at Oakley Road, usually on Thursday evenings, and when asked whether their Kent League rivals will continue there next season, Mr Harris replied, “We have not yet decided on other pitch hire agreements but will do so over the next month.”

Holmesdale are now managed by former Bromley youth team manager Paul Proctor and the side lie in the bottom three in the Kent Hurlimann Football League table, with five wins and three draws from 25 games.

They are one place below Greenwich Borough, who have notched five wins and three draws from their 22 games.

Holmedale are next in action next Tuesday 12 March away to neighbours Beckenham Town, while Greenwich Borough welcome Canterbury City to Oakley Road on Saturday.

When asked about future ground improvements, Mr Harris revealed: “We continue to improve the ground, pitch and overall facility to maintain compliance with league regulations and to allow entry to the FA Vase and FA Cup. It’s an ongoing programme.

”We find survival as a Kent League club challenging but achievable. We are lucky to have a strong core of volunteers to ensure we can compete and maintain a facility to rival our more illustrious opponents.”

Mark Harris can be contacted on 07967 555 890.

Visit Holmesdale’s website: www.holmesdalefc.co.uk