Must admit I'd rather see the Pilot Field upgraded. But the new stadium is a solid sign of the club's ambitions. The ol Pilot Field still has plenty of life in it though.
I've grown to love Pilot Field in the 10 years since I first started attending, but I can still recall my initial disappointment at seeing the old speedway track intervening between the pitch and the stands. I had been used to grounds where supporters were much closer to the pitch and I disliked those where an athletics track, dog track or whatever intervened. Hopefully the new ground will not have that problem.
Yes, new grounds seldom have the atmosphere of old established grounds but the reality is that we are unlikely to progress without a relocation. That is a worth while trade-off. The current proposals tick many boxes and look viable. Let's get behind it.
My worry remains the financial risks of relocation. Several times on this forum I've mentioned the difficulties clubs I have supported in the past have encountered post relocation. Guildford City ceased to exist, the Wimbledon saga is well known and Kingstonian's long approach to the abyss might well be nearing its finalle.
I would urge those in authority at the club to be as open as they possibly can be, within the constraints of commercial confidentality, about the financial arrangements the club is entering into. Transparency is not in itself a cure all, but it can help identify and mitigate some of the serious dangers our club will likely face in the near future. The more all who support the club can work together the lesser the risk and the greater the prospect of success.
