16th December 2020
Cheltenham Town Ladies’ clash with table-toppers, Southampton FC, has been forced into a venue change due to the weather making The Big Local Stadium’s pitch unplayable.
The fixture, originally set to take place at Cheltenham Saracens’ ground, will now see the teams square off at Tewkesbury School’s 4G surface.
Unfortunately this means that the club can not welcome fans to the game, as part of the agreement with the school is that only essential staff and players be present. The club will have a list of people approved for entry, only those on the list will be admitted.
“This is not how we wanted to welcome the league leaders,” the club’s Head of Media, Dan Lodge, commented.
“We were really hoping to welcome fans back, have them get behind the team and be that twelfth player. It’s unfortunate but we’re caught between a rock and a hard place – we have to find an alternative venue to get the game on, and we have to make sure we can afford it.
“We’re not able to welcome fans in, so we’re missing out on gate receipts, we’re missing out on shop sales, but the saddest part is that we’re missing out on the matchday atmosphere. That buzz that a matchday brings, the anticipation and excitement. Losing that is probably the deepest cut.
“It’s very easy to say we should just move it somewhere that allows fans. The truth is, we have to abide by any wishes of any venue we use, and we’re extremely limited in terms of available and affordable locations, and we need to get the best deal possible for the club. If that means we can’t welcome fans this time, then sadly there isn’t much we can do.
“The fans don’t like it, and we understand that, and we don’t like it either. Sadly we’re all in the same boat. Our supporters can’t come and show their love for the team, you’ve got parents that can’t come and support their own kids. So everybody is missing out, which is gutting, but chances are, that’s something we’ll have to endure until this pandemic is brought under control.”
Supporters will be able to follow the game on the club’s Twitter page, with the media team looking to provide another Facebook Livestream of the match.
