New stand unveiled as Darlaston Town comeback continues
A new 50-seater stand has been unveiled at a historic football club in the latest part of its rebuilding story.
The completion of the £21,000 project will pave the way for Darlaston Town 1874 FC to get back to where they were before being forced to fold three years ago due to financial troubles.
They are currently playing in Division One of the West Midlands Regional League but the new stand, which also features wheelchair access for disabled supporters, will enable them to play in the Premier division one promotion away.
Before dissolving, Darlaston had held their home games in the premier division at Waverley Road which had an old wooden stand built in the early 1900s.
But since their resurrection they now play at Bentley Road where they have gradually looked to rebuild and revamp the facilities.
Club chairman Neil Chambers said: "This was the next phase in our development. In the past two years we have been at Bentley Leisure Pavilion and we have looked to improve the facilities. The next phase was the stand.
"This will be fit for the West Midlands Premier Division and above. Obviously we have to win the leagues and get there but we wanted to put the facilities in place ready to move us on when that time arrives.
"The old stand (at Waverley Road) was just wooden benches and while it had a great history being over 100 years old it was not really suitable anymore."
The club had raised more than £6,500 for the development itself and benefitted hugely from a £15,288 grant from the Premier League Football Stadium Improvement Fund.
Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz had helped secure the funding and was present for the unveiling on Saturday ahead of Darlaston's Birmingham FA Vase match against Alvis Sporting FC which they lost four nil.
Ms Vaz said: "This has been very important to me because it provides a place for young people to play and who knows what they could become.
"It is also very good to see the Premier League give something back to grassroots football.
"The new stand is a just a joyful place to sit.
"I hope it gives Darlaston the chance to go from strength to strength."
