Stourbridge Football Club will be forced to pull down 'a number of stands' at 137-year-old home - details

Dramatic changes are set to follow for the historic non-league club, who forecast an "extremely costly" and "stressful" period ahead for their home of 137 years.

Stourbridge have been told their existing floodlights and some stands must be taken down following the final home fixture of the current campaign, against Bromsgrove Sporting on April 21.

It has been outlined to the club that floodlights and stands are situated too closely to the banks which surround the War Memorial Ground.

Stourbridge have worked with structural engineers following a deterioration of the banks. The ground is also the base of Stourbridge Cricket Club.

The Glassboys said it has been "made abundantly clear" that some of their facilities are too close to the banks and must be taken down.

It leaves question marks around next season and beyond for the club, who play in the third tier of non-league football and have called the site their home since 1888.

In a statement, Stourbridge added they are working closely with Dudley Council and the Football Association for potential solutions, but say any outcome will come at a significant cost.

The club are looking into funding streams and say that includes from the fan base and community.

They say an outcome could take some time to reach a conclusion - but Stourbridge retain optimism a solution can be found.

The statement added: "We are however optimistic that a solution can be achieved if everyone is prepared to work together. We would ask that all of our season ticket holders, supporters and members remain patient with us and use the last few weeks of the season to support us as they have always done.

"We thank you for your continued support and look forward to bringing you positive developments over the coming weeks and months."

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council and a ward councillor for Amblecote said: “We are currently in discussions with the club and other agencies to look at what options are available to everyone involved. 

"Clearly this is a club with a proud history and we will do what we can as a responsible landowner to support them.”