The Irama Sports revolution

Under the guidance of ex-Liverpool legend and Welsh international, Ian Rush, a group named Irama Sports have begun to purchase non-league grounds across the United Kingdom: Abingdon Town FC and Whyteleafe FC being the first two clubs to be announced publicly. In a statement released by the Surrey side it was said that the purchase took place last year, leaving the club to discuss renewing the lease of their Church Road home. It quickly became apparent that the new owners were not willing to allow the team to continue playing on their home pitch for the last 60 years having activated a clause to terminate the current lease come 31st July 2021, leaving the step 4 side homeless as things stand. As a result of this news, Whyteleafe have been forced to forfeit their place in the Isthmian Southern Central league for this coming season causing worry for their supporters, as well as opposition fans who aimed to visit the historic ground in the near future. This news was followed by a similar statement from Abingdon Town not long later. Giving up their status as a step 6 side, the club will not be competing in the Hellenic leagues for the fast approaching new season, reducing the amount of teams in the division for 21/22 after not being able to secure a new lease of their ground. Despite significant efforts by those involved in the club, the Singaporean based business asked for ridiculous demands.

As the news broke disgust from the football world grew, supporters and clubs started to send supportive messages to the two teams effected. The decision would not just be disappointing news for the fans but for the players too. With the pre-season schedules already having kicked off, managers across the leagues have started to build their squads, leaving little room for change between now and the first competitive game of the season. As a result of this, the unfortunate squad members of the previously mentioned sides are now left with little time to find new clubs to play their football at in the future. In conclusion I would like to take this opportunity to wish both Abingdon Town FC and Whyteleafe FC well for the future, and hope to visit when a new ground has been found.