Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Rovers make the grade
Story courtesy of
Gresley Rovers are in the Beazer Homes Premier Division – and that’s official!
The news that Rovers’ Moat Ground had been passed fit for membership of the top flight was broken by two members of the league’s management committee last night.Officials Keith Allen and Brian Nevett came to Gresley to officially hand over the Midland Division runners-up trophy.
But with more than 200 fans gathered to witness the event the pair revealed that the last stumbling block between Rovers and promotion had been removed.
The news was announced to wild applause by Rovers’ commercial director Frank McArdle.
Allen, referring to Rovers previous failures to gain promotion from the West Midlands League, then said: “Two or three years ago the Beazer management committee weren’t the most popular people at Gresley. But I think you’ll agree we were right at the time. All ground grading requirements are important. But the progress Gresley has made has been miraculous – the people who have dome all the work off the pitch have done a fantastic job.”
Allen later told the Mail: “We are empowered to say we are recommending to the management committee that Gresley are admitted to the Premier Division. There will be no further ground inpection.”
The news was greeted with delight and relief by Rovers officials. Said Chairman Peter Hall: “I still can’t believe it – it’s absolutely brilliant news. It means all the works that’s been done has been worthwhile.”
Manager Steve Dolby was equally delighted, saying: “After all the disappointments of the past it was always a nagging doubt that we would go up – but this is tremendous news. We start building for next season as from now.”
