FURTHER delays to pitch upgrades at Springfield Stadium offer government contractors time to begin crucial internal works that must also be completed before 31 March, according to the Jersey FA’s chief executive.
David Kennedy says confirmation that the main pitch at the St Helier venue will not close on 14 February, as initially planned, is good news, in the short-term at least for those who use the facility.
It is understood that outdoor access will remain available until early March and internal renovations, including improvements to disabled access and changing facilities for females, will be made in the interim.
While the works will benefit all levels of Island football they are particularly important for Jersey Bulls, who will not be eligible for promotion to Step 4 of the National League system until they are signed off by the England FA.
‘The closure of Springfield being pushed back to 1 March is obviously pleasing for everyone who uses the facility,’ said Kennedy. ‘That time between 14 February and 1 March will allow contractors to push on with some other works which are also required to meet the ground grading for Step 4 and 5 football. The final piece of the works would then be to get the fencing in place before the 31 March deadline.’
He added: ‘Everyone is working really hard to ensure that everything is in place by 31 March. In the meantime, myself and Bradley Vowden [Jersey FA president] have had initial discussions with the FA in London and if we need to revisit that date with them, and look at a potential extension, we will certainly attempt to do that.’
