Stadium settlement kicks off new era

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Kendal Town are going to ask fans to help rename their clubhouse after announcing on Monday that it had been passed over to the club’s direct control.

The First Division North’s Mintcakes say they are ‘delighted’ that negotiations over the clubhouse occupancy have been successfully concluded with Parkside (Kendal) Ltd.

Control passed with immediate effect and the club hopes it will herald a fresh start generating revenue to further its senior football and sporting aims for people of all ages and abilities in the South Lakeland community.

The competition to find a new name will be launched in the coming days and delighted officials want it to reflect their ‘not for profit’ status, growing community links, aims, history, locality and notable names like President Sir Tom Finney.

The Mintcakes made the announcement following the conclusion of three years of complicated negotiations over the stadium at Parkside Road which is owned by The Clark Foundation and leased to South Lakeland District Council. The members of Kendal Town Football Club hold an extended under lease with South Lakeland District Council for the whole stadium, including the pitch, the stand, the changing rooms, the clubhouse building and other structures on the site.

Hailing the dawn of a new era for the club, Chairman Haydon Munslow said: "I am delighted to conclude this deal which is an important part of our football club’s progress. We have been talking to Parkside (Kendal) Ltd for three years trying to find a mutually acceptable exit settlement. A deal has now been reached and agreed by all parties.

"The keys to The Park have today been handed over to Kendal Town. From now on the revenue we create from the use of our clubhouse including the proceeds from the bar sales will go directly into improving stadium facilities and the supporting the various playing teams."