Chelmsford City Football Club will be back playing in the borough "somewhere, sometime next season."

But where it will be remains a secret after a behind-closed-doors meeting between club directors and leaders of the Tory-controlled borough council.

City chairman Trevor Wright admitted the plan to build a temporary ground on two football pitches at Melbourne Park, for which the club has planning permission, is now dead.

"I have said all along to our huge band of loyal supporters that we would be returning to the borough," he said.

"I have also said that our intention was to return to the play in the borough at sometime in the 2004/2005 season and I still stand by that."

He said they now had an excellent working relationship with the council "the most positive and close liaison we have ever had since I have been chairman".

Both say they are totally committed to bring the club back home.

"We are now working closely with them to find a quicker solution to ending our exile which I know will be welcomed by everyone in Chelmsford."

Although active discussions have continued with both parties since last week's meeting it is hoped that a formal announcement about the stadium and its location will be made before Christmas.

The projected new stadium on Melbourne Park faltered because the council intended it to be only a short-term solution with a seven to 10-year life with the long-term answer seen to be out on land close to the Boreham Interchange, alongside the A12

But because Melbourne only had temporary approval it meant the club was unable to gain all the necessary financial backing in grants from organisations like the Football Trust.

Published Thursday November 20, 2003

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