Hucknall Town wave goodbye to their Watnall Road stadium as they prepare for a new ground a few hundred metres away, after a 15-year wait.
Following false hope and setbacks, work is now underway and progressing quickly at their new home on Aerial Way.
It is anticipated that the new ground, with two floodlit pitches and clubhouse, will be completed by September – and it is hoped that the majority of the 2022/23 season will be played there.
So that’s that… The Watnall Road floodlights were turned off for the last time.
So many amazing memories, some great friendships and some dodgy referees… Wouldn’t change a thing.
The future is bright for @HucknallTownFc but this place will never be forgotten.
🥹💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/nwgfbbRMhW
— Ste (@SteXualHealing) October 19, 2022
The club’s chairman, Bob Scotney, said: “This is a very exciting time for both the club and the town.
“Football is at the heart of the community and, after a very long and protracted period, we are finally on the move to a brand new ground.
“This will vastly improve the experience for both our loyal and new supporters, as well as others who use the clubhouse for various functions.”
No longer our house, but forever our home.
Goodnight Watnall Road ❤️ pic.twitter.com/e8gsiWaG2N
— Hucknall Town FC (@HucknallTownFc) October 19, 2022
The Watnall Road site is set to be use by supermarket chain Lidl bidding to build a new store there.
Only behind-the-scenes details were remaining for Hucknall to get the green light so the pace of work on the new ground would indicate these have been settled, as Hucknall Dispatch report.
Thankfully, they can now crack on with the new ground build, planning permission was granted back in 2016/17.
There will be two car-parking areas, at least two stands, turnstiles, changing rooms and access for emergency vehicles.
It will also be home to the Yellows’ youth set up, Hucknall Warriors, who run youth teams for the local community ranging from six-to-17-year-olds.
Warriors chairman, Paul Burley, who is also a member of The Yellows’ management committee, said: “After years of hard work put in by a very dedicated management committee at Hucknall Town, it’s great to see that pay off with a brand new ground which everyone in the town can be proud of.
“This is something that will benefit the whole community, from people just getting their children into youth football, to those who have been following Hucknall Town for many years.”
Watnall Road had been the home of Hucknall Town since 1943, previously seeing FA Vase runs during the 1970s and 80s, a memorable moments involve rounds of the fairytale FA Trophy campaign of 2004/05, and a record turnout of 1,871 against Bishop’s Stortford in a dramatic semi-final second leg that saw Hucknall book at place in the final at Villa Park.
As Hucknall Town wave goodbye to their stadium as they prepare for a new ground after a long 15-year wait, fans have been sharing their memories…
@SteXualHealing: The 3-2 Against Black Country Rangers on a football level, & the first presentation night me and Becky attended as everybody made us feel so welcome. 😃
@Leeroytarmac: Had some great games there with Pinxton fc all the best lads at your new ground from everyone at Pinxton fc 💙💙💙
@bertieostrich: Its been a special place to me for a large part of my life and I will truly miss the place but onto adventures new at the RM.
@measom_lee: Only got to go here once and what a day/game it was. It was a great little ground, all the best at your new home 🙌🏻
@andybevo1: From April 89 to October 22 for me – I saw it grow from a field with a little metal shack upto what it became. Some great memories that I’ll never forget 💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛
@MichaelBanist15: On to pastures new, goodbye to watnall road it’s been a pleasure 💛🖤
@bertieostrich: Good night and goodbye Watnall Road thanks for all the memories
@Forest4eva: Sad to see! I know only going over road but crazy when you say meet outside Hucknall towns ground.. its like when masons went was still saying Masons on corner for ages after
@russcooke4: The FA Trophy semi final 2nd leg v’s Bishop Stortford, realising the magnitude of what we achieved! And the FA Cup 4th qual round v’s Ilkeston (albeit we lost 😭) The two best atmospheres and occasions I remember. Loved it.
@2ToneMusic: Scored a screamer & 1 of the few goals of my career here 😂 played for some of the most passionate fans in non league, out ran Jamie Vardy 💨 had my first experience in the dug out with hucknall Unity & made some life long friends 🙌🏾 #memories
@PL2NL: Always a ground I enjoyed going to. Even in the old Eastwood v Hucknall days when it was a proper derby. Looking forward to visiting your new home
@NegusNFFC: Bittersweet moment 🥹🥹 Thanks for the memories 😊
@CantrillNathan: My first goal in senior football at 16 was at this ground … can still picture the ball stuck in the mud on the goal line waiting … very sad Watnall Road is no longer the home of Hucknall Town FC …. A massive local club that dominated Nottinghamshire non league at one stage ⚽️
@CallumWilbraham: Played so many matches on here. Remember playing on here when I was 16 and remember thinking it was a bit different from a Sunday league pitch. End of an era
@kinnerley_: Last 4 years with @HucknallTownFc from reserves to my first team debut some great memories and always a great atmosphere with the best fans in the league can’t wait for the move💛🖤💛🖤
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