I would equally thank the incredible support from fans and Bromley residents to make our dream a reality, says Cray Wanderers chairman Gary Hillman

CRAY WANDERERS chairman Gary Hillman has thanked everybody for their support as their 44-year exile is coming to an end.

The Ryman League Division One North club were successfully granted approval (subject to conditions) for their application to build a multi-purpose stadium on Flamingo Park in Chislehurst.



FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME: Cray Wanderers were given the go-ahead by Bromley Council on Tuesday night to build a stadium at Flamingo Park

Bromley Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the scheme by a comfortable majority, after a presentation from the club and written support from Bob Neil MP, Sport England, the FA and London Sport, many amongst others on Tuesday night.

This decision will now be referred to the London Mayor and the Secretary of State for ratification and is subject to planning conditions to be proposed by the Council.

Assuming the above criteria is met, this decision will finally result in an outstanding stadium, community regeneration scheme and long awaited home for London’s oldest football club.

Chairman Gary Hillman said in a statement: “I want to thank Bromley’s planning committee for appreciating the community benefits and genuine common sense of our scheme to finally provide Cray Wanderers FC with a home.

“I would equally thank the incredible support from fans and Bromley residents to make our dream a reality.”

The Wands have played at Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground since 1999 and the two clubs have forged an excellent relationship during that time, with Mr Hillman’s building firm building the current main stand and extension when Bromley were in the Ryman League.

Club secretary Mark Hunt and I (Stephen McCartney) spend many hours during the season sitting next to each other in the Hayes Lane press box reporting on Cray Wanderers games.

Mr Hunt said: “Thank you for all the support you and your Kentish Football website has given to Cray Wanderers and its quest for a new home over the last few years.

“From the disappointment of Sandy Lane to hopefully the euphoria of Tuesday night it has been a difficult ride for the club.

“Hopefully we can be on the way up and maybe in a few years’ time meet Bromley again in a match up in a higher league.”

Cray Wanderers complete their Ryman League Division One North campaign when Maldon & Tiptree visit Hayes Lane tomorrow.

The Wands are in fourth-place in the table and will travel to the side that finish in third (Harlow Town or Thurrock) in the play-offs next Wednesday night.

Cray Wanderers haven’t played at their home ground for 44 years and expect to move in to Flamingo Park at the start of the 2018-19 season.

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.cray-wanderers.com

Visit the Flamingo Park website: http://flamingoparkproject.com