We are entering a critical stage in Fisher's history, says secretary Dan York

Wednesday 28th November 2012
The campaign to get Fisher Football Club back home has now reached a crucial stage as the club’s home ground, the Surrey Docks Stadium in Rotherhithe, is on the verge of being sold to developers who have not spoken to the football club.



The historic ground and surrounding land is being sold by receivers for Ulster Bank.

Fisher have been working with one of the groups bidding to buy the ground who wanted to ensure a return home for The Fish as part of their plans to redevelop what is currently an eyesore for local residents.

Information received by the Kent League club, however, suggests that the receivers appear to have chosen a different bid.

Reacting to the news, Fisher chairman Ben Westmancott said: “Fisher are disappointed that those behind the winning bid have not spoken to the club. 

“However, they will be aware that a covenant exists over the ground which means that any redevelopment must include improved facilities for the football club.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of local councillors and our patron, Simon Hughes MP, who like us want to see the Surrey Docks Stadium become a thriving community sports facility.

“We are expecting the preferred bidder to make contact with us soon as part of their due diligence process and we are keen to work with them so that they can understand our requirements – and the benefits that an improved community facility can deliver to new and existing residents in the area.”

Fisher Football Club Patron and local MP, Simon Hughes said: “Bringing Fisher FC back to the north of the borough is crucial for its long-term survival.  The club have made great process in encouraging youngsters in the local area to take up football through the youth teams.

“Having a base in the local area is critical. Redeveloping the old ground will bring benefits to the club and community.”

James Mathie, from Supporters Direct added: “The loss of the Surrey Docks Stadium greatly influenced the demise of Fisher Athletic FC.  Thankfully due to the miracles performed by Fisher supporters they have managed to reform the club as one democratically owned by its members and it is on the up again.

“For the club to thrive and to achieve maximum community benefit they need to be back in their spiritual home at Salter Road.

“Working with clubs across the UK we will see that football clubs that are well run can enrich a community, giving it a source of pride and facilities that can be enjoyed by local residents.”

Fisher club secretary Dan York added: “We are entering a critical stage in the club’s history and we need our fans and the local community now more than ever.

“We are appealing to individuals and businesses in the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe community and sympathisers beyond for any support that they can offer – time, professional support and sponsorship will all help us at this important point.”

Fisher are a supporter-owned and run football club, run on a not-for-profit basis and play in the Kent Football League.  The club’s directors are elected annually by members.

The club were formed as a continuation of Fisher Athletic FC who were liquidated in 2009.

Fisher’s history in Bermondsey stretches back to 1908.  The club achieved great successes in the 1980s/early 1990s when they reached the Football Conference and twice reached the FA Cup First Round.

Fisher moved into the Surrey Docks Stadium in 1982 and played there until 2004, when they club’s former owner moved the team to groundshare with Dulwich Hamlet pending a redevelopment of the football ground and surrounding land.  That redevelopment never went ahead.

Fisher continue to groundshare with Dulwich Hamlet FC but the club’s owners – the fans – are clear that the club belongs to Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.  The club’s constitution commits them to a return to the area.

Fisher run a youth academy for young footballers in the Bermondsey area, combining football and vocational education and they compete in the high quality Ryman Youth League.

Fisher travel to Kent League leaders Erith Town on Saturday.

The club can be contacted via email – info@fisherfc.co.uk

Visit Fisher’s website: www.fisherfc.co.uk

Erith Town  v  Fisher
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Saturday 1st December 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Erith Stadium, Avenue Road, Erith, Kent DA8 3AT