Rugby club chairman speaks out over Maidenhead United's ground move

Maidenhead United’s quest for a new and improved ground should not come at the expense of Braywick Park and Maidenhead Rugby Club, according to Maids chairman Steve Bough.

In a letter to the Advertiser (see Viewpoint, p24) Mr Bough hit back at claims made by Maidenhead United boss Alan Devonshire last week that the ground move must go ahead if the Magpies are to survive.

Mr Bough reiterated the rugby club’s opposition to the Magpies’ potential relocation from their historic York Road home.

He said he welcomed the council’s review into the deal to lease nine acres of Braywick Park for the football club to build a ground.

Mr Bough said: “In my discussions with Jon (Adams) and Peter (Griffin), I have repeatedly agreed that they need better facilities, but not at the expense of Braywick Park and Maidenhead Rugby Club.

“These discussions have also repeatedly requested how a circa £25 million, 5,200 capacity stadium can be justified for a football club with an average attendance of circa 1,400 and, more importantly, how they intend to commercialise Braywick Park for their own financial requirements.”

The rugby club has repeatedly raised concerns over the potential loss of rugby pitches if the move goes ahead.

足球俱乐部主席彼得格里芬回答说:“One of the main objections the rugby club has always made is they would be losing facilities.

“But this is clearly not the case, it’s actually enshrined and protected in the lease that they would get the right to use the pitches that we construct.”