GILLINGHAM chief executive Mark Jones has dismissed suggestions the club are considering a ground share with Southend United.
When the league fixtures were announced earlier this week, the two clubs’ games mirrored each other throughout the season - with Gills playing away when the Shrimpers were at home and vice versa.
But Jones rubbished internet rumours the club was planning to leave Priestfield in favour of Roots Hall.
He told Kent News: “There’s no truth in that whatsoever. We are in full swing to find ourselves a new location in Kent and we are not in conversation with anyone else.”
Jones was appointed in April to allow chairman Paul Scally to focus more of his time on raising investment for a new stadium. Relocation is seen as crucial to the club’s long term aspirations, with Scally first unveiling plans for a 20,000-seater stadium four years ago.
The original proposed site at Temple Marsh near Strood was rejected due to the high cost of improving transport links in the area.
With a lack of suitable sites in Medway, the club have considered other locations in Kent.
Gillingham Football Club plc no longer own Priestfield after shareholders agreed to sell the ground to Priestfield Developments Limited – a company owned by Scally - last December, reducing its £12million debts by 75 per cent.
Under the terms of the deal the company the club have a secure tender. The ground cannot be sold or developed as long as the club need it and until an alternative is built.
POSTED: 20/06/2008 12:54:30