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Poppies hope for lease extension
Poppies supporters have given their backing to Kettering Town's efforts to extend the lease on the club's ground to ensure its short-term survival.
Poppies development director Ken Samuel has said it is the best way of securing its future after chairman Imraan Ladak stepped down.
The club has once again contacted landlord Ben Pickering to try to negotiate an extended lease.
Mr Ladak had tried to set up a deal with Asda to build a stadium alongside a supermarket on the outskirts of town. But Kettering Council say planning guidelines relating to out-of-town shopping means the scheme could not go ahead.
Mr Samuel was involved in the meeting with Kettering Council before Christmas where all parties finally got together to try to find a way forward for the club.
The Poppies are unable to be promoted to the Football League at present as they have just three years remaining on their lease at Rockingham Road. A lease of 10 years or more or ownership of the stadium is needed to be eligible for promotion.
Mr Samuel said: "If Mr Pickering comes to the table, it's going to help immensely.
"The Supporters' Trust, the club and now the council have all written to him. The responses we have had is that he is not well enough to talk with us at the moment. However, we are hopeful of having some dialogue with him."
Chairman of the Kettering Town Supporters' Trust, Mark Severn, said: "We did write to Ben Pickering but he was unwilling to negotiate with a third party so we don't want to muddy the waters between him and the club.
"I understand there's outline plans for housing on the site so you can't blame him for wanting to hold out for the best deal.
"I'm a naturally optimistic person and I think while there's still time and a will, there's a way."
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Weather for Kettering
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -8 C to -1 C
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