Gretna’s homecoming to Raydale park

May 1 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

GRETNA FC have finally been given the keys to their spiritual home – Raydale Park.

And following months of meetings and weeks of preparing the pitch, the new-look Gretna side will grace the hallowed turf for the first time tomorrow.

Chairman Anton Hodge has been leading the charge for the a return to the stadium that has been under lock and key since the Premier League side folded last year.

He has headed up the Raydale Community Partnership who were established with the primary aim of winning back the stadium.

Hodge said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s just really good news. It’s a return home and I think Saturday will be a bit of a party!

“Ever since we formed, we have wanted to be back at Raydale. A huge amount of hard work has gone into this and it’ll be a great day.”

A mystery buyer purchased the stadium earlier this year, dampening the Raydale Community Partnership’s hopes of buying back the ground.

But that buyer has struck a deal with the partnership, allowing the club to play its football in the ground, and even giving them the option to buy the site in the future. The deal also allows the social club and on-site Sunday market to be used.

Speaking to the Standard, Gretna boss Stuart Rome echoed Hodge’s delight.

Rome said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. To get to return to Gretna in our home ground is great.

“We’re back at home, and hopefully it will bring a return to some elderly fans who haven’t been able to watch at the Everholm.”

And Rome was quick to thank the hard work of many people working behind the scenes.

He added: “I’ve really got to give a special thank you to Alan Barlow at the Sport and Leisure Trust.

“He has helped us throughout the process and without his support we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

He also went on to thank the partnership and those who have helped with the turf’s maintenance.

Gretna now take on Gala Fairydean tomorrow, hoping that the new ground and bumper support will spur them on in their bid for promotion.