A BRIGHT new future lies ahead for Nantwich Town Football Club now that their long-proposed ground move finally looks on.

Big plans are afoot for the club, with a purpose-built stadium at Kingsley Fields in the pipeline.

And the Dabbers can at last start the ball rolling now their current home, Jackson Avenue, has been sold to Jennings Homes for an undisclosed six figure sum.

The club's treasurer Bernard Lycett revealed the deal was wrapped up over the last week.

"Now the trustees have finalised the ground's sale to Jennings Homes, we can start to look at access and planning permission for the new ground.

"We're now looking into applying for grants to finance the project. I've contacted the FA to see what support they can offer us which may be quite substantial.

"We'll also seek lottery funding. The Government is heavily pushing grass-roots football so we'll have to wait and see."

The Dabbers' new ground has been earmarked for a site between Malbank High School and Nantwich Swimming Pool as part of the massive Kingsley Fields development which also boast around 850 new homes.

But it doesn't just stop with a new home for North West Counties League action.

The club is eager to develop the complex even further, appealing to all leisure addicts. A potential fitness suite is among many ideas muted.

This, together with the Barony Park development, could see Nantwich become the envy of the whole county, boasting top class sporting facilities for all ages, ranging from rollerskating to athletics.

"I have looked at the outline plans and it's really exciting," added Mr Lycett.

"This could set the club up for the next 20 years. I think we can learn from experience and look at other clubs like Witton who sold their ground and moved to a new one only to end up close to bankruptcy. We've got to be prudent."

It's certainly been an eventful season for the Dabbers.

"It's getting better," he exclaimed. "Dave's done a good job this year considering we started with nothing.

"I'm sure we'll continue with the youth policy and we plan to re-introduce the reserve side and enter the FA Youth Cup."

Nantwich boss Dave Cooke was also delighted with the proposals.

"I don't think we'll be kicking-off at a new ground for another two years but the club can now start getting things together and prepare to go forward."

BY TOBY ROBINSON