The 1971 Amateur Cup winners and current Northern Premier League Premier Division club “may be lost forever” according to chairman Paul Griffiths
28 March ~ Skelmersdale United’s future is in doubt after the owners of their stadium refused to grant either a new lease or extend the existing one. If the situation cannot be resolved it could see the end of the 135-year-old club, who currently play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. In 1971 they won the Amateur Cup, having been runners up in the same competition in 1967 (see WSC 309).
The club’s chairman, Paul Griffiths, has voiced his dismay at Chequer Properties, who own the Uretek Stadium: “We have been trying for almost two years to reach an agreement to remain in business at our stadium, but the owners of the site Chequer Properties have refused to grant an official new lease or extension.
Griffiths continued in an official statement on the club’s website: “Without this we will be thrown out of the league and the history of this great community club may be lost forever. We would appreciate support and help from anyone to resolve this matter, and keep the Amateur Cup winners, Skelmersdale United alive and well for the West Lancashire community.
“It is unthinkable that one business should decide to close the club down by their unfair actions, and unwillingness to grant this lease. This closure would be tragedy for Skelmersdale United, its fans and the wider community.”
Notable former Skelmersdale players include former Liverpool winger Steve Heighway and Cardiff’s current No 11 Craig Noone.