“RELIEVED” campaigners have welcomed the news that Basingstoke Town Football Club (BTFC) will continue to ply their trade at the Camrose next season.

Serious doubts had been raised about where the club would be playing its football in August after the club’s outgoing chairman, Rafi Razzak, announced he would be ending his ongoing support to the club.

Mr Razzak, who has been associated with the club for 25 years, said the club would have to find a new home due to issues surrounding planning permission at the Camrose, the home of BTFC for over 70 years.

Farnborough Football Club’s Rushmoor Community Stadium was earmarked as a groundshare option for BTFC to play its home games at – despite being nearly a 40-mile round trip away for fans.

But following last week’s shock announcement by the club’s chief executive David Knight saying the club would continue to play at the Camrose, Simon Hood, founder of the Keep Football in Basingstoke campaign ground, said fans were “relieved” to know where their beloved team would be playing next season.

Mr Hood said: “There are a lot of happy people and fans who I think are all overwhelmed that we’re going to be staying at the Camrose.

“We’ve been led on such an emotional journey over the last few months, but it’s not over yet. This is just the shortterm solution.

“Hopefully when the fans’ forum takes place we’ll get a few more answers about what’s in store over the next few years.”

On Tuesday (May 23), the fans’ forum will be held at the Camrose’s clubhouse from 7pm.

Last week Mr Knight said “a lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes”.

He added: “While much work has still to be done, I am pleased to announce that the club will continue to play at The Camrose.

“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Farnborough for their kind offer of a groundshare for next season, and we appreciate their patience and support during the last few weeks.

“We look forward to meeting them next season.”

Basingstoke Town manager Terry Brown welcomed the “absolutely fantastic news”.

He said: “This is fantastic news for the club and Dave Knight has worked tirelessly to make this happen. When you look at Slough you can see what a difference playing in your own ground makes.”

And after months of discussions between Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the club’s officials, the council’s cabinet member for communities and community safety, Cllr Simon Bound said: “It is great news for the fans that the club will be staying in Basingstoke for the coming year. Hopefully the club’s future plans will soon become clearer.”