Poole Town's Tatnam stadium undergoes facelift after new stadium plans delayed

*Written on BUzz*

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Poole Town FC's proposed move to Bearwood has been put on hold, forcing the club to begin work on their current Tatnam ground to meet FA regulations - allowing them to play in higher league football next year.

Instead, Wessex Premier League outfit Poole Town FC have begun work to revamp their current home ground - allowing access to the Southern League next year for their very first time.

Meanwhile, work will be put on hold to host their FA Vase semi-final tie against holders Whitley Bay in a week's time.

Their current Tatnam ground does not currently meet FA requirements for Southern League football, meaning promotion would be unsuccessful regardless of their finishing position.

Though the Dolphins have topped the Wessex Premier League for the last two years, their inability to meet stadium guidelines meant they could not get promoted - with their current position, seven points behind league leaders Winchester City with six games in hand, being irrelevant.

The club hope the refurbished current ground will meet FA ground grading with the March 31st deadline looming, with council talks delayed regarding a planned move to Bearwood.

A dismayed Mark Bumford, Commercial Director at Poole Town FC, said: "We do talk to the council a lot and they have been very supportive on the ability to upgrade Tatnam, but our fans are a little bit perplexed as to why this has happened.

"It is still not certain our plans will satisfy the FA, but we have full backing and we will give it our best shot."

The Dolphins' proposed move to Bearwood has been put on hold leaving their league presence next year largely unknown, sparking the initial decision to carry out work at their current Tatnam base. If granted clearance, the club will be given Southern League status for the very first time in their history - though not at the stadium originally planned for.

Bumford said: "Our hearing has already been put back two months, and who knows if it will be put back again - I certainly hope not."

With their FA Vase semi-final clash closing in, work will be halted to ensure player and crowd safety will not be disrupted.