'Barry to return to Jenner' (From Barry And District News)

'Barry to return to Jenner'

BARRY Town will almost certainly be back playing in Jenner Park next season, according to the club chairman.

Stuart Lovering says he is'90 percent sure' that he will manage to get the club back into its home, and that he will manage to reduce the amount they have to pay to use the stadium.

He said: "I don't want to take a penny out of the club.

"If I really wanted to I could shut the football side of things down but I am happy to continue. Since I have been here I have not paid myself a penny.

"This year the club has lost 60,000 but I have paid that.

"My aim is for the club to be self-sufficient, and all the money from the club house put back in to the football side of things."

A bill for nearly 40,000 was set by the District Valuer for the use of the stadium and has to be paid to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. This season the club was paying 500 a game, but this did not cover the amount owed so they have been playing home games in Treforest.

Mr Lovering disputes the amount and has appealed to the valuer to reconsider his valuation. He said: "Grange Quins pay 189 a match and Llanwern pay 80, and in the Valleys they pay 450 for the year.

"There is no way that this club could pay thousands for the year.

"We are in discussion with the Vale of Glamorgan Council."

He bought the club for 125,000 in December 2003 and has set up academies for under 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 levels and three mini teams, although they are banned from using the pitch at Jenner Park because of the outstanding rent issue.

There is also a link-up with Barry Comprehensive School (see page 31)

Mr Lovering said: "We have a good youth system and many of the first team players are from Barry. I think nine of the 11 are from the Barry area.

"A few of the players have been on trials for professional league clubs.

"We hope to be challenging for the Welsh Premier within the next three to four years."

The chairman also wants to renovate the clubhouse and still has aspirations to build a brand new stadium.