Melksham Town ‘elated’ to welcome back fans to the Oakfield Stadium

MELKSHAM Town FC has said that the club is ‘elated’ to welcome back supporters to its ground in time for the new season.

Chair of Melksham Town FC, Darren Perrin, told Melksham News, “We’re absolutely elated and delighted that we’re allowed supporters back in the ground for the start of the season. We could not survive without them. 

“The club has been going 144 years, but this pandemic has almost decimated us – but the community, our sponsors and supporters, what they have done to help – words can’t describe it. 

“You could use every adjective going – magnificent, fantastic, superb, grateful, appreciated – all those words and more for our supporters, sponsors and the community for helping to keep us going through this pandemic. So a huge thank you to everyone. 

“And now the club is looking forward to getting back to playing football – first we have the FA Cup match on Saturday 12th September, and then the big one – the start of the league with our first home match against Winchester City on Saturday 19th September.”

Supporters returning to the infiLEdD Arena at Oakfield Stadium will notice a number of measure in place to ensure the club is following current ‘Covid-secure’ guidance.

Darren explained, “Currently we are allowed a maximum number of 400 spectators in the ground – but we have a very big football ground, so as long as people take responsibility for social distancing and sticking to the rules, there should be plenty of room for everyone.

“We have done everything that we possibly can to be Covid-secure – there is hand sanitiser available on arrival, and there is sanitiser available in the toilet areas.

“Spectators will have to sign in to comply with ‘track and trace’ rules. And we ask that everyone maintains social distancing with anyone outside of their household at all times, and gather in groups of no more than six.

“There is a one-way system throughout the club, and there is signage and posters throughout the grounds to remind people of their responsibilities. And we have a Covid-19 officer on site for all the home games.

“Spectators were allowed at our Chippenham Town and Swindon Town friendlies, and I must thank all the supporters who supported those games and abided by restrictions and measures in place.

“The government and FA will review their guidance in October, and if things continue to go the way that they are, the capacity will be increased again. However, our average attendance last season was 402 – so we are confident that we should be able to accommodate the majority of our fans – we are just pleased to have them back!”