Let's Share (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Let's Share

TOWN chief executive Mark Devlin has admitted that it would 'make sense' for the club to examine the option of sharing their new stadium.

As it stands, only Andy King's men are currently earmarked to ply their trade in a new 22,000 all-seater arena but the doors are not about to be slammed shut in anyone's face at this early stage.

Numerous football clubs who have 'moved house' have reaped the rewards of sharing their facilities with other sports clubs in their area.

Wigan's JJB Stadium hosts both football and Rugby League, while the Causeway Stadium is home to both Wycombe Wanderers and rugby union side London Wasps.

With a public consultation period about to get under way over Town's new stadium and the proposed sporting village of which it would be a part, Devlin admits his door is open to anyone who feels they could benefit from making their base in Swindon.

He said: "It makes sense to explore avenues for other sporting use in the new stadium. We haven't entered into discussions with any other club but it is an issue which has to be addressed.

"A new stadium is always going to cause people to look up and take notice.

"To be honest, I would be amazed if we didn't have a degree of interest from those who feel this could be an excellent opportunity for them.

"It is an important factor to consider as it could determine how the stadium project develops.

"You need to consider the grass surface if you are going to be hosting more than one team and would undersoil heating be necessary?

"As I said, nothing is set in stone at this stage. All I am saying is that we need to know in advance who is going to be using this stadium."

In tonight's Evening Advertiser supporters are given their first real glimpse of how the stadium would fit into the sporting village scheme and Devlin is hoping it will capture the imagination.

Town's new home might not simply be restricted to sporting use. Hull City's Kingston Communications Stadium is already preparing to host pop concerts and Devlin feels Swindon could follow suit.

He said: "Over time, the commercial team will be examining a variety of revenue-generating schemes. As I have said, I feel it is exciting times."

However, before the future is shaped, there is the small matter of the present and a derby clash with Bristol City at the County Ground on Saturday.

Despite Saturday's miserable 4-2 defeat at Peterborough United, derby interest remains intense.Box office manager Stuart Pike said: "We are down to around 1,300 tickets left and that is including around 300 restricted view seats. All I can say is to repeat the plea for people to get their tickets as early as possible and help us to sell out ahead of the match itself."

As for the players, they reported to the County Ground yesterday morning for an inquest into just what had gone wrong at London Road.

A 90-minute meeting saw views exchanged between players and manager before a training session on the pitch.

Skipper Matt Hewlett is expected to resume training later this week, Rhys Evans comes back into contention after a thigh strain, while Sean O'Hanlon is battling to shake off the thigh injury which saw him substituted at Peterborough on Saturday.