Di Paola: Having a permanent home can secure a solid future

Dominic Di Paola believes a new permanent home of their own can secure a solid future for Horsham.
DM16139200a.jpg Football: Horsham v Lewes. Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160829-220736008DM16139200a.jpg Football: Horsham v Lewes. Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160829-220736008
DM16139200a.jpg Football: Horsham v Lewes. Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-160829-220736008

The manager has made no secret of the struggles his side have faced by having no reserve, under-18 or under-21 teams this season.

With planning granted for a new 1,300 capacity ground and two 3G pitches, the Hornets can start to implement more teams to bolster player numbers and also generate funds of their own rather than spending money on ground sharing.

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Di Paola said: “I can’t quite believe it has happened. It’s massive for the club and whoever is manager at the time as it might not be us - although we hope it is - but for Horsham FC it’s huge and there is massive potential if they get it all right.

“I just think in so many ways it will make life a lot easier. From a financial point of view, you can’t hide from the fact that football requires finances, and this gives us a chance to generate some when we move in.

“In terms of attracting players, we will have a base and very good facilities along with a good catchment area.

“From a club and playing point of view, it allows us to think about an academy and under-18 side and include a reserve team possibly. It gives the opportunity to have a fully-fledged youth set-up and a chance to develop young players which is great.”

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And while Di Paola and his management team hope to still be in charge for the long-term, he admits the decision is more about the club and supporters than any of it’s on-the-field staff.

He added: “We are really happy, we like the club and everything about it. You saw the supporters and how really well behaved they all were. It’s all about the supporters really, managers come and go, but a lot of them were very emotional on Tuesday night.

“For us it’s just football, but for them it’s their thing and their life. They put money and time into following their club every weekend, so it’s great for them after some very tough times.

“Hopefully now we can get things moving and sit down and start planning for next season.”

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