Wick and Barnham set to merge as one?

WICK Football Club are in the early stages of discussing a possible merger between themselves and Barnham.
Wick chairman Keith CroftWick chairman Keith Croft
Wick chairman Keith Croft

The Crabtree Park club has struggled to maintain a side, management team and committee since being relegated from County League Division 1 two years ago.

While Barnham, who are flying high in Division 3, have been told their ground will stop them progressing any further in the Sussex County Football League ladder.

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Both clubs have some fears surrounding their future, with Barnham facing the possibility of returning to the West Sussex League, and Wick of folding completely.

With this in mind, the officials from both clubs have been speaking about joining forces to ease both’s problems and run as one outfit from Wick’s Crabtree Park ground.

Wick chairman Keith Croft confirmed that talks are ongoing, although any concrete decision is still quite a way off.

He said: “The clubs have spoken about it but we have been talking to everybody and anybody about what we are going to do.

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“There is nothing really concrete in it at the moment, but we are hoping it will lead to things being better for both clubs.

“They have had their problems with the league regarding their ground and we are struggling with people to help out, so, hopefully, we can make a good thing out of a bad one.

“Things have been very positive so far but we are still in the very early stages. We have spoken to the league and The FA, but we have got to get our houses in order and take it from there. We’re not too far down the path, yet.”

Croft is still angry regarding his club’s relegation on ground grading issues two seasons ago and feels this has led to their recent struggles.

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But he hopes a merger will improve both club’s fortunes and advice has been sought from the SCFL and The FA on the next steps and there are reportedly positive murmurings from Culver Road.

Barnham secretary Terry Gaunt confirmed talks were taking place over the merger, and that the club’s inability to rise above Division 3 at its Mill Road ground was a key factor.

But he stressed: “It’s all still at a preliminary stage.”

Jon Tucker will take sole charge at Wick for the rest of the season after fellow joint boss Dave Berkowitz stepped down last week.

Croft said: “He has decided he has had enough and decided he wanted to go and I have not stood in his way.

“We have to be positive, Jon will take charge and we are looking to see the season out and get a few points to consolidate in Division 2.”

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