YM delighted with new stand
SPECTATORS at Horsham YMCA can now watch their side's attempt to reclaim the Sussex County League Division 1 title from the club's new stand.
The seating, which cost the Gorings Mead outfit £12,000 to install is named in honour of sponsor Victor Gladwish and his GLS football network, and brings YM up to the standard required to progress from the County League.
A crowd of 116 watched YM's loss to Shoreham on Saturday, making use of the stand for the first time since work started in December, although some finishing touches still need to be made.
It is hoped the facility will be officially opened alongside the club's plush new changing rooms later this year.
"We are very, very pleased with the stand," commented chairman Mick Browning.
"I'm certain it will make a big difference for us - everyone was phoning us ahead of games, asking if the stand was completed yet, and I'm sure the attendances went down. People didn't want to stand there in the cold while we were building it."
Construction work was done on a 'fill in' basis, which meant workmen were not on the site full-time.
Browning added: "The end result is what matters, we weren't in any hurry.
"I think it enhances the ground, not just for the club but for the fans too.
"Without the GLS sponsorship, the stand would not have been built."
The stand now conforms with regulations for the next level of football, featuring 150 'flip' seats.