A STADIUM move for Weston Football Club has been officially ruled out.

Plans to improve facilities at the Woodspring Stadium in Winterstoke Road and the creation of an all-weather 3G pitch were discussed this week.

A fans forum, attended by about 40 supporters, was held on Sunday morning to primarily discuss the decision to part company with Craig Laird only for him to sign a contract the next day, as the Mercury reported last week.

But the club also explained to supporters its plans for the future to ensure it keeps on a firm financial footing.

Chairman Paul Bliss said the club, despite limited resources, was in an enviable financial position compared to some other teams considering it owns its own ground.

Plans unveiled last year to join forces with Weston College and build a new out-of-town stadium have, however, been shelved.

Club managing director Oli Bliss said plans for a 3G pitch remained in place with funding from Persimmon Homes, which is building new houses in the surrounding area.

He said: “We probably aren’t looking for a move. We are looking to develop the site here and are still in negotiations with Persimmon. The development over the road is more important to them than a small part over here. We are confident it’ll happen.”

The club is liaising with bosses of the Football Conference over helping to pay for the new facilities.

A scheme run by the league allows clubs to apply for 50 per cent matched funding for such projects, meaning the idea is affordable for Weston with help from Persimmon.

Mr Bliss also revealed the bar will be refurbished in the close season and summer concerts may be lined up to help the club improve its funding streams.