Written By

Declan McCarthy              @dec11mcc

Today, Woking Football Club announced at a press conference held at the new Geoff Chapple Lounge that Woking FC will play at the newly renamed Laithwaite Community Stadium this season.

Managing Director of Laithwaite Financial Services Ltd, Andrew Laithwaite explained that the renaming of the stadium is the club showing it is going in the right direction. He said, “Renaming the ground to The Laithwaite Community Stadium represents a significant and very important change, which will put us on a stronger financial footing going forward and allow us to focus on giving our best performance on the pitch.

We look forward to developing a long-term partnership in which Laithwaite Financial Services Ltd will raise the awareness of their brand name even further. Both businesses are very excited to launch the partnership and work together. Laithwaite’s vision is to assist the Club in building on last season’s momentum both on and off the field, drawing the prospect of success ever closer.”

Woking Chairman, Mike Smith spoke during the press conference on this new chapter in the clubs history. He said, “A successful team and a successful community is irresistible, the club (Woking) have put an application in for a full size 3G pitch and we believe we have the right management on and off the field to drive this club forward.”

The deal between Woking Football Club and Laithwaite Financial Services LTD is a two year deal, with a further option to continue ownership of the stadiums name when the original deal expires.

On the subject of matters on the field, Mike Smith explained that the club and manager Gary Hill have agreed on the budget and look to strengthen the squad where it is needed most.

Commercial manager of Woking Football Club, Nicky Banger spoke to Radio Woking after the press conference and described this renaming/rebranding as a statement to the local community. He said, “What we (Woking FC) have got with the renaming of the ground, it not only tells the whole of the local community the excitement of what is going on, but It sends out a statement that things are happening and sometimes it could be the catalyst for change. With the club predicting an increase in season tickets and sponsorship deals, it is creating a real energy around the community that this club is going somewhere.”

Woking kick start their season with a trip up to former Football League side Tranmere. Be sure to tune into Radio Woking every Saturday live from 2pm on the Saturday sports show.

Photos are from the Woking FC website taken by David Holmes.