A major figure in the history of Clachnacuddin FC has spoken out against calls for the club to share their ground with another Inverness team.
Former director Billy Corbett, who enjoyed a 50-year association with the club, said he was opposed to any move to share Grant Street Park with junior side Inverness City FC.
The idea of installing an artificial pitch at the stadium and sharing the facility with Inverness City and the community is currently under review.
It was floated to achieve Clach’s aim of laying an all-weather surface at the ground and to secure the long-term future of Inverness City, who will soon no longer be able to use Bught playing fields.
Current Clachnacuddin FC chairman Alex Chisholm told the Press and Journal this week that there was “no formal agreement in place” and that the proposal would be “reviewed as the financial stability of our club will always be at the forefront”.
But Mr Corbett, who worked his way up at the club from a nine-year-old boot boy to a director, said most supporters of the Lilywhites would not support the move.
He said: “I , like it seems many other Clach fans, am against any ground-sharing with anyone, be it Inverness City or anyone else for that matter.
“I must emphasize that I have absolutely nothing against Inverness City, who I really feel sorry for, as I feel Highland Council should of done much more for them several years ago.
“In my opinion, somewhere like the Northern Meeting Park would have been more suitable for Inverness City.
“In relation to an all-weather surface, again this is just my personal view, but having spoken to many Clach fans on this subject, many who have already voiced their disapproval on Clach F C websites, I seem to be amongst the majority, who are against both the ground-sharing and making Grant Street Park an all-weather surface.”
However, Mr Corbett added: “Of course, there are many benefits in having this facility, where you can play and train on it all-year round and the community and other organizations can use it.
“If Clach went alone on the proposal of an all-weather project, and all proceeds went back to the club, rather than Highland Council, then some people may change their views, myself included.
“But most important to me is that supporters views must be heard and taken on board, because I feel up to now that hasn’t been the case.”
