The groundshare between Bootle and City of Liverpool has been terminated.
The club have added that the decision is in place with immediate effect due to a “material breach”.The statement continues to say that while they do not make the decision lightly, they must “protect the interests” of the committee, players and fans.
In an 88-word statement, Bootle wrote: “Following a material breach of the ground-share agreement, and despite opportunities to rectify other identified breaches, the agreement between Bootle Football Club and City of Liverpool Football Club has been terminated with immediate effect.
“The trustees of the club do not take any decision like this lightly.
“The trustees and the club would like to extend sympathy to all supporters, volunteers and players affected by this. However primarily, we must always protect the interests of Bootle Football Club, its committee, members, players, staff and most importantly the fans.”
City of Liverpool and Bootle struck a groundshare agreement in 2022, following a period of time away from Vesty Road for the Purps. From 2015, the two clubs had a groundshare agreement until 2020 which saw City of Liverpool move to Vauxhall Motors’ VanEupen Stadium.
Rumours were sparked following the postponement of City of Liverpool’s derby clash against Widnes FC. Despite the adverse weather prompting a pitch inspection, late on the eve of the match, the match was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, according to the Purps’ official X account.
The Purps were down to host Prescot Cables last weekend but they were forced to play away from Vesty Road, settling for the DCBL Stadium in Widnes. At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether that will be City of Liverpool’s home for the remainder of the season.
City of Liverpool have yet to respond and their next home game is scheduled for February 20, when they face Runcorn Linnets in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
The Northern Premier League declined a comment when approached, while City of Liverpool are expected to issue a response.
EDIT
City of Liverpool released a statement on Monday night, click here for the full story.
On Tuesday, the Northern Premier League responded, you can find the full story here.
