BASINGSTOKE Town could be playing at Hampshire FA’s Winklebury headquarters in just over a year.

With just one season remaining at their Camrose Ground home, the Evo-Stik South Premier club have forged a partnership with the county FA which could pave the way for them to move to the nearby Winklebury complex in time for 2018/19.

In return, the club would support Hampshire FA’s proposal for the council to transfer the facilities to them on a long-term lease.

While the scheme appears to have the support of local councillors, there is still a lot of work to be done before the new Basingstoke Town Community Club can make the move.

The facility would need bringing up to Southern Premier standard, including the laying of a new 3G pitch, along with a small amount of extra seating and terraces - all of which would require planning permission.

As owners of the Winklebury Complex, the council would need to be involved in any discussions.

The club are also fully aware that the residents of Winklebury need to be consulted as to the implications of having a football team playing in their community.

Alan Turvey, president of Basingstoke Town, stressed: “Having a new home is very important to the football club.

"It not only benefits the men’s team, but the club also has an academy, ladies, disabled and young football players who would all benefit from being able to use this facility.

"A thriving football club can bring so much more to a town.”

This move has been forced on the football club as their current Camrose Ground home is set to be sold for housing by club owner Rafi Razzak.

There has also been discussion regarding a covenant put on the ground in 1953 by Lord Camrose, stating it should be kept as a leisure facility for 100 years.

The council have so far been able to find the original document, but they are still looking.

Meanwhile two of Basingstoke’s more experience players, captain David Ray and midfielder Matt Partridge, have left the club due to the reduced budget operating this season. Partridge has signed for Hungerford Town of the National League South.

Paying tribute to the pair, manager Terry Brown said: “They are two great players who can certainly play at a higher level.

"Neither of them wanted to leave, but we just do not have the money in the budget to afford to keep them. I wish both of them all the best for the future.”