Club 'determined' to see new changing rooms built

The former changing rooms at Pulrose were condemned in 2022

Team officials remain committed to finding a solution to replace the now demolished changing rooms at a football ground, the club has said.

Pulrose United AFC's facilities, which it shared with neighbours Douglas Athletic AFC, were condemned and knocked down in 2022.

The two clubs now face a third season without a permanent structure or proper changing rooms.

Douglas Council, which owns the land both clubs play on, said it was "continuing to explore options".

'Above budget'

Councillors recently met officials from the Isle of Man FA and Pulrose, along with the area's MHKs, in a bid to progress the project.

However, while tenders were submitted to the local authority, they were rejected as they were considered "well above budget for such work".

Lifelong club member Paul Henry said that he and the club were "really disappointed" at how long the work was taking, but that everyone involved was "determined to see it done".

He added that the club could be willing to lease the site and seek the external funding to go with the £215,000 the Council has budgeted for the scheme.

Mr Henry said that could see the building used for the wider community and that the club may be able to complete the work for a cheaper price if members supported the construction of it.

Lifelong member Paul Henry has driven the club's case for new changing facilities

Councillor Andrew Bentley said: "As a Council we have been striving for some time to work with football clubs to progress this matter and will continue to do so, considering all reasonable options at a fair price."

That included reviewing the potential for a prefabricated building or leasing the site to one of the clubs so that it could generate sponsorship.

Alongside Pulrose and Douglas Athletic, third club Douglas & District FC has become involved in the talks.

A spokesman for the club, which plays on a pitch on the opposite side of the road, said it was the club's "intention" to be involved as it needed somewhere for its 200 members, ranging from juniors to adults to "call home".

However, criticising the time it was taking to resolve the changing room issue, he said even with the latest announcement the project was "no closer to this coming to fruition".