Stockport County's ground could be bought by council

Stockport County's ground could be bought by the council

Stockport County's stadium could be bought by the town's council, the local authority has confirmed.

Stockport Council said an "opportunity has arisen" to purchase Edgeley Park from current owners Cheshire Sport.

The council said it would never provide financial support to the football club, who currently play two divisions below the Football League, but hoped to buy the ground to provide some stability.

All parties on the council back the plan to help ensure the club's future.

They are supporting it "so the club can stay in Stockport, close to the vibrant local communities of which it is part," according to a statement released by the local authority.

Councillors say they will monitor the proposals as they develop and reserve the right not to proceed with the purchase if the deal ceases to represent the best interests of council tax payers.

Cheshire Sport is the company set up by majority Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy, and he bought the stadium in 2003 for the Premiership rugby union side and merged the two clubs.

Mr Kennedy relinquished his involvement with County after two years and in 2012 the Sharks moved out to play at AJ Bell Stadium in Salford.

Edgeley Park has been home to Stockport County for 114 years and was at risk of demolition.

The team finished 11th in the Conference North last season.