Return of the Poppies?

Kettering Town FC's current ground Latimer Park.
Image: here.

The return of Kettering Town F.C. (KTFC) is on the agenda for a Kettering Councillor. 

KTFC are hoping to be able to play their home games in Kettering once again for the start of the 2015/16 season.

Previous stadium plans under Imraan Ladak pointed to an area on the A43/A6003, however it is unsure whether this is still an option for the club.

KTFC Kit-man Aaron Lewer dropped a hint: "I know that they're likely to find somewhere to build on this season and are hoping to move there next season."

All Saints Councillor Michael Brown told us that he was 'desperate' to see the Poppies return to the town, before adding that there were 'some ideas'.

He made it clear that both he and Ritchie Jeune, KTFC Chairman 'talk a lot', and said: "I'm doing everything I can to try and help him where I can." 

Kettering has been without a home-based football club since the controversial decision to leave Rockingham Road in May 2011.

The now abandoned Rockingham Road ground.
Image: here.

The move to Nene Park was the first time since 1872 that Kettering didn't have a home-based football club.

Leaving the town meant the loss of a community, a sporting centre, and a significant financial income to Kettering.

MP Philip Hollobone, when speaking to the Northants Telegraph in 2011, said: "It is very important for the town to have a successful football club and unless this ground issue is sorted out we could even lose the local club altogether."

However, Kettering F.C. are set to announce their new home ground for the upcoming season - meaning Kettering will have a home-based football club despite the Poppies absence.

By Stephen Matthews