Grimsby Town’s plans for a new stadium are on ice.
The new owners have confirmed a move from Blundell Park isn’t an immediate priority, having upgraded training facilities and focused on what is on the pitch, rather than where it is.
The culture around the club and matchday experience have also been higher up the immediate to-do list.
Read more: 'Butcher's lad' turned football club co-owning venture capitalist - Andrew Pettit in his own words
Town-born business success stories Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit were brought together by Tom Shutes, who subsequently stepped back from the deal - with a dock location his dream alongside an Ice Factory theatre setting.
Plans for a move from the constrained Cleethorpes location have been on the table since the early Nineties, with Great Coates, Peaks Parkway and - more recently - Freeman Street all crossing architects’ desks, so too Mr Shutes’ maritime masterpiece for Grimsby Docks.
Now Blundell Park redevelopment would be strongly considered if and when the need arises.
Tech entrepreneur Mr Stockwood, who took the chair after the 1878 consortium bought out seafood industry leader John Fenty in May, was addressing a Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce dinner hosted at the club.
Asked about he move, he said: “There are priorities that take precedence over that, training facilities, the squad, the culture and experience. It would take five to 10 years to get delivered. We’re not looking at that.”
Telling of his delight at attracting 5,000 to 6,000 fans in the National Conference - above many league teams - Mr Stockwood said: “This place (Blundell Park) isn’t full all the time. A new stadium could be a white elephant for the club, the investors.
“At the right point it will become a priority. We’re not looking at it today. If we say we are doing it, we will be, but at the right pace, at the right time.”
Outlining a £1 million injection already made, and the vision to use the club as the great leveller to bring about a better society and stronger town, he said: “It is football first and foremost, that drives everything.”
Mr Pettit, a lawyer turned property investor, said it was about “small incremental changes to make a big difference”.
“We want to improve the football side and that creates a virtuous flywheel. When football goes well ,everyone feels good, it helps everyone. It brings together people from very disparate groups, ages, it is a very unusual animal. We want to create shared memories, success, a feeling of occasion and community.
“We want to create a place where everyone feels welcome, everyone has a sense of inclusivity, a civic institution and a club people are proud to be associated with and work with.”
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