FOOTBALL: Kiveton MW chairman Kieran Gallagher steps down after planning "battles"

Kieran Gallagher took over at Kiveton Miners Welfare three years ago with a view to taking the Central Midlands League club to a higher level.

The plans included upgrading facilities at Hard Lane to make them fit for a move up to the Northern Counties East League.

New floodlights were important to those ambitions but planning consent was refused amidst concerns from nearby residents.

Now Mr Gallagher has announced his decision to leave Kiveton.

He said in statement: "Unfortunately after a long battle with the Rotherham planning board and weekly battles with residents at Stone Close and surrounding areas of the pitch, planning permission for new floodlights was refused at the start of this month.

"This was a huge blow to the club's ambitions and my personal ambition to push for promotion up the pyramid.

"After much deliberation, this decision hasn't been an easy one. We have looked at alternatives to make the ground work and discussed other options but the cost implications are just too much."

The current management team are also leaving, with their final home game against Glapwell next Friday (7pm).

Anyone interested in taking the Miners on after that is invited to get in touch.

Added Kieran: "The club can still go on.

"We have made huge improvements to the ground from where we took over and the pitch is one of the best in the league.

"We also have equipment on site if any football clubs would like to purchase any, please get in touch."

He added: "I would like to thank everyone that has played, coached and volunteered for the Miners over the past few years. They have been fantastic."