KEITH PEEL Lowestoft Town, the reigning Ridgeons League champions, have unveiled ambitious plans for the next decade. They include building a new stadium and attaining Conference status.

KEITH PEEL

Lowestoft Town, the reigning Ridgeons League champions, have unveiled ambitious plans for the next decade.

They include building a new stadium and attaining Conference status.

The aims are revealed in a “Vision” document, formulated over many months and to be presented and discussed at a public open meeting on Monday, October 2 (8pm) at the Crown Meadow social club.

“We want everyone who has an interest and a pride in our town to come and hear what we have planned,” said the Blues' committee in a statement.

Key short term stages listed in the statement are:

t Setting up a limited liability company - Lowestoft Town Football Club Limited - and inviting fans, local businesses and the public to participate by subscribing for shares.

t Establishing a board of directors to oversee the overall strategic objectives of the club and the Vision.

t Appointing a management team to look after the day-to-day activities of the club, both on and off the field.

t Promoting ever closer links with local businesses to develop areas of mutual co-operation.

t Continuing the excellent on-field performances and success, including success at a national level such as the FA Vase and FA Cup.

Medium term key stages are:

t Further strengthening links with local community groups.

t Seeking promotion to higher FA leagues.

t Continuing to strengthen the football management and playing staffs.

t Continuing to invest in the highly successful youth set-up which has made the youth team the most successful in the eastern region over the last few years.

t Acquiring land to build a new stadium and social facilities suitable for Conference standard football.

Outgoing chairman Shaun Cole, who will remain a committee member and still heavily involved with the club, praised the committee for its “far sightedness and ambition.”

Confessing some people were “surprised and even critical” that the Blues didn't seek promotion when they won the Ridgeons League Premier Division last season, he added: “We knew that promotion now was not part of our Vision and could actually have harmed our longer-term plans.

“Sometimes it was difficult not to say anything about our Vision, but I'm sure that this very exciting and, indeed, historic news for the club will be welcome by everyone who loves the club as I do.”

Lowestoft's new chairman is Peter Gamble, managing director of Norwich-based company QMS, who has been involved with the club for four years as a major sponsor.

He said: “It is undoubtedly a tremendously exciting time to become chairman, although a little daunting not only taking the club forward to its Vision, but also taking over from Shaun, who has been a magnificent chairman.”

For further details about Lowestoft's aims or the public meeting, contact Shaun Cole on 07946 438298 or Peter Gamble on 01603 630345.