STEETON’S plans for the 2020/21 season are well underway, even though they, like other non-league teams, still don’t have a date for when the new season is likely to commence.

The Chevrons are moving to Marley for the new campaign and manager Roy Mason has noticed a buzz about the club as a result.

He said: “I have been talking to a lot of supporters of late and they are all excited by the move to Marley.

“They are all interested in how the project is progressing and I know that supporters can’t wait to get back to watching football.

“Of course, this enthusiasm is buoyed by the fact we are moving to a new ground and it’s seen as a new era in the club's history.

“I have had a lot of conversations with people who have never been to watch us before, who have told me that they intend to come down next season and support us.

“They are looking forward to visiting Marley for the first time.”

Steeton have already installed a new walkway from the changing rooms to the pitch and the changing rooms have had new treatment tables installed, as they look to get the venue ready for the new season, as and when it should start.

Work on the stand is well underway, as the club needs to have covering for 100 spectators to meet Step Six requirements.

The pitch is due to be relaid for the start of the season and dugouts installed, as well as a turnstile being erected for the club to charge spectators admission.

Mason paid tribute to the council and the part that they have played in the upgrade of the facilities.

He said: “I must say that the council have been superb in the way that they have sat down with us and really got behind this project.

“They have not only supported Steeton as a club, but also the whole of Keighley football.

“The new facility will benefit the whole football community in the town, as the new pitch will be used seven days a week.

“Without the council stepping in to help, the future of the club playing at non-league level would have been in serious doubt and all the work that we have done over the past few years would have been undone.

“Not only does Marley secure the future of the club, it also gives local players the opportunity to progress and play semi-professional football in Keighley.”

The club are due to launch their new strip and sponsorship opportunities shortly.

Mason said: “There has been quite a bit of interest in our new kit and for the first time, we have taken pre-orders on replica shirts, which is something that has never happened before.”

It is also an exciting time for sponsors to get involved with the club and Mason has been pleased with the responses that he has had from local companies so far.

He said: “Despite the fact that times are tough, a lot of our existing sponsors have already pledged their support for us next season and are really behind what we are trying to do, which is great news for the club.

“Chris Jones, our head of media, has produced a fantastic brochure outlining the opportunities for both existing sponsors and any potential new sponsors and I know that local businesses will be bowled over by the professionalism of it.”

The club's GoFundMe Scheme has continued to tick over and at the time of writing, has raised £2,400 online, with further donations being pledged privately.

Mason said: “This scheme has been great for supporters to get involved in any way that they can afford to and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed.

“Some of the comments that people have added to it are extremely heartwarming.”

For these still wanting to donate, please follow this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-move-to-a-new-home-at-marley