STEETON AFC have announced that Marley Stadium will be their new home from the start of the 2020/21 season.

The news comes after the North West Counties side were forced to move from Cougar Park with Keighley creating a women's rugby league team to feature at the stadium.

The stadium move means Steeton will now play on a brand new 3G surface next season.

The club issued a statement where chairman Pete Jeffrey was delighted to announce the news, although some work still has to be done to ensure that the ground meets the FA Grading criteria, Jeffrey called for the town of Keighley to support the football club.

The statement read: "Steeton AFC are delighted to officially announce that Marley Stadium will be our new home from the start of the 2020/21 season.

"The move away from Cougar Park comes after several months of hard work behind the scenes.

"Steeton AFC Chairman Jeffrey said, 'This is an exciting time for the club as we can finally put down some secure roots and really focus on growing the club both on and off the pitch."

"'We are extremely grateful to Bradford Council for making this possible in such a short space of time and hope to make this a successful partnership for the long term.'”

"Home matches in the North West Counties League will now be played on a brand new 3G surface, which will be ready for the start of the 2020/21 season.

"The revamped facility will also see an upgrade of new floodlights and the installation of home and away dugouts on the existing 3G pitch.

"Whilst the facility already ticks a number of boxes to house Step 6 football, Jeffrey says the club still has a lot to do to ensure that the ground meets the FA Grading criteria by March 31st.

“'We know that we have a lot of work to do over the coming weeks. We really do need to engage with local businesses and will need their help and support in order for us to ensure that we have a facility that meets Step 6 criteria.'”

"Included in this work is the provision of a covered stand with seating for 50 people and a further covering for 50 people standing.

"An existing meeting room at Marley also needs converting into a venue that can hold pre and post-match hospitality.

"A pay box and turnstile will be installed and the club are working with the Council to provide a secure walkway from the current changing rooms to the pitch.

"Jeffrey says the club are delighted to be the anchor tenants of this exciting new project: 'Keighley will finally have a showpiece football facility within the town that has been lacking since the demise of the old centre pitch at Marley.'”

"And he urged both local businesses and wider community to get behind Steeton.

"'We are looking to attract more volunteers to help with various jobs that need doing and also we really do need to get more business’ to get involved in sponsorship.

"'Over the next few weeks we will be announcing various new sponsorship packages for next season.'"

"For anyone wanting to help then please contact Pete via email at pjeffrey@dobsongasket.com"