MANAGER Roger Herridge believes Binfield FC will go “from strength to strength” following the club’s announcement that more than £300,000 is to be spent on modernising their Hill Farm Lane ground, writes Dave Wright.

The ambitious Hellenic League club are to have new changing rooms for players and match officials, as well as a new physio room, while there will be extensive refurbishment of the clubhouse.

Improvements are also to be made to the pitch area.

Better disability access to the ground and a new public address system are planned as well.

Binfield chairman Bob Bacon said: “ The ground developments represent another progressive leg in the journey of this club.

“We will have facilities that will be of benefit to the whole club as well as the local community as we will be able to host more events in the village.”

Herridge added: “It is fantastic and exciting news. I always thought this was a very well run club before I came here and since I have been here that has only been confirmed.

“Players in the vicinity will want to come and play here.”

The team manager praised the club officials responsible, adding: “They worked incredibly hard to get the funding.

“This is a wonderful football club and once all the work is completed I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”

Following an extensive application process, Binfield received grants totalling more than £315,000.

Binfield Parish Council provided £17,000 and Bracknell Forest Borough Council £45,000, whilst also extending the lease of the ground.

The club, now in their 125th season, were then awarded a grant of £185,627 from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund.

The Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, also awarded a £68,374 grant.

Binfield FC vice-chairman Andy Cotton added: “This project will transform the facilities here, enabling us to better serve our playing and social members, supporters and visitors in the future.

“Binfield is a true ‘not for profit’ community football club whose core ambition is to provide first class football facilities for all.

“This exciting project will enable us to continue building a better football club which the community can be proud of.

“Thanks must go to the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund for their investment.”

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Congratulations should go to Binfield FC for working with the Berks & Bucks FA to secure this Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund grant.”

Work at the ground is expected to start later in the year.