United joy as club finds new 'home'

Wairarapa United's struggles to find themselves a home ground next season are over.

An agreement has been reached between the club and the Carterton District Council to use Carrington Park as their base.

The Chatham Cup holders were facing the prospect of having to withdraw from next season's central league series and Wairarapa United president Phil Keinzley is delighted that concern has been alleviated.

"Carterton council has saved Wairarapa United by giving us at least a short-term lifeline," Keinzley said, adding that it meant he could go about the business of signing up players with the knowledge they would have the benefit of playing at a high-quality venue.

Keinzley believes the Carrington Park surface will be as good as anything in Wairarapa and welcomed the fact his club will not be in conflict with other codes.

He also noted the suitability of the changing rooms and the availability of a fitness circuit around the park which he promised his players would be making good use of, especially in the pre-season. Actual training sessions, however, would still be held under lights at Howard Booth Park.

The Carrington Park option was raised after Keinzley outlined his club's ground hassles to a meeting of the Carterton council last week at Mayor Ron Mark's invitation.

Mark said working in partnership with Wairarapa United would be a win-win for both parties and talks would continue on the club's long-term needs.

The feasibility of Wairarapa United utilising the impressive Carterton Events Centre as an after-match venue is also being investigated. A council sub-committee chaired by deputy Mayor Elaine Brazendale is to lead those discussions.