Southwick are heading back to Old Barn Way – helped by a former Premier League player’s charity.

Adur District Council have agreed terms with the Russell Martin Foundation for a 25-year lease of the ground.

Due to what have been described as significant mismanagement issues and safety concerns, the council ended the agreement with the former leaseholder at Southwick FC last year.

Initial estimates suggested up to £500,000 of repairs would be required to bring it back into use.

Since then, a widespread search for suitable operators has been carried out.

The Russell Martin Foundation is a Southwick-based not-for-profit organisation which uses the power of football to help change people’s lives.

It is backed by the former Norwich City and Rangers defender, who is now manager of MK Dons.

The foundation plan to work with the council to refurbish the entire site, transforming it into a community football hub which promotes health, wellbeing and education in the area.

They have also agreed to offer the newly-reformed Southwick Football Club (1882) the chance to use the ground for their home fixtures.

It is hoped the ground can be ready in time for the new season, starting in September.

Academy sessions could kick off in August.

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Longer term, the foundation want to install a sustainable cork-based 3G pitch which will enable the ground to be used regularly all year round and upgrade facilities at the site to create a modern and fit-for-purpose community football hub.

The council are set to agree the release of £50,000 of funding to be spent directly on the ground.

Alan Sanders, chief executive of RMF, said: “We are under no illusions about the task ahead of us given the condition the site is currently in.

“However, we have been extremely pleased with the discussions we’ve had with the council and Southwick 1882 who, like us, are fully committed to ensuring that we make a real success of this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to get started.”

Southwick chairman Tony Kybett added: “Without the tremendous support we have received locally, nationally and internationally the football club would have ceased to exist.

“Although it has been a frustrating ten months, we acknowledge the work carried out by the officers and staff at the council during these extraordinary times.

“They have ensured the proud history of football in Southwick will continue.”