The Edinburgh Monarchs have vowed to continue to try to salvage their hopes of playing next season.
The club was earlier in the year informed that they need to move out of Armadale Stadium – their home for the past 26 years – at the conclusion to the current season. The deadline is next week, with the Farewell to the Armadale Scottish Open on the 15th of October.
They had made an offer to purchase the land in Livingston with the intention of building the new stadium which would be called the West Lothian Community Stadium – however, they were told by West Lothian Council that the land was sold to a different bidder.
Unfortunately, this leaves the Monarchs’ future uncertain.
In an official statement for the club, the co-promoter John Campbell assured fans they have done everything they can to be ready for next year, with staying in Armadale for another year being the only realistic alternative’.
He stated: “The project to secure the monarchs’ future has been in progress for some time. Armadale Stadium has been a fantastic home for the club but it has not provided the long-term security we’ve been looking for.
“West Lothian Community Stadium was a great idea, but it was a huge disappointment that it didn’t work out as planned. But, we have the idea and our resolve to complete it is unstoppable.
“When we learned of the imminent closure of Armadale Stadium, we accelerated our efforts to find an alternative. In the wake of West Lothian Community Stadium falling through , it’s evident that the time isn’t for us to find an alternative location for 2023’s season.
“The only viable alternative in 2023 would be Armadale Stadium. As long as it’s standing We are in discussions to see if there’s possibility of extending our lease by one year. It is time to end the tenancy, however we will be exploring all possibilities during these discussions.
“We must be aware that the situation currently will mean the situation that Armadale Stadium will close after the farewell Armadale event on the 15th October, but we won’t stop until the long-term fate of the Monarchs is secure.”
