THE fan group on the Isle of Wight which owns and backs Newport Football Club, has welcomed the latest development in the saga of the building a new home ground. 

Newport IW FC Supporters Association gave their positive reaction to the news South Coast Leisure (SCL) is about to start work on the first phase of their project, to create a stadium for the club at The Racecourse, Whippingham.

SCL will begin work to demolish St George's Park on Monday (September 16).

Read more: Iconic Isle of Wight Newport FC ground to be demolished

A key planning condition for the proposed retail park on the site, is that it can only be opened once a new football ground at The Racecourse is "operational".

Supporters' association chair, Steve Rackett, said: "We very much welcome this news and look forward to the next phase of the project. 

"We have been in discussions with SCL on a regular basis in recent months, and our expectation is we will finally be playing football at The Racecourse next season.

"As SCL have indicated, not only will this be a new ground and clubhouse for Newport FC, but an all-weather pitch will be available for the wider Island community to use.

"The Island is currently short of facilities such as this."

Former manager and general manager, Steve Brougham, who is now working with Ventnor FC, of the Island League, was delighted with the news.

Steve, who has also played for Newport and is a supporter, said: "This is really good news after so many years of uncertainty and everyone saying the new stadium was not going to happen. This will definitely give the club a big boost.

"Last season could've been the club's last, but it has survived. This could've been the last push, so the news has come at the right time.

"I love the club and worked really hard last season to help keep the club going, after starting the season with just a few turn up for pre-season.

"To see the ground being built will make all the effort worthwhile." 

There is a big week ahead for Newport FC. 

On Tuesday (September 17), the first team will be entertaining National League side Aldershot in the Hampshire Senior Cup, at Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes. 

Kick off has been moved forward to 7pm. 

"Supporters can see how well we are playing under our excellent new management team. I know everyone is looking forward to our biggest match against mainland opposition for some time," Steve added.