Chairman Kevin Jenkins confirmed Raiders had informally contacted City’s top brass in the hope of reversing the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup tie that is currently set to be played in Bromsgrove.

City, exiled from Worcester since leaving St George’s Lane in 2013, have already declared their intention to host the match at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove Sporting’s stadium which has provided the club’s temporary home for the past three seasons.
Organisers of the charity competition also state the showdown must take place by November 16 but Jenkins hopes to bring together all parties and turn the match into an event to celebrate the overhaul of what will be Worcestershire FA’s new headquarters.

“I know we have been in touch (with City) informally,” he said.

“We have spoken to a couple of people and the Worcestershire FA, it is feasible to get the game up there but it would be while using the temporary accommodation.

“I think it would be great for the city to have it in Worcester. As a club we will be having a meeting to go through it all to see what we can do but of course it will be up to City as well.

“I would love it at Claines Lane and for the new build to be open.

“It would be great to put in a call to the people at the Smedley Crooke and get it put back to December or whenever we have the facility opened, the ground floor of the new building, the lights and all that.

“People will see how nice it is and it would be great exposure for the club and football in the city but we will have to see what everyone involved thinks about it.”
Meanwhile, Jenkins reiterated his confidence that Claines Lane will be ready to host football by the end of the month.

Alongside the required operational floodlights and stand, Raiders will be putting in place temporary provision for changing rooms and facilities while permanent building are erected by Worcestershire FA.
The old buildings finally came down last week and Jenkins revealed Raiders had autonomy to ensure the work necessary to meet ground grading requirements by the FA’s September 30 deadline.

“What we have been asked to do is on track,” Jenkins added.

“We got rid of the supporters’ shed, the clubhouse has gone and that’s where the stand will be going.

“The stand and lights have to be in by the end of September, along with changing rooms and a clubhouse.

“Everything for the September deadline is in our hands.”