Farnham Town Football Club has another reason to celebrate this week. Not only has the club secured the Isthmian League South Central Division title, but it has also gained permission to build a new 700-capacity stand.

The new partially-covered terrace will increase the Memorial Ground’s capacity from about 1,500 to 2,200 spectators, marking a significant milestone for the club.

Permitted plans for new stand at Farnham Town FC
Plans for new stand at Farnham Town FC (Farnham Town FC)

On the pitch, Farnham Town FC continues to hit new heights. They clinched the league title with an impressive 6-0 victory over Rayners Lane last week. Just days before, the club received planning permission from Waverley Borough Council for the new stand at the Clock End of the ground.

Club chairman Harry Hugo expressed his delight with the planning decision.

“It is great news to hear we have finally been granted permission and to have it signed off by the council,” Mr Hugo said.

“Now we have permission to build, like with most things, we want to get it done as soon as possible and hope to have it ready for the opening game of next season, but we have no official date as of yet.”

Permitted new stand at Farnham Town FC
Plans for the new stand at Farnham Town FC (Farnham Town FC)

Farnham Town FC has achieved back-to-back promotions in two years, winning the Combined Counties Premier Division South title in the 2023/24 season and the Isthmian League South Central Division title this year.

The Clock End, which was previously a standing area when the club played at lower levels, is being replaced with the new stand due to updated ground-grading requirements.

Permitted section A and B at Farnham Town FC
Sections A and B of the stand at Farnham Town FC (Farnham Town FC)

The fundraising campaign to build the stand, under the social media hashtag #ReclaimTheClockEnd, began in June 2024. Fans contributed around £7,000, and sponsorship boosted the total to more than £27,000. This amount was then matched by club chairman Mr Hugo.

He expressed his gratitude to the fans and sponsors of the stand, Howden’s, and the family of Sir Alan Jones, the former chairman of Toyota and Farnham Town fan.

Permitted section B and C
Ssections B and C of Farnham Town FC’s new stand. (Farnham Town FC)

“We will look to continue to improve the club, and we will be investing more in our women’s teams, who also had a great season,” said Mr Hugo.

“As our men’s first team moves up the divisions, we will need to implement upgrades such as turnstiles for fan segregation as we progress.

“The last two years have been a massive effort from the club—both the players delivering on the pitch and us doing our best off the pitch,” he added.