Former Football League side to train at Tameside Stadium

The Tameside Stadium will play host to two football clubs next season as Curzon Ashton have agreed to allow National League side Barrow AFC to use the facility as their new training ground. 

Following their relegation from League Two, the Cumbrian side have relocated their base, as they look to bounce back to the Football League next time out.

Both the main stadium and the adjacent artificial pitches will be available to The Bluebirds, who have spent the past few seasons training at nearby FC United of Manchester. 

Barrow AFC boss Andy Murray cites the quality of the surfaces as a major factor in the decision, as well as the on-site facilities on offer: 

“I’ve been down to Curzon a couple of times now on site visits,” he said.  

“We’ve got to know the people behind the scenes there and really understand how we can exist on the site in a way that benefits everybody. 

"Out of all the options available to us, I believe this move gives us the best overall environment to work in on a daily basis.  

“The quality of both the grass and astro surfaces was a major factor in the decision.  

“Having guaranteed access to the stadium pitch is really important, while the astro gives us a high-quality training surface that can help us manage player loading properly across the week.  

“In the modern game, availability is massive. Keeping players fit for as much of the season as possible is crucial, and we feel the setup at Tameside gives us a far better opportunity to do that.  

"It’s a professional environment, the facilities are strong and it gives the players and staff a place that can really become our home throughout the season.”  

Curzon Ashton also commented: 

“We are delighted to welcome Barrow AFC to Curzon Ashton and support them as they use our ground as their new training facility.  

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the relationship between both clubs, and we look forward to working closely together moving forward.” 

The Nash themselves are also looking to pick themselves up from a disappointing campaign, after a dramatic draw on the final day sealed their National League North relegation. 

Adam Barton’s side will play their football in the NPL Premier division next season, as they look forward to locking horns once again with local rivals Ashton United.