There are growing hopes that Droylsden Football Club could be resurrected after two-and-a-half years away. 

In August 2020, the club announced it had resigned from the Northern Premier League and withdrawn from cup competitions ahead of the 2020/21 campaign due to the financial impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The terraces at the Butchers Arms have been empty ever since but, in response to a plea from concerned fans, Bloods owner and manager Dave Pace met on Sunday (15 January) with supporters to discuss the future of the club. 

Around 70 fans were present at the meeting, where Mr Pace explained how the pandemic had essentially "cut him off at the knees" financially. 

However, with bookings for private functions at the social club now picking up, the club is optimistic that "small green shoots of recovery have hopefully just begun". 

It said in a statement: "The first big challenge is to renew the stadium's safety certificate, which will take time and money, but there were offers of both made at the meeting." 

A further meeting has been arranged to discuss and plan next steps, set to take place on Sunday 29 January from 2.30pm to 4pm at the stadium. 

The club added: "All fans, old and new, will be very welcome to attend, share ideas and offer any practical support they are able to - whether that be construction skills, financial nous, fundraising suggestions or anything else that can help resurrect our local non-league football club and try to protect its 140+ year history." 

Mr Pace says he's already been encouraged by the response from the Bloods faithful. 

''Since the meeting on Sunday, which was brilliant, everybody has been so positive and the feedback I've received has been great,'' he said. 

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