Romford Football Club’s short time at Rookery Hill has come to an end following a decision by the landlords not to renew the club’s lease for the coming season.

For the 2024-25 season, Romford will be returning to groundshare at Barking FC’s Lawtech Stadium where a two year deal has been agreed. Romford FC would like to place on record their thanks to Barking FC for their help and assistance in bringing this deal about.

Further information will be released as it becomes available, including news of the location for this coming Saturday’s Presentation Evening and the club’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 6th June.

Update:

The following is an update from club chairman Steve Gardener, which has already appeared on social media:

"Further to the announcement yesterday I just wanted to give supporters some more information on the events surrounding recent developments.

When the lease for Rookery Hill became available individuals within the club took on the lease from the landlords. These individuals then offered Rookery Hill to the football club free of charge. The club has never had to pay the utilities, rent, or upkeep of the club. These individuals did this so as no to expose the club to any financial worry. Although the terms were fluid and relatively short, no one expected them to be this short, and no one expected the break clause to be triggered so soon into our tenure.

When I found out on Thursday the primary aim was to find somewhere to play so we had a club to support next season. The preference was for somewhere not too far away and fit for at least step 4 football. Considering we moved away so quickly, we are grateful to Barking FC to agreeing to a 2 year ground share.

Some people reading this will probably welcome the move as Barking may be nearer or easier, and some, including the new support we had so eagerly welcomed will be disappointed.

I have had several conversations with Dan Spinks over the last couple of days. To say he is disappointed is an understatement. In every conversation he has asked me to thank all the supporters for making the club feel like a real home, and also to those that came along andf helped with rubbish removal, painting, building etc. Both Dan, and the club wish to put on record our undying gratuitude to Fauve and Kris Newby for all they have done.
We gave it it a go, we tried running our own ground, and now everyone realises how difficult it can be. Those individuals that bravely took the plunge, have protected the club but lost money themselves. Rent, utility bills, repairs, stock replenishment grtound maintenance, the list goes on.

Wer hope some of the new supporters will continue to stick with us, we have loved our new noisy neighbours. The season ticket prices and deals are still available.

We are trying to source another venue for Saturday, and will book somewhere for the AGM (looking for somewhere with a room and a bar).

At one point this week I thought our last ever game may have been Wembley, but then realised our resilience, and that we are the masters of adversity. We will come back stronger. The plan now is to get as much money into the club, have a sensible budget, recruit wisely, and try and get promotion. Sorry, it's been messy, but as always we have tried to do the best for the club. Up The Boro."