Raydale Park

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = Raydale Park
nickname =


caption =
location = Gretna, Scotland
broke_ground =
opened = 1946
awards =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Gretna
operator =
surface = Grass
construction_cost =
architect =
former_names =
tenants =
seating_capacity = 3,000
Raydale Park is a football stadium in Gretna, Scotland, that served as the home ground of Gretna F.C. until the club resigned from the Scottish Football League in 2008. Gretna played most of their home games at Raydale during their existence in English non-league football and then during their period in the Scottish Football League.

Gretna played most of their games in the 2007-08 season at Fir Park, Motherwell because Raydale did not meet SPL requirements. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7274947.stm SPL groundshare plans 'shelved'] , BBC Sport, March 3 2008] This meant a 150 mile round trip for fans from the Gretna area. Gretna also played a UEFA Cup match (a 1-5 defeat to Derry City) at Fir Park because Raydale was inadequate for that competition. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gretna/5224408.stm Gretna to face Derry in Uefa Cup] , BBC Sport, July 28 2006]

Gretna had planned to leave Raydale Park and move to an Eco Stadium in Gretna Green. [ [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/scottish-football/spl-football/gretna-fc/2007/10/24/gretna-look-to-go-green-86908-19999174/ Gretna Look to Go Green] , "Daily Record", October 24 2007] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gretna/7102807.stm Gretna face eco-stadium dilemma] , BBC Sport, November 19 2007] These plans never came to fruition as the club suffered severe financial problems during the 2007-08 season.

These financial problems are now expected to lead to the sale of the ground for a use other than football. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7430745.stm Gretna 'no longer in existence'] , BBC News, June 2 2008] Supporters of Gretna FC formed a new club that plays their home games at the Everholm Stadium in Annan. In July 2008 the Dumfries and Galloway Council ruled out bidding for the stadium, which they wanted to preserve for recreational use. It is now likely to be sold to developers "outside of football". [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7511153.stm BBC NEWS | Scotland | South of Scotland | Council rules out bid for stadium ] ]

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