Eagles could be forced to leave Sheffield

James Gordon

Sheffield Eagles may be forced to leave the city, with nowhere to play their games, coach and chief executive Mark Aston has revealed.

Their current home at the Don Valley Stadium is due to close at the end of the season, and news of the uncertain future came out following the Eagles’ 21-6 play-off defeat to Halifax on Friday night.

Aston said: “I am now massively concerned about our ability to continue to play within the City of Sheffield.

“I, the Board of Directors and many others have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the most suitable base for the club and our supporters and we have explored every option within Sheffield.

“With the impending closure of Don Valley Stadium the Eagles and Sheffield Athletics are left without a home.

“The athletics, helped by significant investment from Sheffield City Council will be relocated to Woodburn Road Stadium, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

“This is fantastic for them but what about Sheffield Eagles?

“We are continuing to work as hard as we can to ensure our future in the City and after reforming the club over 13 years ago it would be a great disappointment to move outside of Sheffield.

“We are proud to be called the Sheffield Eagles and play in this fantastic City.

“Please be assured that all efforts are being made to find the best location for everyone connected with Sheffield Eagles.”

Sheffield, who won the Challenge Cup in 1998, merged with fellow Super League club Huddersfield in 1999, but Aston reformed the club in the Northern Ford Premiership. They earned promotion to National League One, now the Championship, in 2006.

Last season, they were crowned Championship champions, beating Featherstone in the Grand Final.