Following meetings and discussions since January this year between the club committees of both Eccleshall and Newport Town to formalise a groundshare agreement between the two clubs, this was brought to a satisfactory conclusion last night (Wednesday). Eccleshall chairman Neil Washington and Newport Town chairman Darren Jones both signed the document which will bring West Midlands (Regional) League football to Pershall Park next season in addition to the North West Counties League competition. Newport Town finished runners up in Division 1 last season and are still hopeful of Premier Division football in Season 2018/19, subject to appeal. Copies of the agreement have been sent to the respective league officials and to the FA in London to tie up the arrangement.

Eccleshall secretary, Jim Tunney, said: "Discussions between the two club committees have been friendly and co-operative since our initial meeting in January. We believe that the agreement will be mutually beneficial for both clubs and we welcome them to Pershall Park. Both Darren and Nick who came along last night were impressed with the work which is underway at the ground to prepare for next season and they are looking forward to playing their football here. With the reorganisation of the North West Counties League to Division 1 North and South in 2018/19, Eccleshall can look forward to less travelling and more local derbies next season. If our supporters are unable to travel away to follow the Eagles, they will still be able to watch a good level of football at Pershall Park at West Midlands League level. Both Eccleshall and Newport Town feel that it is a positive move forward".

Both clubs will meet in a pre-season friendly at Pershall Park on Thursday 19. July (7.30pm) when the Eagles will actually be the 'away' team!