Aylesbury United manager Tony Joyce feels the club’s move to Thame is a step in the right direction.
The club announced on Friday that they have signed an agreement with Thame Football Partnership to play their home fixtures at the ASM Stadium, home of Hellenic Football League side and near neighbours Thame United, for two years, starting from the 2015/16 season.
Aylesbury have been without a permanent home since 2006 and currently play their home matches at Bell Close in Leighton.
On the move to Thame, Joyce said: “When we were approached by the chairman and directors I was really keen.
“Leighton Town have been fantastic and they’ve looked after us really well, but if the club is to move forward on the pitch, this is a positive move.
“The pitch is at Thame is in excellent condition for our level and with the facilities there and everything, it ticks all of the boxes – and players want to play there.
“It’s a nice ground to play football and from the managing and playing side, that was always a positive.
“It’s also a lovely place to watch a game and there’s a nice eating and bar area so it ticks all those boxes and hopefully we will get a few more people in the gate.
“From my point of view, I was always keen to move there. Take nothing away from Leighton - they’ve looked after us well - but the pitch is a bit better at Thame and we play a lot better football on a better pitch.
“I think a few people have raised eyebrows, but I would see it as a positive move – we’re going in the right direction.
“We could have stayed at Leighton but it’s a positive move to drum up a bit more sponsorship and support. Hopefully we can do better on the pitch and attract better players and in two or three years time I’m sure the club will be a lot closer to having a pitch back in Aylesbury.”