FA respond to Derbyshire Senior Cup Final venue '˜disappointment'

Derbyshire Football Association has responded to the disappointment expressed by Belper Town manager Charlie Palmer over the venue of this season's Derbyshire Senior Cup Final.

Palmer’s Nailers are scheduled to take on National League North opponents Alfreton Town at Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground on Tuesday, April 26 - but the location of the final has left Palmer and some of his players ‘gutted’.

Previous locations have included Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium and Derby County’s iPro Stadium.

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“I am disappointed for the lads, being an ex-player and playing at some big grounds and the excitement that comes with that,” said Palmer. “The Derbyshire Senior Cup is great chance to play at your Chesterfield’s or your Derby County’s but to be told at the last minute you are playing at Ilkeston, I really am gutted for the players.”

But a Derbyshire FA spokesman said both clubs had been informed during the decision process.

He said: “DCFA approached both our senior professional clubs to look at staging the cup final, due to issues out of our control Chesterfield FC & Derby County FC are unable to offer their grounds to DCFA due to fixtures, rearrangements, ground maintenance, other commercial commitments and play offs.

“Both the finalists in our competition have met at DCFA Offices to discuss plans for the final and both clubs agreed that Ilkeston FC be approached to host it and the date of 26th April was agreed by all parties.”