THE future of a football team’s home ground will be secured for years to come thanks to a near £100,000 upgrade funded by the Premier League and a late superfan.

Bishop Auckland Football Club’s brand new pitch was officially opened by local MP Helen Goodman and Mayor, Cllr Ann Golightly, ahead of a home game on Saturday.

The essential installation of a new drainage system was made possible using £43,000 from a generous bequest from former fan Colin Rowell, who died in 2015, and £52,000 from the Premier League through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

Nick Postma, Bishop Auckland FC chairman, said: “This work would never have got done so quickly if it hadn’t have been for us having funds from Colin Rowell and also the Football Foundation matching the total cost.

“It would have taken a long time to raise the money and that is why we are so grateful.”

The ribbon cutting mark the beginning of a new era for the team which had been unable to rely on the often water-logged pitch.

“Because the pitch was not draining, it had to be completely dug up, we had drains installed, then sand and gravel was put over the drains to the water can rain away quickly,” added Mr Postma. “In one season we lost eight or nine games. It was just an inconvenience.

“It’s going well. We have had some bad rain and it is draining away perfectly.”

The work was carried out over a period of about a month last summer but this weekend was the first home game that the club could guarantee would not need to be rearranged due to cup commitments. Bishop Auckland MP Mrs Goodman said it was an honour to be asked to perform the ceremonial opening duties.

She added: “It’s a great day and given the weather [on Saturday] morning it could not be a better example of how the drainage is working.

“This is a club with real roots in its community and that doesn’t happen many places these days.

“The fact half the money came from a former fan is an indication of how real those links are. The other half is from the Premier League, and that’s because it has got a good reputation.”

To top the celebrations off, the Bishops claimed a 3-0 victory over Seaham Red Star.

Born in nearby Cockton Hill, Mr Rowell supported the team for seven decades until his death at the age of 79.

It was his final wish that most of his estate, including the proceeds from the sale of his bungalow, should go towards improving his beloved team’s Heritage Park ground.

A cheque for £340,000 was handed to the club last year at Heritage Park where the generous supporter’s ashes were scattered.

The Bishops have enjoyed great success throughout their 131-year history, notably a record 10 FA Trophy wins.

It is hoped the works will aid the club’s ambitions to climb the National League System where they currently play in Division One of the Ebac Northern League.