By Jacob Greenwood

The developers behind the Woking Community Stadium project have set out their plans to return its 75% stake in the club.

Concerns emerged around the future ownership of the club after it was revealed GolDev Woking Ltd was set to become the club’s majority stakeholder during the construction process.

South Woking Action Group, who are opposed to the project in its current form, argued that this wasn’t in the long-term interests of the club as Goldev owner, Wayne Gold, ‘has not interest in football.’

Goldev has always insisted it was working on a plan for the long-term future of the shares and has now released a statement detailing its plans. Released via social media, the statement said:

“Goldev has announced this week its intention to hand the shares for Woking FC back to the club. The Council has first refusal on the shares but should it decide not to take up the option, the shares will be gifted back to the club.

“The shares will be gifted back to the club via a Trust administered by the appointed Directors of the Woking Football Club.”

Richard Leslie who is the Chief Executive of Dukelease also commented:

“It has long been our view that if consent is granted on our two applications, the Club should be wholly in control of its own destiny.”

Planning permission for the ground was submitted in November 2019 and is expected to be discussed at council planning meeting in the coming weeks.