SOUTHEND Manor will allow Essex Senior League rivals Clapton to use their Southchurch Park home for the remainder of the campaign.

Clapton were forced out of their Old Spotted Dog stadium earlier this season and have hosted fixtures at the homes of Aveley and Redbridge since.

But Manor confirmed they have entered a groundsharing agreement with Clapton.

A club statement read: “Southend Manor can confirm we have started a groundshare agreement with fellow Essex Senior League side Clapton for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign.

“This comes after Clapton were removed from playing at their historic Old Spotted Dog home in Forest Gate earlier in the season and they have spent the last few months playing at Aveley’s Parkside home following a short spell playing at Redbridge’s Oakside.

“We have agreed for Clapton to play out their remaining home fixtures of the 2019/20 campaign at our Southchurch Park home and we hope they enjoy their stay in Southend.

“We hope to see plenty of new faces turning up between now and April to support both us and our new tenants as we continue our seasons as members of the Essex Senior League.

“We would also like to reaffirm that all fans are welcome to Southchurch Park despite past events that have happened involving the two teams which occurred under a different ownership for us.

“We welcome everyone to visit us regardless of the team they support, their age, gender and past history with us.”