NEWPORT Football Club, which was facing eviction by the owners of its ground St George's Park, have been given another year to find a new home.
Thanks to a deal with South Coast Leisure the club has been able to secure its future at the ground for the 2017/18 season - and work to find a new location for the season after that is continuing.
Newport Isle of Wight FC chairman Stuart Ross said: "On behalf of Newport IW FC I want to thank South Coast Leisure for allowing us to remain at St George's Park until the middle of May 2018.
"Their commitment to our club and the wider Isle of Wight Community has been exemplary, allowing one of the oldest football clubs in the country of 129 years to continue its football at a high level whilst ensuring a community facility for the Island is maintained for which so many people are part of or connected to in some way.
"The Isle of Wight Council, its leader Dave Stewart, other IW Councillors and Newport Parish Council have supported and assisted Newport IW FC throughout the whole process of negotiations so I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for our club. I look forward to maintaining a strong working relationship with them all as we progress on to secure the clubs long term future.
"My thanks also go to the Sydenhams Wessex Football League, Hampshire FA, Sport England and the Isle of Wight Divisional FA for their continued support to help save Newport IW FC."
He added: "A new home for Newport IW FC is looking even more possible as each day goes by which will secure a long term future for our club.
"Our 2017/18 pre-season fixtures at St Georges Park have been planned which will bring something for everyone here on the Isle of Wight, further details on these will be announced soon.
"Newport IW FC will be leaving its home in twelve months however there are exciting times ahead at the clubs new facility that will provide huge sporting benefits to our children, schools and the wider community."
Tony Wake, South Coast Leisure shareholder, said: "As someone who has grown up on the Island I am well aware of the fine history of Newport Football Club and its role within the local community. South Coast Leisure has been extremely supportive of the club in recent years including allowing it to occupy St George's Park at a peppercorn rent.
"I am pleased to have reached this agreement with the club. As part of our planned development of the site South Coast Leisure will be providing replacement sporting facilities elsewhere and we hope to have some exciting plans in this respect in the near future."
Council leader Dave Stewart said: "This has been a hard and challenging road but I am so pleased that all parties have been able to agree a way forward and thank both Tony Wake (South Coast Leisure) and Stuart Ross (Chairman of Newport IW FC) for their flexibility and commitment which has enabled them to secure a future for the club and help to inspire future generations of young Island footballers.
"I am pleased to have been able to help facilitate this outcome and wish all parties well as they move forward. They will have my continued support as they develop their future."