Swindon’s stadium renamed for new season

Image: The County Ground, Berswin, CC BY-SA 3.0

EFL League Two club Swindon Town have renamed their County Ground stadium as the Nigel Eady County Ground for the 2024-25 season, in memory of a lifelong fan.

The BBC said that avid supporter Eady died in 2012, having left the club as the beneficiary of his estate in his will.

Last year, The Nigel Eady Trust, set up to help the club, funded the purchase of the County Ground from Swindon Borough Council. The club and its supporters trust now share 50-50 ownership of the stadium site.

The County Ground is a stadium located near the town center of Swindon, Wiltshire, England, and has been home to Swindon Town Football Club since 1896. The current capacity of 15,728, all-seated, has been at that level since the mid-1990s.

Swindon Town said in a statement, “Nigel was a lifelong Swindon Town fan who sadly passed away back in January 2012, leaving a considerable legacy on the proviso the money be used for the long-term benefit of the club and the local community. This resulted in a breakthrough moment in the club’s history in March 2023, which saw The Eady Trust fund the purchase of the County Ground from Swindon Borough Council.

“This landmark move just over a year ago sees both the Football Club and Supporters Trust take full ownership of the County Ground site from the Borough Council as part of an equal fifty-fifty split, which will not only reduce rental costs by half but allow for significant developments across the stadium using the money saved.

“An opportunity which simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Eady Trust and of course, Nigel Eady himself.”

The purchase marked the first time that the stadium had changed ownership, with the unique model ensuring its future legacy for generations to come.

A Town fan since 1947, Eady’s remarkable gesture continues to enable the football club to build strong foundations for a brighter future, Swindon Town said.

The Nigel Eady County Ground name will initially remain in place until the end of the 2024/2025 season, as a mark of utmost respect and appreciation for the donation from Nigel Eady and all the work which The Eady Trustees put into achieving the purchase of the stadium.

Following the decision, Swindon Town Chairman, Clem Morfuni and Swindon Town Chief Executive, Anthony Hall said, “We thank Nigel Eady for his generosity which has led to the purchase of the County Ground for the Club and the Supporters and the creation of the JV which is a fitting tribute to Nigel’s legacy and huge first step towards the redevelopment of the County Ground.”

Rob Carter and Jez Webb, Trustees of the Nigel Eady Trust added: “For the trustees of Nigel’s estate, the naming of the ground in his honour for the coming season is a fitting tribute to his generosity.

“As well as the purchase of the ground The Eady Trust were also able to make a significant contribution to the development at Foundation Park and the Nigel Eady Training Centre.”

James Phipps, Vice Chair of TrustSTFC added: “We are delighted to have been able to work with the Club and the Trustees for this fitting tribute after the Stadium purchase and we remain eternally grateful for the funds provided to purchase the County Ground.

“We would like to thank the Club for this gesture and hope it is a good luck charm for the season ahead!”

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