Barnet FC's hopes of a ground-share with Leyton Orient have been quashed after members of the Conference board unanimously opposed the plans.

The Bees were hoping the move would provide a short-term solution to their ongoing stadium problems and give the team something to play for following the news that they would be prevented from being promoted due to Underhill not meeting the 6,000 capacity criteria.

A disappointed Tony Kleanthous broke the news to his management team following the July 4 meeting and said he could understand the Conference board's position.

The board refused the ground-share because Barnet did not have any concrete plans in place for Underhill. In addition, Barnet's conurbation is deemed to be in Hertfordshire and as such the club could not relocate to Orient as it would mean moving out of the county.

However, Mr Kleanthous' Conference colleagues did offer support for Barnet's predicament by offering to meet the Tory administration at the full council meeting at Hendon Town Hall on Tuesday night, where the motion to sell the south Underhill freehold to the club will be put forward.

"The fight is still on to secure the new stadium at south Underhill," said Barnet's PR consultant Dennis Signy.

"There is no choice but to play on at Underhill even though we cannot win promotion or even compete in the play-offs without the prospect of a Grade A ground with a 6,000 minimum capacity by April 1."

The Bees' head coach Peter Shreeves was also informed of the Conference's decision and has promised to motivate the players to achieve a promotion challenge while Mr Kleanthous continues to fight for relevant planning permission.

Another piece of news to emerge from the management meeting is that Arsenal are to bring a first team squad to Underhill for the pre-season clash on August 6 and will also bring with them the Premiership trophy and FA Cup.

The Gunners' reserve team will also continue to use Underhill for their fixtures this season.

July 5, 2002 12:00