The future of new football club Witney United received a big shot in the arm with the news that a Witney-based leisure consortium have bought Marriotts Stadium.

Gavin Brown, one of the directors of the new company, On-the-Edge Ltd, purchased the ground from previous owner Brian Constable for an undisclosed sum on Friday.

And United have been offered a two-year playing deal at the stadium.

In the long-term, On-the-Edge are hoping to expand the site at Downs Road, near the Witney Lakes resort, where Brown is one of the directors. It is hoped a new football ground could be built to accomodate Witney United.

"We have been working closely with Witney United chairman Phil Webb, and have had consultants looking at the West Witney site to try and come up with a package to help drive forward both our plans, and the plans of Witney United," Brown said.

He added that while it was clear football at Marriotts Stadium had not proved a success - both Witney Town and Witney Academy folded while they were there - he believes that a town the size of Witney needs a senior football club.

"Marriotts Staduim wasn't an ideal venue for football," he said. "People won't come out of town to what is a very average venue for social events, or indeed for football.

"It needed the social side of the club to be flourishing and the facilities open at least five days a week.

"Although we are very happy to give Witney United a two-year playing deal at Marriotts Stadium, we will work closely with them to help them relocate to the West Witney site.

"I think with good financial support, the new club could be a big success.

"If they can relocate, we would then look at setting up a long-term sponsorship deal with Witney United, which would allow them every opportunity to succeed."

Brown is not intending to get involved with the day-to-day running of the club, but his company would provide the support they need to get off the ground.

He said: "We want to work with them for grants and further funding, but the running of the club will be down to someone like Phil Webb at the top end.

"The last thing we would want though, is a brand new stadium closer to town, and a football team that cannot survive. That's where our financial support will come in."

"The reason we have given Witney United a two-year deal at Marriotts Stadium is simple. With the best will in the world, there is no way a new stadium would be ready in time for the 2003/4 season, there are so many issues to be tackled.

"So, to secure a future, which will enable them to apply for the Hellenic League, I felt it was essential to give them some guarantees on a home ground.

"Witney deserves a senior football club, and hopefully we can help put the town back on the map. But there is a rational business plan behind this."

Witney United have called a supporters meeting this evening (7.30pm) at the Palace Club in Market Square.