Swindon Town have today announced that The County Ground will officially be renamed The Nigel Eady County Ground for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Nigel Eady, a lifelong Swindon Town supporter, who passed away in January 2012, left his estate to Swindon Town FC with the condition that the funds be used for the club’s long-term benefit and the local community.
In March 2023, this generous gesture culminated in a historic moment when The Nigel Eady Trust funded the purchase of The County Ground from Swindon Borough Council. This move marked the first change in the stadium’s ownership, with the football club and the Supporters Trust now sharing equal ownership.
This unique model reduces rental costs by half and allows for substantial stadium developments using the savings. This achievement, made possible by the support of The Eady Trust and Nigel Eady himself, ensures the stadium’s legacy for future generations.
Swindon Town Chairman Clem Morfuni and Chief Executive Anthony Hall expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are delighted to announce that we are naming the County Ground Stadium the Nigel Eady County Ground Stadium for the 2024/25 Season. 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 also contributed significantly to the development at Foundation Park and the Nigel Eady Training Centre. We would like to pay special tribute to Nigel’s two great friends Gary Herbert and John Carter for their many hours of work making the ground purchase possible.”
James Phipps, Vice Chair of TrustSTFC, remarked, “Having seen the determination from The Eady Trustees over several years to ensure Nigel’s funds were used for a suitable legacy, we are delighted to have worked with the Club and the Trustees for this fitting tribute after the Stadium purchase. We remain eternally grateful for the funds provided to purchase the County Ground. We hope it is a good luck charm for the season ahead!”
The Nigel Eady County Ground name will remain in place until the end of the 2024/2025 season, serving as a mark of utmost respect and appreciation for Nigel Eady’s donation and the diligent efforts of The Eady Trustees.
We looking forward to hopefully witnessing a successful season ahead, honouring an exceptional supporter whose legacy will forever be cherished.
