alderman jj clark’s lease

The format of the programme remained the same for 1926/27, although the cover changed significantly. Five previous adverts were replaced with just one.

Portslade-based FRYCO, makers of aerated waters and beverages started what was to be a long association with the club.

Also significant, were the notes in the Merthyr Town programme on 2nd October 1926. “Arrangements were completed on Wednesday, when the necessary documents were signed, acquiring Alderman JJ Clark’s lease of the ground. This is a very important step in the club’s history. The position now is that they have a 99-year lease of the ground, with an option to purchase at a certain figure within 8 years”.

Another important announcement in the same programme was: “The Southern Railway will now run excursion trains from Brighton to Hove between the hours of 1 and 3 o’clock, the return fare being 3d”. Not quite the Seagull Special, but a significant development, recognising the need to transport large numbers of fans to The Goldstone Ground.