Kilwinning Rangers will leave Abbey Park after a historical vote saw a huge majority in favour of a move.

The Buffs will start next season at their new home, Kilwinning Sports Club after a whopping 70 per cent of supporters voted to leave the club’s home ground.

We revealed last June that Abbey Park was not fit for purpose and a move to KSC was on the card supports and club members voted in favour of the move at last night’s nail-biting vote.

The vote comes after months of speculation and heated debates between fans, the committee who were split about what was the best decision for the club’s future. 

Chairman of the club, Colin Boyd said: “This decision is about building for our future and the committee believes this move to Kilwinning Sports Club is the best thing for Kilwinning Rangers so we are pleased the majority of fans and members have voted the way that they have.

“We will start the next season playing all of our home games at Kilwinning Sports Club. We have a lot of work involved in that transition but now we know which way the club is going we can start to make that happen. 

“Having said that though, we are not underestimating how heart-breaking it is going to be to leave Abbey Park.”
Last month Buffs bosses revealed detailed plans on what a move to the Pennyburn complex would mean.

The committee say the costs to repair crumbling Abbey Park would start at a minimum of £137,000 – for upgraded sewage, power supply and installing new changing facilities, amongst other things.

According to the proposals, a move to the Pennyburn sports club would be £16,000 which would cover the cost of terracing, stands, fencing, paths and a hospitality suite, which is currently at the planning stage with North Ayrshire Council .

Club chiefs say the running costs of staying at Abbey Park are around £23,000 each season.

Comparatively, bosses say annual running costs at the sports club would be £8,000.

Jim Hodge, trustee at Kilwinning Sports Club said the club would be delighted to welcome The Buffs to their new home.

He said: “Kilwinning Rangers have been members of KSC since its inception in 2000. It’s been their training ground for a number of years and this vote to move to KSC just strengthens our relationship.

“It is an exciting time for the football club, our youth teams, for the sports club and for Kilwinning. We look forward to welcoming The Buffs and their fans to KSC.”