Atherstone Town's road to Wembley has been strewn with the best wish possible – a civic commitment to see the football ground remain a sporting facility for the benefit of the community.

Ahead of Saturday's history-making quarter-final FA Vase tie, councillors will tomorrow night endorse a plan of action to ensure the Sheepy Road club remains exactly where it is.

North Warwickshire Borough Council wants to enter into negotiations with the CFC with a view to the asset transfer of the site or provide them with a long-term lease so they can access readily available funding from Sport England and others.

The local authority has publicly declared the ATCTC is a "positive force for good within the local community".

A report to Wednesday's full council states: "It provides a vital sporting facility for a wide range of local people of all ages to engage in active sport as well as providing a social focus for others."

Over many years there has been continuing uncertainty over the future of the Sheepy Road ground.

The lease between the borough council and a private company, ARRUBA Ltd, had allowed the club access.

ATCFC have no direct agreement with the local authority, but the leaseholder has now confirmed giving up the lease.

The report adds: "This provides an opportunity to secure the long-term future of football at the site."