A community football club’s future is secure thanks to a long-running campaign victory by the Southern Daily Echo.

Brendon FC had been under threat for a year after health and safety officials closed its Millbrook ground following vandal attacks.

There was the offer of a £51,000 lifeline from the council earlier this year but the club claimed a condition was that it could be evicted at six months’ notice, which could have jeopardized its home – so the money was never accepted.

The victory came as Southampton city councillors voted for a rescue package to ensure its future.

It was the result of teamwork between Conservatives and Lib Dem councillors who scored a rare victory over the ruling Labour administration.

The two parties had never before worked together at a full council meeting

But pressure and publicity in the newspaper highlighted the needs of the club and its local value to drive the campaign home.

The new £62,000 deal includes a £9,000 grant for repairs to the vandalised changing rooms, £7,000 for ground maintenance and £4,500 for the new season.

Club chairman Derek Caplen told Daily Echo readers: “We have won and it’s brilliant. I sincerely thank the Daily Echo for its superb coverage and commitment to our cause.

“We have had some great results in the past but this is the best.”

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