THE deadline for clubs to confirm their home ground for next season is fast approaching and Worcester Raiders have not yet tied down a deal to stay at Sixways.

March 31 (Friday) is the deadline with the Hellenic League and as of Tuesday March 28, Raiders have not signed any deal with soon-to-be new owners at the stadium, Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited.

Worcester News: Sixways Stadium is still currently under the ownership of the administratorsSixways Stadium is still currently under the ownership of the administrators (Image: JMP)

The takeover by Atlas is still yet to be completed following Worcester Warriors going into administration back in September.

Sources at Raiders say they are confident a deal will be done in time, with the contracts being drawn up in the last week or so. But time is running out on that front. 

And Raiders' chairman Steve Harris confirmed to the Worcester News that the club have requested an extension on that deadline. 

The Hellenic League confirmed they were in correspondence with the football club regarding their issues and have confirmed they have approached the Football Association on Raiders behalf.

They say they await a response from the FA Non-League System Manager and until then, Raiders' future remains uncertain.

They have been in limbo over their situation at Sixways throughout the administration process at Sixways, ever since rugby club Warriors were wound up in court back in October. 

Atlas directors Jim O'Toole and James Sandford remain confident everything is going to plan with the takeover and Raiders' chairman Harris has reported positive conversations with the pair during their time involved at the club. 

Two weeks ago, Harris said the process of agreeing a lease agreement were underway.

Worcester News: Worcester Raider' chairman Steve HarrisWorcester Raider' chairman Steve Harris (Image: JMP)

"We are currently in the process of agreeing a lease agreement with Atlas to stay at Sixways long term," said Harris.

"Atlas want us to stay, we want to stay and talks have been positive. It will be a big weight lifted off the club, it’s been a surreal season but hopefully we will have some positive news for our fans soon.

"On the field Karl Gormley has done an amazing job, it’s our first season at Step 5 and a lot of people didn’t think we would be even near the promotion spots at the beginning of the season. I think he has proved this year what a great manager he is, especially with the challenging circumstances the club have faced."