RAIDERS chairman Kevin Jenkins wants Claines Lane to be celebrated as “the premier place to play” in Worcester should a proposed revamp go ahead.

The West Midlands (Regional) League Division One outfit is set to be one of the major beneficiaries of landlords and site managers Worcestershire FA planning to install floodlights, a 3G pitch and new changing and office facilities.

The county association currently leases the Worcestershire County Council-owned facility but would purchase the land should planning permission be granted.

Part of the spruce up includes enough ground improvements for title-chasing Raiders to accept promotion, something that rests predominantly on having floodlights.

But Jenkins insists the wider benefits of having an established home for semi-professional football back in Worcester should not be overlooked.

“It could not have come at a better time as far as we are concerned,” said Jenkins.

“Off the field we are really good and on the field it is even better bar the odd hiccup every team has.

“The development at Claines Lane would be great for Worcester Raiders, giving us the ability to take it to the next level.

“We have taken baby steps every year and what is happening at the club is a bit of a fairy tale really.

“The players are looking forward to it so much, so is everyone else from top to bottom. We cannot believe it is happening to us and feels surreal sometimes.

“There are lads that have been with Raiders from the start and still play now, others who have finished playing help run the bar, wash the kit and all sorts of other things.

“How could this happen to the little team I started on Pitchcroft all those years ago? Sometimes you have to pinch yourself.

“On top of that it will be good for the city as well.

"It will be nice to have somewhere that Sunday morning footballers aspire to play at, a bit like St George’s Lane – when I played that was where you wanted to go.

“That’s no longer there and should the improvements at Claines Lane come through, I feel it should be promoted as the premier place to play for everyone in the city.

“It would be good to see cup finals played there instead of going out to Pershore, Malvern or Bewdley.”

Matt Tyler, Roland Krol and Luke Molloy all netted as Raiders fought back from behind to win 3-2 at Telford Juniors on their return to league action last weekend.

Sat third, Karl Gormley's men host fifth-placed Team Dudley on Saturday (2pm).