CHAIRMAN Kevin Jenkins says Worcester Raiders will need to make a “good impression” to prolong their stay at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex for more than one day.

Raiders have been given permission by West Midlands (Regional) League to play at the city site today when they meet Wem Town in the Premier Division (3pm) - UPDATE: TODAY'S GAME IS OFF DUE TO A WATERLOGGED PITCH.

But Jenkins revealed the deal had only been agreed “in principle” and would undergo “more investigation” by ground graders next week.

Jenkins said the plan was to remain at Nunnery Wood until “Christmas with a review just after that” while redevelopment work is being carried out at Claines Lane.

However, should the groundshare fall through Jenkins said Raiders had “plenty of other options” in the offing.

“It has been secured but it has just got to be given the OK next week,” Jenkins said.

“Because of the level we are it, it has to go through certain channels and it is halfway through that.

“(The league) are letting us play there this week but it has to be certified next week.

“It has got to meet ground grading regulation which it has in principle by one person, but they are sending somebody else out just to make sure.”

Jenkins also admitted bosses at the sports complex were a “little tentative” over a groundshare agreement.

“All the facilities are fantastic, but we have just got to make a good impression,” Jenkins said.

“Obviously the management at the Nunnery Wood Sports Complex are a little tentative because of where we play in the step system.

“They just want to see how it goes and make sure that it works for us and them.

“The league are OK with us playing there this week with a view to more investigation next week.

“We have got to behave and make sure that it works for us and for them.

“We don’t want to go there for one week after them ratifying it and then it doesn’t work for us and doesn’t work for the Nunnery Wood centre.

“But we do have plenty of other options (if it doesn’t work out).”

Asked how long they hoped to play at the complex for, Jenkins said: “Christmas with a review after that.”

Raiders, who gained promotion from Division One last season, have been unable to host matches at Claines Lane since the beginning of this term.

But the city side, managed by Karl Gormley, have secured six wins from their opening 11 away matches to put them into the top three.

“It has been a long time on the road,” Jenkins said.

“Had we been travelling around in Division One we would have been fine. But we are in a new league with new opposition so to be third in the league is nothing short of fantastic.

“Karl and Chris (Cornes, assistant manager) have done absolute wonders and then it has been down to the boys doing the business on the pitch. It will make a big difference to be back (in the city).”

The initial plan had been for Raiders to put in place temporary facilities by the end of September while landlords Worcestershire FA complete delayed work on a 3G pitch, floodlights and a new building featuring changing rooms and offices that will act as the county’s headquarters.

But Jenkins revealed the costs had come in too high for Raiders to provide pop-up changing rooms with showers and toilets alongside additional toilets for spectators.

Jenkins added: “(Worcestershire FA) are behind us every step of the way.

“They think (Nunnery Way Sports Complex) is a great venue. They have helped us immensely.”