STEVE EASTERBROOK believes Slough Town has the chance to re-establish itself at the heart of the community following the club’s long-awaited move to Arbour Park.

Easterbrook is proud to see the Rebels return to the town after 13 years of football outside the borough following their eviction from Wexham Park in 2003.

The journey to get the football club back on home soil has been a tortuous one for Easterbrook, but he is proud of what was achieved on Bank Holiday Monday when Slough played their first game at their new ground.

Speaking to the Observer, the Rebels chairman said: “It’s fair to say that the final week leading up to the move was a bit frantic and credit must be given to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the transition as smooth as possible.

“We also worked very closely with Slough Borough Council who have been very supportive and have worked long hours to ensure that the move went as well as possible for us.

“It was a feeling of both achievement and hope for the future because, whilst the stadium will give a home for a club which has 130 years of history, it will also provide a facility which can be used and enjoyed by the community.

“Of course, for myself, it’s the end of a very long and sometimes tortuous journey.”

He added: “I think the homecoming went well. We were in a strange situation because not only did we know that we would have to cater for a large attendance, but we also had to contend with the fact that we were in very unfamiliar and new surroundings.

“We were definitely right to make this first historic game all ticket. Had we not I’m convinced we would’ve attracted over 2,000 spectators.

“We took the decision to cap the attendance at around 1,400 and whilst it was great to reach this two days before the match, I was a bit sad that some people missed out.

“However we now have all the thrills and spills of the FA Cup to look forward to on Saturday, so please come along and give us your support, it should be another great game.”

Easterbrook also praised opponents Hayes & Yeading for the role they played in Slough’s homecoming celebrations.

He said: “Feedback has been positive. The sun shone and of course we won the game against a very good Hayes & Yeading team.

“I would also like to add that throughout the week leading up to our first game, Hayes & Yeading were absolutely fantastic, very understanding and certainly entered into the spirit of the occasion, which was great.”

The Rebels chairman continued: “Getting the club back playing in Slough was the priority. However, we all know how fickle football is, so in that respect it was great that we won our first game.

“Of course I’m very proud but what was important to me was that Slough Town, a club which gave me great highs and lows as a youngster, should be back playing in its home town.

“At non-league level a club such as Slough is more than just a football club and often the good that it can offer is underestimated and overlooked.

“I, like many supporters, have met some good and wonderful people over the years, many of whom I wouldn’t have had the privilege to meet had it not been for Slough Town.

“We now have a wonderful opportunity to start to rebuild the club and re-establish ourselves at the heart of the community.

“We have recently formed a partnership with St Joseph’s Catholic School whereby education will now be provided by a local school to our Academy Students, which is great.

“It’s wonderful that we have the disability team [PALS] and we have a number of youth teams, all of which we will be looking to expand.

“These are exciting times, not only for the club, but for everyone in Slough. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”