CITY of Liverpool FC have announced that a deal has been agreed for them to play their home matches in Ellesmere Port.

The fan-owned club has signed a two-year agreement with Vauxhall Motors FC for shared use of the Syncreon Arena and its facilities.

'The Purps', who plan to build a ground of their own in the near future, had played at the home of Bootle FC for the past five years.

That agreement came to an end when the 2020/21 season was curtailed.

Discussions over a groundshare were held with Prescot Cables and Runcorn Linnets but failed to bear fruit, resulting in a deal with The Motormen who play two levels below in the football pyramid.

The move secures City of Liverpool FC's Northern Premier League Division One North West status.

In a statement the club said: "It is a National League level ground and facility and, after speaking to the Chairman Tony Woodley, we knew we had someone who we would enjoy working with.

"In a little over a week, we had viewed the facility, agreed a deal, had a ground gradings visit and signed a 2-year Groundshare Agreement, and in doing so maintained our place in the Northern Premier League, which was our key strategic goal.

"Having earned our position in the NPL the hard way (by winning the NWCFL Premier Division) we were determined not to lose this status.

"Vauxhall Sports & Social is an outstanding football facility and is 11 miles from the Pier Head along the A41, although we appreciate that there is a big River to get across as well!

"Arrangements are already in place to provide a shuttle bus service from the City Centre to ensure our supporters can continue enjoying The Purps and watching Michael Ellison’s exciting new squad follow on from its good start in this curtailed season.

"We have supporters all across the City Region and appreciate that this move will be further away for some and closer for others, but we know that all Purps will understand the predicament we were placed in and will get behind the club, for what is hopefully one season (more on this to come shortly).

"We’d like to go on record in thanking each and every club who took the time to speak to us and explore the possibility of us groundsharing with them, as well as the representatives of the NPL who worked with us every step of the way to ensure our continued membership of the league.

"Thank you most of all to Mr Woodley and Vauxhall Sports & Social Club. We are looking forward to playing at your excellent facility!"

Reacting to the statement, Vauxhall Motors FC posted on Twitter: "We are delighted to confirm we have agreed a two-year ground share with @CityofLpoolFC at Syncreon Arena. We look forward to welcoming Purps supporters to their new home!"