The Gladiators were reformed in 2003 after folding in 1989

Colchester Gladiators have been left homeless after a dispute with Wivenhoe Town FC ended the clubs' groundshare.

The Gladiators said Wivenhoe had terminated the agreement - but the football club rejected this saying Colchester had chosen to leave.

Gladiators chairman Tom Burridge told BBC Essex: "We've worked on developing a relationship with Wivenhoe.

"It seems they are now going back on some of the arrangements we made and have terminated our arrangement."

But Wivenhoe chairman Carl Callan told the Chelmsford Weekly News: "I don't think we've said they can't stay on. We've had a few discussions with them and they don't think the ground is up to their requirements.

"The changing rooms are too small and things aren't there that they need. They also think they are paying too much, but we charge them £12 an hour, which I think is amazingly cheap."

There are a number of options available to us but we're very keen to offer fans the experience we did at Wivenhoe Colchester Gladiators chairman Tom Burridge

The Gladiators had played their BAFA Division One South East games at the Broad Lane Stadium since 2003.

The club, who attract an average crowd of 300, still have competitive games remaining this season but have yet to confirm a venue for them.

"We still have three senior and a couple of youth fixtures in front of us," said Burridge.

"We're really up against it now. We'd like to not sacrifice the game-day experience we've fostered.

"We've won awards for what we offer during game-days and it would be a real shame if we lost that."

The team, which reached the National Championship final last season, are currently sitting fourth in the Division One South East and are now desperately seeking a new home.

Burridge added: "The appeal's out. We're looking for everyone and anyone.

"There are a number of options available to us but we're very keen to offer fans the experience we did at Wivenhoe."

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