IT IS a big week both on and off the pitch for Basingstoke Town Football Club.

The club is set to play its last ever match at The Camrose, its home since 1945 on Saturday against Taunton Town, with relegation from Evo-Stik League South Premier Division South still a possibility.

Meanwhile, a public meeting is being held at the Camrose Clubhouse, in Western Way, from 7.15pm tonight (Thursday) to find out more about the plan for the community club to take on the running of the institution.

The community club is registered as a Community Benefit Society and so is legally committed to serve the broader interests of the community.

As reported by The Gazette, it is understood talks between current owner Rafi Razzak and the community club are advancing, which would mean the team could start the process of moving to its new home at the Hampshire FA complex in Winklebury in time for next season.

However, national FA approval is still needed to transfer the community club a licence to play as Basingstoke Town at Winklebury for the 2019/20 season.