Cowdenbeath FC are battling back and are poised to submit a proposal for retail development in the centre of the town and this week the Blue Brazil announced that they have a petition containing 500 signatures supporting their plans for the Central Park area.
Their application is for permission in principle for the erection of a class one retail unit at North End Park which goes before Cowdenbeath Area Committee at a later date, with a recommendation for acceptance from planning officers. Their plan also contains the proposed relocation of the football club to a purpose-built community stadium in the Broad Street area of the town.
However, the viability of the proposals are threatened by the application from Vico Ltd to construct a supermarket in the North End Park area of the town.
Club chairman, Donald Findlay QC, said: "Over 500 people have signed a petition in support of the club's proposals and in opposition to the application to redevelop North End Park. The Central Park area has been identified in Fife Council's Kirkcaldy and Mid Fife Local Draft Development Plan as a key area for mixed use redevelopment in the town. The construction of a retail development at North End Park is, in our opinion, contrary to this and would make the proposals to redevelop Central Park unviable."
Cowdenbeath have announced a new kit deal with Umbro and their 2011/12 home strip will be showcased in Central Park's final First Division game of the season on Saturday when Stirling Albion visit. The new deal has been brokered by Edinburgh team kit specialists, Football Nation, who will be supplying Cowden with all their kit requirements from July. Interested parties can see the new kit on the club's official website from April 30th. The Red Socks are a departure for the Blue Brazil while there is a return to blue sleeves after this season's pseudo 'blue Arsenal' effort.
A draw or a defeat for Ross County at Falkirk on Saturday will mean Cowdenbeath must win their final league game at Dingwall to avoid the play-offs but the 'beath must also beat Stirling on Saturday to stay in touch with Jimmy Calderwood's side who can condemn the Blue Brazil to games against teams finishing in 2nd,3rd and 4th in Div 2 if the Highlanders beat the Bairns at the weekend.