BASILDON United are the latest club to be linked to a groundshare with Grays Athletic.

Uncertainly surrounds the future of Blues following their relegation from the Blue Square Premier and ousting from their New Rec stadium which is now to be developed for housing.

A Football Association spokesman has now confirmed that Grays could even be playing in the Essex Senior League next term.

And that opens up the possibility of Grays groundsharing with Basildon at the Hive. “Although no talks have begun about Grays playing at Basildon United next season the club would certainly not object to such a groundshare,” said Basildon’s secretary Richard Mann.

“We are running without a reserve team after failing in our application to join the Olympian League meaning the pitch is free every other Saturday.

“And we would obviously welcome a club of Gray’s pedigree and history coming to Gardiners Close — even if it’s only for one season.”

Having no longer use of Bridge Road, Grays had asked to be placed in the Ryman League.

A groundshare with Tilbury at Chadfields and a place in its Premier Division had looked like the most likely outcome.

That, however, appears to have been scuppered after the FA and the Ryman League announced its divisional set-up with no mention at all of Grays.

Although no official announcement has yet been made, an FA spokesman said: “Grays have been placed in Step Five and that will mean the Essex Senior League.”

Grays were not accepted into the Ryman League because it is claimed they had not submitted the relevant paperwork in time or clarified which ground they would be playing at next season.

But Athletic owner, Andy Swallow, disputes this. The 2005 Trophy winners finished 23rd in the Blue Square Premier this term.