Diggers on the pitch at Kettering Town FC's old ground

The ground, which has been empty since the Poppies left in 2011, was bought by a developer for housing in September.

Work to cut down trees behind the old away end took place shortly afterwards, followed by a notice of intent to demolish the stadium which was placed on safety barriers.

It reads: “Harpur Developments Limited hereby give notice of intent to demolish associated stands, terraces and floodlights at former Kettering Town football ground, Rockingham Road, Kettering, NN16 9AW, after November 1, 2017.”

A digger is now parked on what used to be the pitch in apparent readiness for demolition work to begin.