Wakefield AFC have announced a return to Featherstone Rovers' Millennium Stadium with Tuesday night's JCP Construction League Cup tie with Dronfield Town the first to be played at the venue.

The NCEL Division One side were playing their games at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield following a move there from the start of last season.

But, in a joint statement, they and stadium landlords, rugby league side Wakefield Trinity, have mutually agreed to relocate football games from that venue.

The announcement revealed that the decision was driven by the increased costs required to meet the Ground Safety Certificate requirements and the planned long-term maintenance of the pitch following the rugby season.

Matt Ellis, owner of Wakefield Trinity, stated: "We have a strong relationship with the management of Wakefield AFC and fully support their vision for the club and the city.

"This is not a goodbye; we will continue exploring collaborative opportunities and finding alternatives to work together that might be mutually beneficial."

Gui Decca, chairman of Wakefield AFC, expressed his gratitude: "I am sincerely thankful to all Trinity fans who have embraced Wakefield AFC and continue to support our club. We value your support regardless of where we play.

"For the club's long-term viability, it is essential to develop our own facilities.

"We have settled all debts with the city, have not taken any funds from Wakefield taxpayers, and have proposed facility developments that promise economic growth and job creation – all privately funded.

"Despite the lack of serious interest from the city, we remain committed to building a club our fans can be proud of."

Wakefield AFC have signed a two-year stadium lease with Featherstone Rovers that also includes an agreement for the football club to open a club shop at the stadium and use the rugby league side's training facility.

Paddy Handley, board member of Featherstone Rovers, said: "We are very happy to be able to reach an agreement with Wakefield AFC and want to work with them so that they feel like the stadium is their home.

"We hope we can collaborate with football and all sports in the area to create a real community sports centre of excellence here at the stadium.”

Decca added: "First of all, my sincere thanks to the board and coaching staff at Featherstone Rovers that swiftly worked on our agreement to allow us to relocate during this football season. It is greatly appreciated by our board, fans and staff alike.

"We are looking forward to having some stability to plan our next steps and over time, develop a productive relationship with Featherstone with the goal of creating sustainability at both clubs."

Meanwhile, please note that, due to the unavailability of the Millennium Stadium, Wakefield AFC's Isuzu FA Vase game with 1874 Northwich later this month will be at their former home, the DIY Kitchens Stadium.