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Problems in the South
Just a couple of news stroies that although not affecting us directly, will no doubt have knock on effects throughout the UniBond League this summer
RETFORD UNITED MISS OUT ON PROMOTION
At a meeting held on 2nd April the UniBond League Ground Grading Committee gave full consideration to all the relative correspondence between the League and Retford United concerning ground grading requirements. When Retford joined the League at the start of the current season they were accepted with an “E” Grade and, at that time, were made fully aware that a “D” grade would be necessary by 31st March 2008. In the meantime, due to Retford United’s leading position as challengers for promotion, the League have re-iterated on a number of occasions that if the appropriate grading was not achieved by the stipulated date then Retford United would not be accepted for membership of the Premier Division either as the Champions of the First Division South or through the play-offs. Sadly, the grading was not achieved and, under the circumstances, the League decided they were left with no option other than to deny Retford United promotion.
The question of whether Retford United should retain their position as members of the First Division South due to their failure to achieve the “D” Grade by the stipulated date was also an area of concern. However, after due consideration of all the circumstances particularly the advanced stage of work in progress, the Committee agreed that Retford United should be given the opportunity to remain in the League subject to providing written assurances regarding the completion of all the outstanding ground improvements. As Retford United will not be promoted the eventual runners-up will receive the one automatic promotion spot with the clubs placed in 3rd to 6th positions competing for the one other promotion place via the play-offs.
ALSAGER TOWN TO BE RELEGATED
Another important issue considered at the same meeting was the future status of Alsager Town FC who, for the second year in succession, had failed to achieve the “D” grade necessary to remain as members of the League. When the club was accepted in to membership of the League with an “E” grade in 2006 they were advised they needed to achieve a “D” grade by 31st March 2007. The club failed to meet this deadline but were given dispensation for a further twelve months to 31st March 2008 but once again failed to achieve the “D” grade.
This matter was again the subject of much correspondence but, due to problems within the club itself surrounding the ground lease, Alsager Town FC made it clear that the required ground improvements would not be made until such time as the internal question of the ground lease was resolved. Instead Alsager Town proposed a ground-share arrangement with Kidsgrove Athletic but the League was not prepared to accept this as it considered the proposal to be in contravention of criteria laid down regarding promotion and relegation.
Under the prevailing circumstances, therefore, the Ground Grading Committee had no option but to recommend to the Football Association’s Leagues Committee that Alsager Town be relegated in accordance with the provisions of League Rule 2.4. This decision, should it be ratified by the League’s Committee, will give a reprieve to whichever club finishes bottom of the First Division South.
Mark Locke,
05/04/2008
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