The Wrens had indicated their intention to leave the league and take a step down the National Leagues System to step 5 in order to cut down on their playing bill, and their formal letter of resignation was accepted by the league only last week.
Now, in an amazing about-turn, the league have agreed to ratify a withdrawal of their resignation letter, following the completion of a major new deal which will enable them to compete on equal financial terms with most other clubs in the division.
The identity of the new backer has not yet been revealed, but they have indicated they are not just here for the quick fix, and are with the Wrens for the ‘long haul’.
The club’s management committee had been widely praised for their initial decision to step down a level rather than go against their policy of not going into the red in order to fund the current level of football. And, although the management, playing staff and all supporters found it a bitter pill to swallow, the players responded to the news in positive fashion last weekend by registering a fine win over Leek Town, earning the high praise of their manager Kevin Gee.
The directors of the Northern Premier League have indicated their willingness, in the light of the new funding which has become available, to allow the Wrens to rip up their resignation letter and the Football Association have agreed.
Chairman Kim Wright said: “We took the initial decision for sound business reasons and with a heavy heart, since no-one within the club really wanted to take a voluntary drop. But we are fortunate in that our financial circumstances are now changing significantly for the better as a result of this very welcome development, for which we can only express our heartfelt thanks, and that the reason for our resignation no longer exists.
“I would like to welcome the new people on board, and wish them a long and happy association with our club.”
The new sponsor is expected to be unveiled and formally welcomed to the club within the next two weeks, but in the meantime the management and players can look forward to the club continuing and, hopefully, prospering in the Northern Premier League next season.