The past two weeks have been a difficult period for the Club. Starting with Gavin Macpherson’s resignation as manager on 3rd May, followed quickly by some less than encouraging information about our major source of income through the in-service Lottery, which has been in decline for quite a while.

It became clear that we needed to introduce some cost-cutting measures in order that the Club would sustain itself. Our situation was shared with the Southern League and the FA Leagues Manager, the consequence being that we have accepted a voluntary relegation to Step 4 – the Isthmian South Central League. That transfer was confirmed today.

In addition, it has been decided not to operate with a reserve team which will reduce expenditure further.

I regret that it has not been possible to share this information sooner, but our demotion to a Step 4 league was far from certain, with Step 5 a strong possibility.

With immediate effect, Paul Burnell will become 1st team manager, assisted by Tommy Nyama and Ian Griffith. Megan Partington will move up to 1st team physiotherapist. Paul plans to add to his management team in due course.

Dean Longman will remain as manager of the U18 team.

We look forward to a return to the Isthmian League and a number of more local games, which may help with attendance and certainly reduce the extensive travelling costs we have endured in our five seasons in the Southern League.

Pre-season friendlies with Hampton and Richmond, Wimbledon, Horsham and South Park are already pencilled in, which I hope indicates to supporters that whilst things will be different, we are ready for a buoyant future.

Des Flanders

Chairman