There has been much speculation in recent days as to whether or not the club was offered a reprieve from relegation.  This speculation arose from a report on Non-League News 24 stating that we had turned down such an offer.  Whilst it is accurate to state that no formal offer of this nature was made, the club was contacted by the FA to ask whether we would consider replacing Merthyr Tydfil in the Premier Division of the Zamaretto League.  This possibility was discussed by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary, who agreed that it would be in the best interests of the club not to compete in that division.

A number of factors were taken into consideration when reaching this decision, including the amount of travelling required, the likely effect of this increased burden on the club as a whole and the need for the club to regroup at the level it finds itself.  The club has had a difficult year financially and needs to stabilise in this area, a task that would be made easier by competing in the significantly more local Central Division.  The club had been planning for life in the Central Division for several weeks by the time the situation arose and an unexpected switch to the Premier Division would have undone all of the considerable work done in this regard both by the management team and others at the club.

Many at the club, including the management team, feel very strongly that discussions around the potential placement of the club at Step Three should have been more inclusive than they were.  In hindsight, the club recognises that this should have been the case and that Jamie Lawrence, Neil Cumming and John Warrington should have been consulted, and the views of other senior members of the club sought.  The way the news has emerged via the media is unfortunate and it is entirely understandable that the management team are disappointed by the way the possibility of a reprieve emerged.  In the interests of openness and honesty, I feel it is only fair that supporters should be informed that Jamie, Neil and John have all considered their futures at the club in recent days.

Given the hard work being undertaken by Jamie, Neil and John, as well as Paul Burgess, in striving to both retain existing squad members and recruit new players, it is important to clarify the club's future ambitions.  The Club is fully committed to returning to Step Three football and potentially higher in the medium to long term via its own efforts as soon as possible, and this was communicated to the management team by the Chairman at a meeting last night.  The football management team have, following this meeting, committed themselves to moving forward with Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club. 

Everyone at the club continues to work towards a successful campaign in the Zamaretto League Central Division.

Gareth Coates
Assistant Secretary