JUST NO SOUTHERN COMFORT FOR WOOD
SHORTWOOD United chairman Bill Reay insists the club will not fold despite being forced to resign from the Southern League for next season.
The Wood are to stand down after five seasons in the current South West division due to the financial commitment required at Step 4 level.
Instead, though, the Nailsworth-based side, who reached the first round of the FA Cup in 2013-14 after beating National League Aldershot Town, are looking to compete at Step 5 level next season, in either the Hellenic or Western Leagues, while scrapping their reserve set-up.
In a statement on the club’s website, Reay explained how the move was being seen as a step forward for the club in the long term.
It read: “Regretfully it has become necessary for Shortwood United Football Club to relinquish their registration in the Southern League at the end of season 2017/2018.
“This has been a difficult decision taken in the most difficult of circumstances but constant financial demands to improve facilities have recently been further compounded by loss of a major sponsor’s income from the end of this season. This combination will leave the club in a vulnerable financial position should we attempt to continue competing at Southern League level.
“In light of this Shortwood United FC’s Committee consider it prudent to seek football at a lower step and more localised level where operating costs and demands for facility improvements will be moderated.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Southern League and we have made many good friends that we will sorely miss. Everyone at Shortwood United FC speaks very highly of the friendliness and superb organisation of the Southern League officers and we remain in gratitude for their ongoing support in assisting with our exit from the league.
“We are, as yet, unaware in which league we will be playing our football next season, and await the FA’s advice on this, but we hope to be competing at a level equivalent with that of the Hellenic or Western League. Shortwood United will not run a second team for the season 2018/2019 but use the time to properly organise a development youth squad in readiness for the following season.”
The club’s twitter feed added this week: “Thank you to everyone for their kind words and thoughts. We have not folded, far from it! Sometimes in life you have to take a step back to move forward! We have made so many friends in the Southern League, it is an incredibly sad day for us all here at the Wood.”