COASTERS AND FLEET FINALLY ACCEPT THEIR FATE

AFC FYLDE and Ebbsfleet United have revealed they will not contest their relegation from the National League.

The two clubs had previously looked into launching legal action against the National League following the decision to finalise league standings from the 2019-20 season using an unweighted points-per-game system.

But in statements released this week, Fleet and the Coasters say they will no longer proceed with a legal challenge for the good of the game.

“AFC Fylde now looks forward to building both on and off the field ahead of a new campaign,” said the Mill Farm club, who will be returning to National League North just 12 months after reaching last year’s top-flight play-offs.

“Whilst the club remains disappointed on a number of areas, such as miscommunication provided by the National League at already uncertain times, we wholeheartedly accept as a club that overall it has been a disappointing campaign at Mill Farm and we wish to move forward now and plan ahead for a successful 2020-21 league season.

“The club can confirm it did explore the potential of legal action in tandem with Ebbsfleet United.

“AFC Fylde now looks forward to building both on and off the field ahead of a new campaign, as we aim to secure promotion at the first attempt back to the National League in order for the club to achieve its ultimate goal of reaching the Football League.”

Ebbsfleet, who are heading for National League South, added: “Having regard to the wider interest of the National League, Ebbsfleet United have decided to accept the NL position and what that entails and will decline to proceed with the legal challenge process available to the club.

“With the National League North and South play-offs being scheduled to commence this coming weekend, we wanted to update our supporters on the end of season outcomes and the league we expect to play in next season.

“The decision to proceed with play-offs in the North and South divisions, combined with the decision by the league membership to decide the 2019/20 season finishing positions based on an unweighted pointsper-game basis, means Ebbsfleet United will be relegated should play-offs proceed and be completed.”