Sids pull out of league in pitch dispute with council

Football

Sidlesham FC have pulled out of the Souhern Combination League in a row over the use of their pitch.

It is a shock and a big blow to the club, who are blaming the parish council for cancelling an existing agreement governing use of the pitch.

It is understood the parish council have no wish to stop the football club using the pitch but do want to change the terms of the club’s residency at the Selsey Road Rec.

The move will disrupt division one of the Southern Combination League, with the league now needing to decided what to do about results already recorded by Sids.

They have played seven games but picked up only two points.

In a statement issued on social media on Tuesday morning, Sidlesham FC said: “It is with much sadness and regret that with immediate effect, Sidlesham first team have withdrawn from the SCFL.

“The local parish council have cancelled our current agreement for use of the pitch.

“Negotiations are ongoing for a new agreement, but at this present time the club is unable to operate at county level. The uncertainty surrounding the club has made it impossible to recruit new or retain existing players to compete at the level required.

“Our West Sussex team will continue playing with the hope that a suitable agreement can be reached with the council.”

A parish council statement is expected and it is understood they feel they’ve done nothing to stop the club using the pitch.