BRODIE’S BUNCH HAVE LOST BOUNCE

SKELMERSDALE United boss Richard Brodie says he’s endured a week of soul searching after his side were demoted from NPL West after failing to meet ground grading regulations. Skem spent the past year playing home games at Burscough’s Community Ground, however, the FA ruled on Wednesday that the stadium is not up to scratch to hold Step 4 fixtures next season. The news came as a crushing blow to rookie boss Brodie, who had just guided his side to an impressive 11th place finish in his first season in management.

“I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve cried this week, it’s so deflating,” the former York City and Southport striker said. “The last few days have been one of the biggest roller coaster rides that I’ve endured in the game. We really felt like we had a good case to take to the FA because important building work was due to start at the ground next week.

“If the hearing had been a week later, things could have turned out completely differently because the builders would have been working away and it could have swayed the decision. “There are matches scheduled to be played at the ground up until this weekend, so we felt it was only fair for us to wait until they had happened before starting the work, but ultimately it seems as though that has cost us.” This week’s decision marks the second time United have fallen foul of ground grading regulations in the past 12 months, after the pitch at their JMO Sports Park home failed the “bounce test”, forcing them to relocate seven miles down the road to Burscough.

The move allowed Skem to compete in Step 4 this season, but with the Community Ground now also deemed unfit for action, a forced demotion has been confirmed. “It’s emotional because we put so much work into keeping the club up on a small budget and it’s all gone to waste,” added Brodie. “It’s happened now though, and we have to dust ourselves down, wipe away the tears and put all our effort into getting back up next season.”