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Ambitious 10th tier club resign from their league with immediate effect 10 games into new season

Ambitious 10th tier club Doncaster City resign from their league with immediate effect, 10 games into the new season.

Last season, they finished 16th with 45 points from 42 games played, and this season they were 5th with 17 points from 10 games played before their record was removed.

They’ve made the headlines in recent years, from signing experienced former EFL players, to applying for the Scottish Cup, and submitted impressive elite-level football training centre plans, the latter being rejected before being resubmitted in 2026.

LEAGUE STATEMENT:

The Macron Northern Counties East Football League can confirm that Doncaster City Football Club have resigned its membership of the league with immediate effect.

The league has formally acknowledged receipt of the club’s resignation and will now proceed in accordance with FA National League System Regulations and Northern Counties East Football League rules.

As a Step 6 club withdrawing from the competition during the season, Doncaster City’s playing record will be removed from the league’s current season records.

Consequently, all fixtures involving the club will be cancelled and any results, points, goals scored and goals conceded recorded in matches involving Doncaster City during the 2026/27 season will be expunged from the league table and related statistical records.

The Northern Counties East Football League recognises that this news will be disappointing for the club’s players, management, volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

The league would like to thank Doncaster City FC for its participation during its membership and wishes everyone connected with the club well for the future.

No further comment will be made by the league at this time.

The website will be updated with a readjusted Division One table and fixtures list in due course.

CLUB STATEMENT:

“We know all our supporters will have heard the news of our resignation from the NCEL First Division and will have plenty of questions. Therefore, we feel it’s only right to give answers.

“Chairman Mark Chappell and manager John Powney have worked tirelessly on and off the pitch to help build the development of the club, finding sponsors and help to run and build the youth team because the committee were under the impression the club was moving forward and going to have a go at pushing on in the league.

“After the budget was reduced last season, John single handedly brought in his South Yorkshire u18s for our game at Harrogate Railway, we travelled with 12 players and got an incredible 3-2 away win over a team high up in league with confidence and a good squad.

“John worked tirelessly to make the most of the situation and managed to keep the team in the league and a team of young players just starting to make their way in men’s football.

“Over pre season, the club started to organise. Mark Chappell was named as chairman and entrusted to oversee the running of the club, and put his heart and soul into making it the best he could. He wanted us to have high standards, having a good kit, running his under 18 side and holding trials and to help in provide a good matchday experience, all of which was not in place beforehand.

“We were informed after what proved to be our final match, the directors and founders of the club were no longer interested in helping to fund the club, despite previous promises made that investment would be coming following the announcement that planning permission had been granted for an elite training facility in the city.

“It has come as a shock to the management, players and our volunteers who were promised a journey that has ultimately reached it’s conclusion. We want to thank everyone who has helped to support the club, putting faith in us, and on behalf of the club’s staff and media team, we are deeply sorry if you feel let down and betrayed by the news, as many feel the same.

“We apologise to rival clubs and supporters, for painting a perception of ambition that was unrealistic, Doncaster needs all it’s non league clubs to help with competition and they are the heartbeat of their community that they represent. Any animosity felt was misplaced.

“We understand that the McKay family have other interests and projects on a bigger level they want to fulfill and we wish them all the best moving forward, and thank them for the 4 years of success we have enjoyed to this point, it was a great ride. 🩵

“We want to end with some good news, that the under 18s intend on carrying on under a new guise, and will continue to represent the South Yorkshire area with some very talented players and hopefully develop their ability in the best way they can, and trust in the coaches to do so.

“And a big thanks to, the players, many of which the club still holds a place in their heart and we’re so grateful for their contributions, and wish them all the best moving forward with their careers.

“Doncaster City media team”

It comes the day after manager John Powney announced he was leaving, a post on the club’s Facebook read:

“It is with a heavy heart that I am stepping down as manager of Doncaster City FC Official with immediate effect.

“​When I was asked to take on this role, our primary objective was simple: avoid relegation and secure our place in Step 6 football. Taking on that challenge with a young, inexperienced U18s squad wasn’t easy, but finishing 11 points clear of the drop zone and picking up some unbelievable results along the way is something I will always be proud of. When I took this job, I gave it my absolute all.
​
“To all the players, past and present: thank you for everything you gave to me and to the club. Your hard work, dedication, and effort never went unnoticed.

“​To the volunteers and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes: thank you for making the club run every single day.

“​Finally, to the supporters: thank you for backing me and the lads through every high and low. You’ve been brilliant.”

Ambitious 11th tier club unveil impressive plans as they submit final planning application

Here’s how fans reacted as the ambitious 10th tier club resign from their league with immediate effect 10 games into the new season…

Karl Dewsnap: McKay with another experiment. Did it at Rovers and walked away afterwards. Without knowing too much I’m guessing he’s used City to develop his ‘training ground hub’ and then binned you off once planning permission has been granted.

Andy Wake: Karl Dewsnap That’s exactly what’s happened. McKay apparently had to buy some property owners out to mitigate planning objections.. they likely got a very good price.

@tnekmail: Another lesson that I’m sure non-league football will absolutely not learn from…

@shenarc86: And another club at Step 6 bites the dust. In this case they were only founded four years ago and in only their second season at Step 6.

@Josh_Dainty: Hate to say I told you so is a right tune. #drfc

@j17_jj: lol thought the city was blue 😂😂 #DRFC

Tony Joe Dyer: Thanks john will miss the club and u it wont feel same anymore hope we meet up again. And thank u for what u did to Ben Dyer helped him be a better footballer and made him top goalscorer

Lewis Blanchon: Thank you john, it was a ride 🩵

David Otter: All the best John sure we’ll see your name again. Should be proud of what youve achieved and the opportunities you’ve created.

Louise Bowes: Wishing you all the best John for the future! Thanks for all you’ve done for Ollie.

Andrew Billups: Cracking job. Should be proud of what you achieved buddy

Russ Shelbourne: Good luck John what ever you do in the future.. You’ll be missed 🩵

Andy Taylor: Lots of hard working people chucked to one side here. People that work full time and still give their all at this level. Anyone thinking this is funny are pond life.

Chris Vessey: Remember all the blustery and big talk about powering through the leagues? They aren’t the first and they won’t be the last

Wayne Stockton: Plenty of players there causing a scramble at other clubs to snap them up.

Jack Snowden: This was inevitable wasn’t it. Such an unsustainable model. Feel sorry for the supporters and volunteers

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