Fans gutted as Step 9 club look to go out of existence

Fans have been left gutted this week as on Wednesday night, Step 9 club Langney Wanderers say they look to go out of existence.

The SCFL Premier Division outfit, who ground-share with Eastbourne Borough, say they are withdrawing from the league ‘with great regret’.

Wanderers finished the 2020/21 campaign sitting 18th when football was halted before Christmas, and they had recently decided not to enter the SCFL’s end-of-season cup competition.

A statement from Langney on Wednesday night said: “It is with great regret that we have made the difficult decision to resign our club from the SCFL. It has been a great 10 years for us from Sunday League football to finishing off in the SCFL Premier Division.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision for us as we feel like we have let you all down, but the financial side of football is very expensive. We would like to thank Eastbourne Borough FC for allowing us to ground share with them over the last few years.

“Also, a huge thank you to our volunteers, supporters and sponsors. Also to all our players’ and management teams past and present thank you for all your time effort and loyalty, we have made some great friends over the last 10 years and we are going to miss you all. Though Tibbs will be pitchside somewhere on a Saturday afternoon. Forever grateful to you all!”

Other clubs in the Sussex area were quick to get back to Langney officials, with sympathy over their resignation.

Southwick 1882 FC said: “Sad to be reading this, fantastic achievements over the years. Like you stated Sunday league to county league. Should all be very proud, fantastic football club. Good luck to all.”

Chichester City said: “We’re very sorry to hear this. We enjoyed our encounters against you when we were in the SCFL.”

Lancing FC added: “Sorry to hear this, but on behalf of all at Lancing, congratulations on your achievements over the last 10 years and best of luck in whatever follows.”

Eastbourne Utd said: “Sorry to hear this, such a shame to lose a club with so many great people attached to it! Some amazing memories throughout the years- best of luck for whatever the future holds!”

Peacehaven FC wrote: “Sad to see you guys go, had some cracking matches over the seasons. All the best to those involved.”

Eastbourne Borough chairman David Blackmore tweeted: “Such very sad news but completely understand your decision, I know how hard it has been for you to both make it. Two of the nicest, most genuine people I know in football and in life. You should be so proud of the impact you have had on so many people in such a positive way.”

As mentioned, fans were gutted as the Step 9 club say they look to go out of existence…

@garyyoung69: Lost for words really, Tracey and Tibbs you’re an inspiration to so many and have proved so many wrong. All the best for your future endeavours

@gilly14216484: NO your fucking joking 😢 Can’t believe that how very sad 😢 Great club , Great people ,have always been made to feel very welcome whenever we’ve come to you , had some great games over the years , your always welcome at Oakwood pop in some time be good to see you all 👍 👌

@StevenHickman87: Gutted!!! What a job tibbs and Tracey have done with langney had the best time there as a player!!! What they achieved was unreal and was a pleasure to be apart of!!

@grantie8: So sad, good luck for the future, sad day for local football..

@SimonRo12794016: So sorry to hear this news, Tracey and Tibbs have done an amazing job and were the heartbeat of the club and the reason the club achieved so much.

@Ivesy77: What a journey you’ve taken your Club on. Be proud of the incredible achievements, you’re both great servants to local football

@CanmanClub: Very sad Another great club bites the dust

@TownUltras: Such a shame, Langney Wanderers FC will be sorely missed. Good friends and great rivals!

@cpbates62: Best wishes to Tibbs and Tracey remember the fun and games when you were with the Lewes Sunday League

@dblackmore66: Such very sad news but completely understand your decision, I know how hard it has been for you to both make it. Two of the nicest, most genuine people I know in football and in life. You should be so proud of the impact you have had on so many people in such a positive way.

@NickBarden8: Such a shame guys you’ve done an amazing job over the years it was an honour to be part of it for only a short time !!! Always saw your club as family as much as a football club good luck in the future Tracey and Tibbs xx

@rysegal: A real shame. A great club all around both on and off the pitch. Wishing everyone affiliated with the club every success in the future.

@Projectnonleag1: Really sad to see. A popular club within the Southern Combination

Only played a few games for the 23’s but provided a great memory for a top club! Best of luck for the future 👏🏽⚽️ pic.twitter.com/delUaQdy33

— Dom Welsh (@DomWelsh3) April 1, 2021

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