More changes made to NWCFL divisions after another club confirms decision to resign

More changes have been made to the NWCFL divisions after another club in Ellesmere Rangers confirms their decision to resign.

They stated in a tweet: “Ellesmere Rangers have had to make the difficult decision to drop out of the NWCFL and play in the Salop Leisure Premier League.

“The decision was made by the committee to safe guard the future of the club and to engage with the local community and play against Shropshire teams.

“Taking a step backwards will hopefully help us move forward in the future. Thanks to everyone that has and continues to support the club.”

CLUB STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/tWF0pvUQIN

— Ellesmere Rangers FC (@EllesRangers_FC) June 27, 2023

On learning of the club’s resignation, the NWCFL wrote: “The North West Counties League have been advised overnight by Ellesmere Rangers FC that it is their intention to Resign from the League. The club cite the operating costs for the club at Step Six as being prohibitive as well as the availability of a suitable managerial team.

“The NWCFL wish Ellesmere Rangers the best for the future and hope that they can regroup and come back stronger in the future. In the meantime the League’s Board will be meeting over the next week to discuss the options available and how this affects the structure of the constitution. This will also likely delay our ability to publish the July/August fixtures this week, due to the implications of the siutuation but we will address that as soon as possible.

“Following the resignation of Ellesmere Rangers from Division One North, the NWCFL have been involved in discussions with Droylsden FC and The FA to discuss the lateral movement of Droylsden FC to our Division One South.

“All parties have confirmed their agreement and under FA Rules we are able to resolve this issue within the constitution of the NWCFL and can confirm that Droylsden will move to Division One South to fill the vacant position left by the departure of Ellesemere Rangers. This will give both of our Step Six Divisions a total of eighteen member teams for the 2023-24 season which starts on the 29th July.

“We wish to put on record our thanks to Droylsden FC and The FA for their swift contributions to the resolution of this situation. Work will now commence on amending and reconstructing the fixture lists for July 29th and August, with an aim to releasing them at the earliest opportunity.”

We can confirm a change to our Division One North and South memberships following the recent resignation of Ellesmere Rangers.https://t.co/JnbUsvxCoG

— The NWCFL ⚽️ (@nwcfl) June 28, 2023

Earlier in June, the NWCFL agreed to accept the request from Winsford United to take voluntary relegation and be allocated to the North West Counties Division 1 South.

Uttoxeter Town was reprieved from the North West Counties Division One South, to the Midland League Premier Division.

Other changes sees Congleton Town and Northwich Victoria transferred to the Midland League Premier Division.

Fans reacted as more changes are made to NWCFL divisions after another club confirms their decision to resign…

@daleskitt: Sad to hear but you need to do what’s best for the longevity of the club as Wem Town did this time last year, all the best for the forthcoming season in the Salop Leisure League 👍🏻

@LeaEdge: All about what is best for the club. Will be down for a few games.

@matt_six: Financially impossible during this period to be competitive at Step 6. Hope you have a good season and see where things take you. Should be. Very competitive salop prem league this year.

@hinckleyafcfan: Sad to hear, good luck for the future ❤️⚽️

@rogers01_tony: The NWCFL doing the right thing again. Great league, run by proper football folk.

@Michael58785565: I agree, some times take 1 step back to take 2 steps forward. Good luck lads

@ChorltonWest: Some really fond memories of visiting the club, great staff and set up.

@BSalopian: Good luck guys! 🤞⚽🦢

@nick_durman: Best of luck guys, hope everyone at ER is OK

@Theboyward1: Another loss to the NWCL. It’s difficult to make a club financially viable travelling as far as they do on double figure gates. Really sad but understandable news

@OldMancunium: In the current climate its better than struggling financially and run the risk of folding completely. #nonleague

@AndyTaylor02: Is step 6 really worth chasing?! Stronger more local step 6/7 leagues surely the best way forwards – better for players, clubs and local people wanting to watch local football. Just my opinion!

@DanielBooth6692: Best of luck for the future, lads!

@ElkinsDenis: Sensible decision

@Torquayhopper12: Sad to see this, you were excellent hosts on the hop in March. Fingers crossed you can regroup and return to the NWCL soon

@KathBFair: We now have Droylsden FC in our league, another Derby to look forward too 😀

@StevenBMedia: All the best. This perfect pyramid concept isn’t working

@liam_kelly3: Sorry to read guys, enjoyed the two battles last season and always enjoyed a trip to your place. Hopefully you’ll be back soon.