One non league club have been left shocked this week at finding out that they are being removed and demoted down two divisions.
Southwick FC have said that they are forced to leave the Southern Combination League after losing the use of their ground.
The Wickers, who were founded in 1882, say that ‘previous debts’ have forced them to move out of Old Barn Way, now they will compete in the Mid-Sussex League for the 2020/21 season.
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Southwick FC tweeted the following statement on Wednesday: “This afternoon the club have been informed that we have been removed out of the National League system and we have dropped two divisions into the Mid Sussex Football League.
“This has come as a total shock to the club and everyone at the club is devastated as it is completely out of our hands.
“We have been founders of the county league since 1920 and we have been removed.
“The players and committee are also very excited for the new project and getting back into NLS. Management and players have all committed to getting this club back to where it should be and we are 100 per cent confident of this happening.”
The Wickers said their thanks to the many clubs and fans in the non league community who have expressed sympathy. They tweeted on Thursday morning: “Thank you to everyone who has sent us their best wishes, we are still in shock however we will look at this as a new opportunity to get the club back on its feet and back where it belongs!”
However there is a twist to this story, with the league and Football Association confused with the club’s statement.
SCFL chairman Steve Nealgrove said: “We knew there was an investigation happening by the FA into Southwick FC but we have not been notified by the FA as to the outcome – we have like many people read about this initially on Twitter and then later received an email from the club informing us of their situation.
“This is devastating news for the football club and I am trying to find out more as it seems very severe to relegate the club out of the NLS to district football and I am also very disappointed in the FA in not informing us at the same time as the club.”
Inquiries by the Worthing Herald on Thursday led to the SCFL and FA both saying any demotion is not down to them – which begs the question, who has ordered the demotion.
The FA issued a brief comment, saying: “Southwick FC remains a member club of the National League System’s South-ern Combination Football League.”
Probed further, the FA added it had nothing to add, SCFL chairman Steve Nealgrove said Southwick’s relegation from the league to the Mid Sussex set-up was not down to the league.
He told Worthing Herald: “I have spoken to the FA at length. We are both confused about their (the club’s) statement as neither the FA nor the SCFL have any knowledge of this. There is a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday between the FA and the SCFL on this matter.”
A Southwick FC spokesman said: “There is confusion surrounding this decision and we are awaiting further information.”
Twitter user @atilatstokbroka said: “After years of appalling stewardship my historic local club @SFC_TheWickers has been reconstituted as a CIC and has a bright future. At this precise moment authorities decide to throw Southwick out of the County League because of previous owners’ debts. A disgusting decision.”
Other fans reacted to the non league club left shocked at being demoted two divisions…
Tragic news for all those involved in the club.All the best guys I know it won’t be long before your back.
— Canman 6660 (@fieldwitharope) July 29, 2020
It’s devastating news after all the positives we’ve had over the last few months, we will be back, this is a new start for the club Wickers stick together
— Dan Gander (@DanFMDatabase85) July 29, 2020
Never heard of a situation like this. Does the two division demotion mean you’ll be in the MSFL Championship this season?!
— Ringmer AFC (@RingmerAFC) July 29, 2020
Tragic news for a long standing member of the league.
Shame that the decision couldn’t be made to give new people a fresh chance and not tarnish you with someone else’s mistake.Best of luck going forward and hope for a speedy climb up the ladder again.
— AFC Romans (@AFC_Romans) July 29, 2020
Club was saved from the drop 5 years ago but the same bloke has done it again 🙁 good luck southwick hope to see u back in the county league again soon
— jk (@kilgy7) July 29, 2020
This is shocking news. Enjoyed some great battles over the years – a great local rivalry!
— Tony Burnett (@BurnettTb) July 29, 2020
I been saying it for years. I had the privilege of saving and winning trophies at that club and proved that the football was good and it didn’t matter about the club house. But again it was brushed under carpet when I was realised (for no reason may I add) lol but hey ho
— jk (@kilgy7) July 29, 2020
Some shocking news this evening that @SFC_TheWickers have been demoted 2 divisions to the @midsussexleague , over the last few months we have been working hard to get the clubs profile back into the public’s mind with our fantastic history, that has not changed, we will all…
— Dan Gander (@DanFMDatabase85) July 29, 2020
Sad to see Southwick go, sleeping giant. Poorly run for years, shame for the new club members looking to move on.
Had great games down the years with the Oak
Do you know where you’ll be playing your home games next season yet?
— Karl (@karl61088) July 29, 2020
I’m massively massively saddened to hear this massive shock. I’m sure you’ll be back where you belong very very soon all the best guys much love ❤ once a wicker always a wicker ⚫?
— Ryan 父harman (@harmann03) July 29, 2020
This is such a shame. We have had some cracking battles with you over the last few years. Hope to see you back over at Hailsham soon.
— Andrew Hazelden (@AndrewHazelden1) July 29, 2020
Very bizarre. Good luck to Southwick. Once upon a time, during my wandering days they were my nearest non league club
— Peacehaven Wild Kids (@PWK_PTFC) July 29, 2020
Unjust that the new people at the club are punished…. you’ll be back sooner rather than later!
Best of luck for the new season
— (Barry) @thecoldend (@thecoldend) July 29, 2020
Gutted for you Southwick boys; I’m a Midhurst lad and think that’s bloody harsh on you, but no doubt you’ll soon bounce back. Wishing you the best of luck for coming season.
— Pete (@midhurst_pete) July 29, 2020
Unbelievable .. you’ve been waiting 4 months to play and then this decision comes along ?
Stay strong #Wickers .. @TheSCFL @NonLeagueCrowd look forward to seeing you return soon .. all the best in the @midsussexleague ?
— andyf (@redlegTudor) July 29, 2020
@SFC_TheWickers shocking news! Spent 5 seasons with this club playing under Chris Webber, Keith cheal and Dominic shepherd and was given my first chance to manage. Great club and wishing you all the best
— stu malt (@stumal09) July 29, 2020
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