Page 5 - Deal Round Up June 2021

The Three Horseshoes

A great, friendly, traditional pub in Great Mongeham where you
will find a warm welcome from
Landlords Rachel and Johnny.
01304 379216
All Sky Sports & BT Sports Shown
On Three HD Screens

BOOKINGS - Now Being Taken For 2021; GARDEN PARTIES - WEDDINGS -
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR ALL AGES - CHRISTENINGS - ANNIVERSARIES
- (A Small Deposit Secures)
The Above Includes; Free Use Of Garden Facilities.
(Bring Your Own Food Or We Can Supply)
Children Have Free Use Of;
BOUNCY CASTLE - SLIDES - SWINGS - TRAMPOLINE
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT -
PLEASE PHONE TO BOOK

amendments, it stands to reason that the spirit of the rule could and should still be applied at
the discretion of the committee.
“Alas we were recently informed that despite their understanding and the strong case that we
presented, the FA Alliance Committee would be recommending to the FA Council that the
number of clubs for Steps 1 and 2 remain as they are for next season. The feedback we had was
that by filling a vacancy at Step 1, a precedent would be set for filling vacancies at Step 2 and
below, and given the lack of completed seasons at those levels it would be a difficult task in
identifying which clubs were most deserving of filling those vacancies.
“We countered that whilst we appreciated and understood that position, as we were one of
only three clubs relegated in the entire pyramid below the EFL last season and no relegation
was effected from Steps 2 or below, that we would hope our colleagues at other clubs through
the pyramid would have understood and supported the vacancy at Step 1 being filled under
the rules.
“Despite our best endeavours we have once again fallen on the wrong side of a considered
decision that had to be made for the entire pyramid. We appreciate the consideration and the
very difficult task the League and FA have in pleasing everyone during these unprecedented
disruptions and conditions that the pandemic has created, but we are so disappointed for our
staff, players and most of all our supporters. They have accepted that one or two clubs had to
be extremely unlucky last season to please the majority when finalising leagues but we are in-
credibly disappointed that we have not been able convince the FA Alliance Committee of the
merit and inherent fairness of using the rules at hand to fill an obvious vacancy in the National
League with the highest-ranked relegated club.
“Our final finishing position in a full season was third last on Points Per Game in the National
League/Step 1 in 2019/20 and unfortunately we have not had the chance to win or fight our
way to promotion in a null and void league in 2020/21. Emergency temporary rules have
made obsolete the mandated method of filling the existing vacancy at Step 1 that would right-
fully be ours under the rules as they stand in any other year.
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