Stamford reprieved after Cinderford Town’s promotion refusal

STAMFORD have been handed a Step 3 reprieve following Cinderford Town’s decision to decline promotion to the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier – while Corby Town and Evesham United have been shifted laterally.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Foresters had told the Southern League they wanted to remain in the Southern South & West which they won last season due to financial concerns.

It meant a spot had opened up and with Stamford – who finished fourth bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier – having the best points per game ratio of the relegated clubs across the Step 3 divisions, they have profited.

A Stamford statement said: “Due to Cinderford’s decision not to take promotion to the Southern League Premier, we have been reprieved for the 2016-17 season.

“We received notification from the Football Association this morning (Friday) that subject to appeal from other clubs we will take our place in the Northern Premier League next season.”

With their move back up to the NPL Premier, Corby Town have been shifted across to the Southern Premier which now gives them a local derby against Kettering Town.

Taking Stamford’s spot in the Evo-Stik NPL South are Evesham United who move across from the Southern South & West to make room for Cinderford.

A Southern League statement read: “While the Southern League welcomes the return of Corby Town to its membership, it deeply regrets that Cinderford Town’s late decision has resulted in the lateral movement of Evesham United to the Northern Premier League.

“We can only wish them the very best of luck and success and look forward to them returning to the Southern League fold at some time in the future.”