Southern League: Sholing’s drop was their own decision

THE Southern League have reacted to the news that Sholing were demoted back to Step 5 because of ground grading issues – stating it was their own decision to drop down.

However, on Monday the club posted a brief statement saying “Sholing FC acknowledge the receipt of an email late last night from the FA informing us we have been relegated from Step 4 (Southern League S&W) to Step 5 (Wessex) due to ground grading issues”.

Manager and chairman Dave Diaper told the Daily Echo: “I feel really disappointed because it wasn’t our fault that this has happened.

“Bottom line is would never have gone up had we known that we’d have a ground grading issue.”

Southern League chairman Ken Turner has spoken out, claiming that Sholing themselves asked the league to return to Step 5.

“Contrary to local press reports, Sholing tendered their resignation from the league and were not relegated from Division One South & West for failing to complete the work required to attain the necessary grading following their promotion.”