Histon accept appeal defeat

By David RIchardson

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: Histon’s Bridge Road home will be hosting Northern Premier League matches next season

PICTURE: Alamy

HISTON say they must move on and embrace life in the Northern Premier League after failing in an appeal over their allocation for the upcoming season.

The Stutes were one of 23 clubs to have their challenge dismissed following the restructure of the National League System at Steps 4-6.

The Cambridgeshire based side were laterally transferred from the Isthmian League North to the newly-formed Northern Premier League Midlands division as part of the changes.

Histon challenged the decision in a hearing with the FA Appeal Board on Monday, but were unsuccessful.

“We went into the appeal process knowing that a positive outcome was unlikely,” the club said, “but we wanted the opportunity to explain to the FA the impact this move would have on our club, and to try to get clarity for the future in order to allow us to make some kind of strategic plan to keep our club moving forward both on and off the pitch.

“It has now been made clear to us that, because of our geographical position, we could potentially have the disruption of being moved between leagues every season from now on.

Compensation

“We explained to the Appeal Board our fears about additional costs, loss of players, recruitment difficulties, weakened squads, reduction in away support, and impact on our sponsors, volunteers, and youth structure.

“We argued for financial compensation if we could not remain in the Isthmian League. The Appeal Board, however, explained that it has no powers in relation to compensation and concluded that our reallocation was not “a decision which no reasonable body could have come to”. Now we must move on.”

A number of senior players have left following the league switch while the Histon board continues to be fully committed and working hard to ensure the club remains on a solid financial footing.

The former Eastern Counties League side will now have competed in the Conference Premier, North and South, Southern League, Isthmian League and Northern Premier League.

“This appeal was not about the club not wanting to be in the NPL,” added Histon. “It was about the disregard the FA has shown to clubs like ours who have been ignored whilst the FA announce the wide-ranging benefits for other clubs at the expense of those in a similar position to us.

“We are where we are and must now draw a line under the matter. We look forward to getting back to playing the game we all love. We remain optimistic and excited for the future.”

Neighbours Cambridge City will also compete in the NPL Midlands after failing with their appeal.