Posset hit by grading gap

New Portishead Town chairman Grant Jeffries is backing the club to bounce back from the ‘draconian outcome’ of their season, which saw them relegated to Step 5 despite finishing second in their division after failing ground grading.

The North Somerset club had enjoyed a remarkable first ever season at Step 4, securing a play-off spot in Southern League Division One South with a whopping 95 points.

But instead, not only were Posset barred from the play-offs, they were also relegated back to the Western League in a row over the club’s Bristol Road home.

It centres on the installation of two new stands, which were not completed by the March 2026 deadline. The club say the stands had been ordered and constructed, but health and safety issues meant it was “not safe” to continue with their installation. Posset say they had been granted an extension until July 31, but claim that was lat-er revoked by the FA, with the club’s appeal also rejected.

According to the Bristol Post, however, the FA refuted wheth-er an extension had been granted given major upgrades were needed having jumped from Step 6 to Step 4 in two seasons. As a result, chairman Adrian Green stepped down, along with three other directors.

In a message to supporters, Green’s successor Jeffries said: “Those representing the club at the highest level are dealing with the crushing disappointment of what many feel is a draconian outcome. Our efforts as a board are focused on ensuring we retain the leadership of [manager] Kye [Mountford], his coaching team and players, enabling us to keep our football identity in tact.”

INSIDE: Hebburn, Action

Maldon & Nomads toasting success

SEE PAGES 8-9 from the play-off semis at Steps 1-4

SEE PAGE 34