BARKINGSIDE chairman Jimmy Flanaghan has apologised to supporters after relegation from the Ryman North was confirmed but added it was “inevitable”.
Saturday's defeat to bottom club Redbridge, coupled with Heybridge Swifts' win against Waltham Abbey, meant a return to Step 5 for the Side.
They were promoted at the end of the 2012-13 season after finishing as runners up in the Essex Senior League and finished 20th in their first campaign at Step 4.
They finished third bottom last season and were saved by a reprieve and they will require another stay of execution if they are to remain in the Ryman North.
They've won just seven of their 44 league games this season and chairman Flanaghan reckons the club were “punching above their weight” at Step 4 level.
A club statement read: “Following defeat on Saturday and Heybridge Swifts defeating Waltham Abbey, the club's relegation from the Ryman League was confirmed in a game that probably summed up a thoroughly frustrating season, where once again the fine margin between success and failure has been shown.
“The chairman would like to apologise to the club's supporters, but is realistic to admit that as the club are punching above their weight in a highly competitive league that it was inevitable that one season relegation would happen.
“He is proud that the club gave a good account of themselves on and off the pitch during their Ryman stay. Relegation was probably more due to circumstances rather than the club being not good enough as the narrow margin of their defeats this season has illustrated.
“Unless the most unlikeliest of reprieves happens the club will once again prepare themselves for Essex Senior League football, with the aim of achieving promotion again”
