Following the news that AFC Mansfield would be demoted from Step 4 after their ground failed grading regulations, the club's Chairman Andy Saunders has written a frank statement, apologising to fans.
Saunders explained that a deadline for work to be completed to meet the regulations had been missed, which will result in a forced return to Step 5 next season.
The statement read. “It is with deep regret that we have announced that due to the fact that ground improvements have not been completed by 31 March, we are to be relegated to a league as specified by the Football Association. We have requested that we be placed in the relevant Step 5 league.
“As chairman of the club I accept full responsibility for the relegation of the club, but 2018 was an awful year for me personally. In previous years we have been well in front with ground improvements, but these last 12 months have been totally different.
“The 2019/20 season will give us new challenges but under the guidance of Mark Ward as manager and John Froggatt as assistant I am sure we will have a successful season and you can rest assured that should we be in a position to get promoted back to the Northern Premier League, myself, the directors and Committee will ensure that things are in place to ensure our promotion.
“We have three games left to play this season, and I know the players will be giving their all in all of these games.”
