Portishead Town relegated to Step 5 despite play-off finish after FA ground grading decision

Portishead Town say they are “devastated” after being relegated to Step 5 despite finishing second in Southern League Division One South.

The North Somerset club had enjoyed a remarkable campaign on the pitch and were set for the play-offs – a 2-1 win at champions Frome Town securing a 95-point finish – only for the Football Association to rule them ineligible due to ground grading requirements.

The decision centres on the installation of new stands at their Bristol Road ground, which were not completed by the March 2026 deadline.

The club say the stands had been ordered and constructed, but unresolved health and safety issues meant it was “not safe to continue” with installation.

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Bitter irony

Posset had previously been granted an extension until July 31, 2026, but that was later revoked by the FA, with the club’s subsequent appeal also rejected.

In a strongly worded statement, the club said they felt let down by the process and punished despite following guidance throughout.

It read: “Portishead Town FC is devastated to announce that, despite a remarkable performance on the pitch this season, the club will be relegated to Step 5.

“In recent years, this club has expanded, flourished, and thrived at an incredible pace.

“As we have grown, we have relied on the football authorities to guide us through the complexities of moving up the pyramid.

“It is a bitter irony that we are now, effectively, a victim of our own success – penalised by a system that we trusted to support our rapid progress.”

Ground grading concerns

The club then outlined the key issue behind the decision: “This relegation follows a decision by the FA to revoke a previously granted extension until 31st July 2026.

“This revocation stems from ground grading concerns relating to stands not being installed by the end of March 2026.

“We wish to make it clear that stands were ordered, constructed and awaiting installation, but due to outstanding unresolved health and safety matters beyond our control, it would not have been safe to continue.

“We therefore asked for a small extension of time, which would have seen all work completed by July 2026. This extension was refused.”

Betrayal

Portishead also questioned the consistency of the process.

“Throughout this process, the club followed every instruction provided by FA advisors, who encouraged us to ‘get the small things done’ and ‘apply for an extension,” the statement continued.

“We were never advised that our progress was insufficient. To the contrary, 8 out of 10 clubs in similar positions were granted extensions, while two others were relegated solely on league position.

“Despite being told at the start of our appeal that this would be a ‘footballing decision’, it clearly is not.

“Our appeal has since been rejected, a decision that feels like a betrayal of the spirit of the game.

“Regardless of local rivalries, football as a whole has lost today.”

Plans

The Southern League confirmed on Friday that a regulatory issue involving a club in the play-off places was ongoing, with an appeal scheduled for Monday morning.

Supporters were advised not to make travel plans, with the make-up of the play-offs dependent on the outcome.

Following the rejection of that appeal, the league later confirmed the Division One South play-offs would proceed without Portishead.

Malvern Town will face Bishops Cleeve, while Winchester City take on Shaftesbury, with the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday evening and the final on Monday, May 4.

Looking ahead, Posset insist work will continue to meet the required standards.

“PTFC already has plans in place – actioned and funded by our club and the local community – to complete all necessary works on our own accord by July 2026.

“We remain committed to achieving Step 3 grading by that date, regardless of this setback.

“To our players, management, volunteers, and supporters: we are deeply sorry. You give everything to this club and this community, and you deserved better.

“We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering loyalty.”

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