Slough Observer | Sport | Reprieve for relegated Rebels?

Sunday, 20th July, 2008

Published: Friday, 2nd May, 2008 12:00

Reprieve for relegated Rebels?

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SLOUGH Town FC should hear their fate on May 14 when a Football Association meeting will decide whether a reorganisation of the non-league structure will save the Rebels from relegation.

Despite a valiant and brave effort in recent weeks which has seen Derek Sweetman’s side pick up vital points in their quest for survival, Slough lost 1-0 to Fleet Town on Saturday to consign them to 21st place in Southern League Division One South & West and the dreaded drop alongside Newport IOW.

However, rumours circulating among fans say that due to the Northern League operating with only 21 teams this season, a reshuffle is needed which could see a reprieve for a number of 21st placed clubs, including Slough Town.

Rebels general secretary Roy Merryweather said it would be ‘sickening’ if the Holloway’s Park-based club are relegated and that their fate is now in the hands of the FA – who are yet to make any official comment on the situation.

“We’ve heard nothing at all (from the FA),” said Mr Merryweather. “This is always the time of the year for rumours.

“Obviously we failed in our bid to not be in the relegation battle. It’s disappointing.

“We have to leave it to the FA to sort out. It will be sickening to go down.

“It’s all to do with whether clubs take promotion when they are given it.

“Our fate has to be decided by somebody else.”

The Rebels may have more of a clearer picture on Tuesday when the Southern League meet and put forward their proposals to the FA.

Mr Merryweather explained that other club’s in the league would miss the gate revenue Slough’s travelling fans bring to away matches.

“Our record alone shows that it will be a loss to other clubs in the Southern League,” he said. “We estimate that £1,000 was given to Fleet Town by our fans on Saturday.

“Slough Town is still a vibrant club with great support.”

Looking on the other side of the matter, Mr Merryweather believes that if Slough do go down to the Hellenic League then they can bounce back much stronger by following the example set by other clubs who have been in a similar situation.

He said: “You look at clubs like Aldershot and Oxford City and they have taken the plunge and come back stronger. That could happen to Slough. It’s something we must not worry about and look positively on it. It’s a new challenge.

“I want to prove that we have turned a corner and we’re determined to prove that we have put things right.

“It’s total disappointment on one hand, but on the other we want to bounce straight back.”

Manager Sweetman is already planning for life in the league below and is confident he can lead the Rebels to promotion at the first attempt.

He said: “If we go down then we’ll have to bounce straight back up. It’s not easy because only one team comes up, but that will be our aim.

“I’m disappointed obviously. We were hoping to do a bit better. When I took over I knew it was mission impossible, but we made massive strides and have a lot to look forward to next season.

“We have to sit and wait now to see what happens with the reorganisation of the leagues. We have contacted the FA but there is nothing official. There are a lot of rumours flying around, but until then, we are relegated and we build towards next year.

“At the end of the day, it was always going to be hard. I’ve given it my best shot. I’m pleased enough that the lads who’ve stayed have shown their all.”

Sweetman was full of praise for the Rebels’ army of fans who were very optimistic for the future after Saturday’s loss.

“The fans are positive,” said the Slough boss. “I spoke to a lot of them after the game on Saturday and they said they’ve seen a marked improvement and wish that the season hadn’t ended there.”

Mr Merryweather shared the manager’s sentiments and thanked the fans for their support in what has been a difficult year.

“The message to the fans is thanks for the massive support this year,” he said. “We couldn’t do it justice, but we have now to build for the future.”

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