An unsuccessful appeal against the Football Association’s decision to move Histon FC out of the Isthmian league and into the Northern Premier League has left the club considering how it will tackle the problems arising from its new opponents being located much further away from home.
The club will from now on be competing in the Northern Premier League (NPL) Midlands Division, and the club had explained its fears about the implications of this to the Appeal Board. These include the additional costs, loss of players, recruitment difficulties, weakened squads, reduction in away support, and impact on sponsors, volunteers, and youth structure.
The area where first team football will be played has moved from the south and east of Cambridge to the north and west, and the club is concerned about the implications of fewer local fixtures and therefore fewer opportunities for generating income. The Histon FC Board explained: “…the practical implications relate not just to the additional travel, but to where our new opponents are situated – away from our connections in East Anglia, and away from the home and work locations of our players”.
“Disregard” of club needs
The club argued for financial compensation if it could not remain in the Isthmian League, but the Appeal Board has not only firmly rejected the claim, but also made clear that, because of the club’s geographical position, it could potentially face the disruption of being moved between leagues every season from now on.
The Board is highly critical of the Football Association’s handling of the whole process. In a statement, they said: “This appeal was not about the club not wanting to be in the NPL, it was about the disregard the FA has shown to clubs like ours who have been ignored whilst the FA announce the wide-ranging benefits for other clubs at the expense of those in a similar position to us. We wanted to make our point and have now done so.”
Addressing the losses
The club now faces bridging both an income gap and the loss of experienced, talented players. The Board explained: “The move into the Northern Premier League Midlands Division really will have a significant negative impact on our costs, and has already resulted in the loss of a number of senior players from our playing squad. We will of course face these problems head on, and the Board remains 100% committed to ensuring that the club continues on a solid financial footing.
“We are working hard to bring new sponsors to the club and are involved in a number of negotiations over deals with various potential suppliers to try to mitigate the financial impact as much as possible. There will inevitably have to be some savings made somewhere however and to that end we are currently reviewing all areas of club operations and will take any actions necessary where and when appropriate.”
Although some players in the First Team squad are now leaving, the club is sympathetic with their reasons for doing so: “… the huge increase in travel times for those affected is just too much for them to be able to deal with, and… our thanks go to them all.”
Looking ahead
Recruitment plans for new players are now being pursued “with renewed vigour” and the club will be holding First Team trials shortly.
The Board is keen now to draw a line under the problems related to the league and move ahead with confidence: “We look forward to getting back to playing the game we all love, making new friends and visiting clubs we’ve never visited before whilst welcoming new clubs to The Bridge.
“We remain optimistic and excited for the future and look forward to seeing you all back at The Bridge soon.
“We thank all of you who have shown us so much support during this process, it is good to know that you are behind us.”