Slade Green confirm Kent League withdrawal

Saturday 25th July 2009

SLADE GREEN have today confirmed their resignation from the Kent League - leaving the competition with only FIFTEEN clubs this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Small Glen club issued a statement today, explaining why they’ve quit the League eight days AFTER the Kent League fixtures were published.

Slade Green, who were without a first team manager, following Martin Ford’s decision to leave the club after being told of the club’s intentions to quit the Kent League, were due to welcome Fisher to The Small Glen on the opening day of the season in just fourteen days time.

Fisher, a new club swiftly formed after Fisher Athletic were wound up at the High Court in London in May, will now play arch-rivals Beckenham Town in their first league game on Monday, 10th August 2009, a fixture that will attract a crowd of over 200 to Champion Hill, East Dulwich.

Slade Green will now be fined for their withdrawal, and the sides that were due to play them in the FA Cup (Faversham Town) and the FA Vase (Frimley Green) will receive byes into the next round.

“A lot of thought and consideration has gone into our decision, which brings to an end close to 40 years membership of the League,” Mr Robert Smith, the club’s former secretary, said in a statement.

“There are numerous reasons behind the decision; finances, workload etc. The current committee no more so than the chairman have been at the helm for many years no and the day to day running of the club (something of a full time job) has began to take its toll.

“In view of the above mentioned we have been in talks with several different parties with a view to continue for the 2009-10 season but feel it is best for the club to take something of a backward seat for the immediate future and possibly review the situation at a later date.

“The Kent League have been informed of our intentions and the relevant paperwork regarding our resignation is being drawn up and will be forwarded over the next couple of days.”

In the meantime, there will be two Slade Green teams operating in the Kent Youth League this season, although one of them will play their games at Moat Lane.

An under 14s side, will play their home games at The Small Glen will be competing in the Under 14 North Division, along with an under 13 side that will compete in the Under 13 North Division, playing their home games at the Sevenacres Sports Ground in Plumstead.

Visit Slade Green’s website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc