Vickers left in the dark

Tuesday 01st June 2010

VCD ATHLETIC are still in the dark over their appeal against their ‘relegation’ from Ryman League Division One North due to ground grading issues, writes Jeff Perkins.

It is understood that the club have issued a series of queries to the FA on date of determination, information required to support the appeal, requests for inspection of the path works and so on but the club have been told by the FA to refer to the Ryman League despite being told by the Ryman League that they should direct all enquiries to the FA.

The club are attempting to deal with Mike Appleby of the FA and Bruce Badcock/Nick Robinson of the Ryman League on matters relating to the claim but are getting referred to the other by both organisations.

A club statement said: “The club are diligently looking to reach an early decision on what appears to be a difference of opinion on the deadline date for works to the perimeter path with VCD in receipt of a letter from Adrian Titcombe (FA Ground Grading Co-ordinator) dated 12th April 2010 giving an extension to complete 3 sides of the perimeter path by 12th June 2010.

“Both Mike Appleby of the FA and Bruce Badcock of the Ryman League were copied in to this letter and this is the main reason for the appeal following the significant expenditure in getting all of the path works completed on the back of this extension.

“The letter was issued by the FA on the back of an inspection by Mike Perfect and Roger Reed (Assistant club secretary of Enfield Town FC)

“We understand that the club are also attempting to understand the relationships between officials of the Ryman League board and clubs that are currently operating within the Ryman League (Harlow Town and Enfield Town for example).

“Harlow Town are obviously the club that were granted a reprieve despite receiving a points deduction for financial irregularities and finishing bottom of the league with the Ryman League President Alan Turvey having well known links with the club at board level.

“It could be argued legally that impartiality is impossible with this links to clubs within the league and the highest level of the Ryman League.

“Should all clubs that play in the Ryman League’s structure be represented on the board and in committee meetings in the interest of fair representation?

“Should ground graders be impartial and independent rather than committee members of fellow Ryman clubs?

“It is understood that the club have also compiled a list of clubs still placed within the Ryman North that currently fail to meet the same ground grading requirements they were forced to adhere to.“

Article courtesy of www.vcd-athletic.co.uk