Hellenic League: Decision to end the season a bitter blow for Risborough Rangers FC in what could have been an historic campaign for the club

The FA claim the decision was taken last Thursday in the best interests in the game and in consultation across key stakeholders. Some clubs within steps three to six in the NLS have however expressed their concern and displeasure with the decision.

Some clubs have joined together and written to The FA to voice concerns over the ‘needless and inexplicable haste exercised in reaching the decision’ and a ‘total lack of substantive dialogue or consultation with affected clubs’.

It is believed the decision from The FA could have ‘critical financial implications’ for some member clubs.

Risborough were unbeaten in 23 matches in the Hellenic League Division One East and had only nine games to play to stay invincible.

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Rangers had the leading goals scorer in the division – Brian Haule – and one of the best attendances with the number of supporters at home matches over 100 on average.

The team had also reached the final in the Wycombe Senior Cup and the semi final in the Hellenic League Challenge Cup so on course for a treble-winning season.

PHOTO: Risborough were unbeaten in 23 matches in the Hellenic League Division One East and had only nine games to play to stay invincible.

Risborough could have sealed their promotion with a win at bottom-of-the-table Abingdon Town on Saturday March 14 – 24 hours before The FA and the NLS made the decision to end the season.

The club had booked coaches to take the team and supporters to the game at Abingdon for what would have been a potential promotion party.

Risborough Rangers understands that the Coronavirus pandemic is a global crisis and means football must take a back seat, but the season could have been an historic one and the club believes their work and effort should not be dismissed.

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A statement read: “These are unprecedented times. People are suffering, losing loved ones and facing difficult financial challenges. We’re all uncertain as to what the immediate future holds.

“The global crisis means football has to take a back seat while the nation deals with the more important issue of keeping our families safe.

“At Risborough Rangers the health of our players and club officials plus supporters and the wider community is of paramount importance.

“We’ve enjoyed an unbelievable season and are unbeaten in the league so on the verge of winning the title and promotion. Plus, we had a cup final and a semi final to look forward to.

PHOTO: “We would also like to thank our army of volunteers and all our sponsors, especially B.E.P Construction, as without them this incredible season would not have been possible."

“The decision from The FA is a bitter blow to everyone associated with Rangers. Since July 2019 it has taken incredible hard work from the players and management team plus the committee and sponsors to put the club into this position which was going to be an historic one for the club.

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“This is an ongoing debate on how The FA could and should have dealt with the situation and every suggested solution would have had its winners and losers.

“We would’ve liked to have seen The FA follow the current protocol adopted by the Premier League and take more time – wait until the end of April – to see how the situation unfolds.

“If the nation does come through the current crisis soon then we might be able to conclude the season through the summer months which seems to be the plan for the Premier League.

“Grassroots football means a lot to a great many people and so their achievements, work and effort should not be dismissed as completely unimportant despite the current climate.

“We would like to thank our supporters who have turned up week in week out in their numbers to follow the team. We’ve watched some amazing games and the players have shown incredible determination to keep the unbeaten run going.

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“We would also like to thank our army of volunteers and all our sponsors, especially B.E.P Construction, as without them this incredible season would not have been possible.

“The decision from The FA does not feel right somehow and, even if the season cannot be concluded, we urge that results and achievements are acknowledged as a matter of record including player appearances, goals scorers and club stats.

“The club will be holding a celebration of the season when it is safe to do so, and we are even more determined to build on our success when football returns to the B.E.P Stadium.”