Witton Albion have been relegated from the Northern Premier League

Witton Albion have been relegated from the Northern Premier League – Premier Division despite their final result of the season – a 4-0 home win against Basford United.

Witton Albion have enjoyed a fabulous return to form in the final five games of the season which saw the team achieve 12 points from the available 15 - a run that was the third best in the league. In reality, the damage had already been done earlier in the season, with a very poor run that saw us only gaining one point from an available 24. The Board are obviously disappointed with this outcome for the current season but would like to thank the players and management for their sterling efforts in the last few games.

However, the Board believe time has come for a change. Accordingly, we have informed Carl Macauley and Gary Martindale that we will not be renewing their contracts when they come to anend in May. Carl and Gary have done a great job for us during their tenure, and I have enjoyed working with them during my time as Acting Chairman. I wish them well for the future and would like to thank them for their service to the club particularly Carl who was appointed Manager in 2015 and played 89 times for the club between 1994-1996.

No further changes are planned at this stage pending the appointment of a new Manager. The Board have discussed our future plans and are currently working on a playing budget for next season. We have commenced our search for a new Manager and would hope to make an announcement within the next few weeks.

Finally, I would like to put on record the Board’s appreciation for our fabulous volunteers who, together with our fans, are the life blood of our club. Without their support the club would find it very difficult to operate as effectively as it does. There are too many volunteers to mention all of you individually – you know who you are and your efforts are very much appreciated by myself and the Board. We have a great stadium and with the fans and volunteers behind the new Manager I am sure we will soon be enjoying quality football again at the U-LockIT Stadium.”

There is a fans’ meeting at the Social Club scheduled for Thursday evening at 19:00 which will give all supporters the opportunity of discussing anything relating to the club and the team with Graham and other Board Members. Notices will also soon be going out to shareholders to confirm the date of the Annual General Meeting as 26th May which will also be held in the Social Club.