Rovers – who finished last season in 20th place, had already been relegated in to the Conference North – will effectively “swap” leagues with the Vics so there will be no reorganisation needed.
Northwich Victoria battled back having suffered a –10 league points deduction at the start of last season to finish fourth from bottom and avoided automatic relegation.
The club had recently completed the building of its new home – the Victoria Stadium, re-formed as a new company and were finally looking forwards to progression – however Conference chiefs have ruled that Northwich Victoria do not have the appropriate lease on the new stadium.
Their argument was that a new company had been formed, and it has the lease. The FA are not believed to have sanction the transfer of membership from the old company to the new one and as such the Vics – who were the last of the “ever present” members of the Conference since it was formed as the Alliance Premier League in 1979, have been relegated.
On receiving the news of their reprieve, Rovers have issued the following statement:
“Forest Green Rovers welcome the end of the uncertainty of where the club will be playing in 2005/06.
With our new stadium development well under way, a new Manager and going full time this uncertainty has not helped at such a crucial period.
We can now proceed towards our long-term objectives with renewed confidence, with continued support of sponsors and fans.
On the subject of fans, we extend empathy to the supporters of Northwich Victoria and whatever the immediate outcome, it is important that loyal fans ultimately have a club to support.”