DROITWICH Spa have withdrawn their application to participate in the FA Vase for the first time in their history to keep football in the area next season.
Spa announced at the beginning of April they had agreed a ground-share deal with Bromyard Town – subject to promotion – but under strict FA guidelines, clubs with grounds not meeting the minimum standards ‘will not be permitted entry by nominating an alternative ground for home ties in FA competitions’.
As Spa failed to secure promotion this year and with the King George Playing Fields not meeting the necessary Grade H requirements to enter the FA Vase, the Saltmen are not allowed to use the Grade G facilities at the Herefordshire-based club solely for home FA Vase fixtures.
Spa would be allowed to participate in the FA Vase if they made a permanent switch to Delahay Meadow but in a statement released yesterday (Wednesday), Spa’s committee announced they would be withdrawing their application from the competition so they can keep ‘first team football in Droitwich’.
The statement added: “In recognition of the huge support we have received from the town and our sponsors, we believe we should continue to play our football in Droitwich wherever possible.
“We send our many thanks for the fans’ superb support throughout 2015/16 season – it has been hugely appreciated.
“We look forward to welcoming them back again in July when our pre-season fixtures get underway.”
Spa joint-boss Wayne Oliver added the decision to withdraw their application from the FA Vase was the logical thing to do and insisted playing in the competition is something they still hope to achieve.
“We’ve had fantastic support this season from the sponsors and the fans so withdrawing our application is definitely the right decision,” he said.
“We want fans to stick with us so it’s best for the club to keep football in Droitwich as it will enable us to keep attracting the growing number of supporters through the gates.
“However, we still want to try and take part in the FA Vase. Next season we will be fighting again for a place but it’s all subject to securing promotion.”
Meanwhile, Spa have announced their pre-season friendlies prior to the 2016/17 season with more still to be added in due course.
Saturday, July 9 (3pm KO) – Racing Club Warwick (H)
Tuesday, July 12 (7pm KO) – Alcester Town (A)
Saturday, July 16 (3pm KO) – Bromsgrove Sporting (H)
Wednesday, July 27 (7pm KO) – Darlaston Town (H)
Saturday, July 30 (3pm KO) – Pershore Town (A)
