Rustington and Westfield relegated from senior football

RUSTINGTON and Westfield football clubs have been relegated from senior football after failing to meet ground grading requirements.
Rustington boss Trevor WallerRustington boss Trevor Waller
Rustington boss Trevor Waller

The Macron Store Sussex County Football League - which will be known as the Southern Combination Football League from next season - revealed all clubs were made aware that failure to meet certain criteria would result in relegation.

Rustington, who finished fifth from bottom in Division 2, and Westfield, who ended up fourth from bottom, failed to meet the criteria and will now drop down into Division 3 for next season.

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Blues chairman John Virgoe admitted he was disappointed at the decision and said: “It’s really disappointing to see this club relegated into Division 3.

“The club received a letter a few weeks ago to inform us of the decision.

“From a personal point of view, it would have been nice to receive a call from the Sussex League but we have not. However, we will be fielding a side next season and hope to have a good year.”

SCFL chairman Steve Nealgrove revealed that all clubs were informed at the start of the season that any club which failed to meet the FA’s National League system ruling could face relegation.

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He said: “It’s not a decision that we like to make as a body but we have been forced to do so.

“All clubs in the league were informed of inspections throughout the season and failure to meet criteria by March of this year could result in relegation.

“Unfortunately, both Westfield and Rustington have not managed to pass their gradings and will now be relegated.”

Seaford and Storrington, who finished in the bottom two of Division 2 will stay up, while Southwick, Langney Wanderers and Sidlesham will be promoted into Division 2 for next season.

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