Drury backed to secure quick return

The fourth bottom Daniels went down on Wednesday night after the only club they could still catch on the final day and are due to host at the Zeeco Stadium on Saturday, Mickleover Sports, grabbed a point in a 1-1 draw at Nantwich Town to stretch the gap between them to four points and confirm their relegation.

An eight point haul from their last five outings including a 4-1 win 24 hours earlier at Skelmersdale United had kept their slim hopes of escaping the drop alive. Despite the blow, Feetham insists that Drury will take them straight back up this time next year in his third spell as manager.

Drury was appointed by the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division club back in November as the successor to Andrew Wilson and Feetham told fans in a club statement on Thursday that all that mattered now was the future, not their ultimately costly decision to delay.

He said: "It is a bitterly disappointing conclusion to what has been a tremendous effort since Christmas. We had all hoped that Saturday's final game against Mickleover would give us the chance to stay up in style.

"Graham Drury and his squad had wanted that desperately - and they had come though some very tough games to get within touching distance of that goal.

"My overriding feeling is one of frustration that we couldn't do it for the fans. They have been fantastic over these last two campaigns and their support has always been enormously committed.

"I must accept some of the criticisms which suggest we didn't act quickly enough before Christmas. Yes, Graham Drury should have been at the helm much earlier. We hold our hands up to that. Hindsight, however, is a marvellous thing.

"Graham inherited a very difficult situation but has done a fantastic job. He worked incredibly hard to restructure the squad and built a team spirit which augurs well for the future. And that is what counts. What we do for the future.

"The target is to come straight back. Graham is contracted with us until the end of 2016-17. Pre-season and the new campaign will be his. We must give him all the support possible because promotion has to be the target for a club of this size."

He added: "I also want to tell everyone that my fervent wish is that the mood this time next year will be one of elation. The lessons learned will help make that possible."

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/