Wrens resigned to safeguard future

Rainworth Miners' Welfare have blamed financial forces for a 'heart-breaking' decision on Friday to resign from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and voluntarily return to Step 5 of the National Leagues System next season, writes Gordon Foster.

The Wrens won promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL three years ago as runners-up in the Northern Counties East League. The first village miners' welfare club to ever reach Step 4 say they've acted to secure their long term future after finding it increasingly difficult to compete on a level financial playing field.

The Wrens are debt free despite failing to attract significantly bigger crowds since promotion. Chairman Kim Wright said that despite enjoying the prestige and experience of competing in the NPL, they were left with little choice with many locals still heading for nearby Nottingham and Mansfield and playing budgets continuing to rise.

After the news was confirmed in a league statement on Friday, Wright insisted that to continue competing beyond their means would be to allow 'the heart to rule the head' and risk the club's future.

He said: "The decision to drop down was not made lightly, but was taken with regard to the club’s future sustainability.

"We have been in this league for three years, during which time we have gained wide respect and praise from our fellow competitors for our ground facilities, hospitality, organisation and competitiveness. They all now know where Rainworth is, and recognise the values for which the club stands and which it strives to uphold.

"Unfortunately clubs at this level cannot run purely on any of that, therefore after looking at predicted financial forecasts, and taking into account the falling income from attendances and external inputs plus rising player budgets, the only option would seem to be to play within a league that matches our financial capabilities.

"At all stages everyone within the club has been fully informed of the situation and, although they may not all like the decision, it is better to be realistic now than to put ourselves in compromising position next season or at some time in the future. Rainworth Miners Welfare FC are in a stable financial situation, we will continue on full budget until the end of the season, and hopefully add a few more points to finish in a respectable position in the division.

"We have delayed making the decision to leave until the last possible moment in order to allow all other financial avenues to be followed up, with the aim of staying within the Northern Premier League if at all possible. But with the country in recession there are a limited number of people about willing to become benefactors. And, as the attendances have dwindled over the past years, we at the club all have to pull together and respect the decision made for its long-term sustainability.

Wright says he still hopes to see a rise in the club's fortunes that will enable them to climb back into the Evo-Stik NPL.

He added: "If, in years to come, the club does gain more financial input we will not rule out rising back to the NPL. We have been there, we have made many new friends, and we have enjoyed and gained from the experience. We now know what is required to run a viable club within this league so that, if and when the opportunity presents itself at some time in the future, we will be able to make a clear judgment."

The Wrens have been told they'd be welcomed back into the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. In a statement to the club accepting their resignation, NPL Secretary Angie Firth said: "On behalf of the Directors and Officers, I would thank you for your participation in the Northern Premier League.

"It has been a pleasure to have you with us for the past three seasons and you should all be proud of your achievements and your conduct whilst in the NPL.

"You have done yourselves, your club and your town proud. We wish you well for the future and hope to be able to welcome you back to the NPL in the future."