Non-league club relegated over stadium requirements

The football clubs stands and dressing room were some of the issues the FA wanted them to develop [BBC]

On Instagram, the club said they feel like "a victim of our own success - penalised by a system that we trusted to support our rapid progress".

An FA spokesperson said all clubs have until the end of March following promotion to attain the required stadium grade to compete at the new level.

The Association's regulations state: "Where a club fails to attain the relevant grade by 31 March, it will not be eligible for promotion or to participate in any play-off match, and will be relegated to the step immediately below at the end of the season."

Hughes said: "We were told to achieve certain things – changing rooms, stands, turnstiles and hospitality.

"We were advised 'get the small stuff done first and [the FA] can help you manage the rest of it'. We knew there were things we couldn't do in season."

Hughes said the FA were aware of the stadium's challenges and extensions were applied for.

"Why is a football club and a football community been penalised on bricks and mortar, when actually, football should be at the heartbeat?" he said.

"This has kicked us back - where should I go from here?"

FA said the club failed to meet stadium requirements by 31 March [BBC]

The FA spokesperson said: "Allegations of a previously agreed extension being revoked are inaccurate. An extension was granted to 31 July to cover upgrades to the dressing rooms only."

They added: "Portishead Town FC did not provide stadium upgrade plans to the Committee ahead of the decision being made."

Moving forward, Rachel Osmond, a member of the club's board said: "We have to separate this decision from the rest of the club, everywhere else will continue to thrive."

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Related internet links

• Portishead Town FC