BLUES ARGUE NORTH MOVE

BISHOP’S STORTFORD say they owe it to their shareholders, players, officials, volunteers and supporters to appeal the FA’s decision to place them in National League North next season

- Jon Couch

The Isthmian Premier division champions have been slotted into the northern region of Step 2 in order to balance the numbers – a decision which means they would have to travel more than 7,500 miles for their away round trips.

It’s not the first time the Essex-based club have been sacrificed into unfamiliar territory, they last competed in the Conference North for two season from 2011 before switching back down to the South.

But the club have now decided to appeal against this week’s ruling, while a GoFundMe page has been set up to club the club with the financial burden of funding the appeal.

A statement read: “Whilst the board fully respect the Football Association’s rules and regulations, it feels that it has a responsibility to the club’s shareholders, players, officials, volunteers and supporters to fully explore the allocation process and have sought professional advice as part of this review.

“The Football Association were notified of our intention to appeal this afternoon and the Board will now prepare for our case to be heard at a yet to be determined date.