News

I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that due to the cost and our limited income we have chosen to resign from the UniBond League (Northern Premier League) and will therefore be playing at a lower level in non-league's pyramid next season.

We hope that the genuine Gresley fans, who have supported us through a troubled season, will understand the situation and I would like to point out that the decision has been reached in consultation with other bodies including the UniBond League and the Football Association.

We are unable to say at which level we will begin next season until after we have resolved our crippling debt and our future should then be determined on 14th May by the football authorities.

The club has carefully considered many options but the Board see that the only way for us to make a new beginning is to start from scratch and I can assure everyone that whilst I am Chairman we will live within our means.

You may be thinking what has happened to the plans to move to a new ground? I can honestly say those plans are part of Gresley's long term financial well being but, for the moment we need to play in a league we are comfortable in at the Moat Ground, before looking to move forward again.

My Vice Chairman Barry North deserves a lot of credit for his selfless dedication over the last twelve months but there is one other 'volunteer' I would particularly like to praise. The current Manager, Gary Norton, who has received no pay since the autumn.

Gaz has faced some tough times during his six years with the club but none quite as tough as the season we are about to complete. He deserves enormous credit and I hope he will be managing the side in 2009/10 and beyond.

For those who I see over the next few days please feel free to talk things through although there is little more I can add at present I shall continue to work with David Rider and Rob Mansfield to ensure the latest news is posted on this website.

Mark Harrison