Tuesday, 7th October 2008

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- Rex Page – Burton Mail

29th May 1986
Gresley Rovers have sent a letter of protest to the Football Association following a shock decision to boot their reserve team out of the Central Midlands League.

Rovers officials were stunned to learn that their second team was not “eligible for membership” after a major restructuring of the CML.

Rovers’ secretary Melvyn Eaton said: “We have been treated very shabbily. This decision was made at a meeting we didn’t even know was taking place, so we haven’t been given a chance to state our case.

“This has come completely out of the blue and has left us in a very difficult position. The date for applications to other leagues has now passed.”

Rovers have written to the Football Association making their feelings known.

Club spokesman Alf Corner said: “We are expecting a reply in the next week or so and will decide what course of action to take in the light of the FA’s comments.

In an explanatory letter to Rovers, Central Midlands League secretary Tony Goodacre said the action had been taken as a result of the formation of a new Supreme Division.

The letter says: “The committee have assessed that next season the league will be on par with the contributory leagues in this area and have, therefore, applied to the Football Association for contributory league status. The restructuring entails the removal of Premier One and all the reserve teams in other divisions. These will be placed in a separate reserve team section.

“The only reserve teams allowed in the league next season will be from clubs with first teams in higher status leagues.”

The move will not affect Burton Albion reserves.

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