“Disappointing but not surprised” – Reaction as Cirencester Town’s appeal rejected – Severn Sport

Cirencester Town have confirmed that their appeal to be transferred into the Southern League Division One South for the 2023/24 season has been rejected.

The Centurions, who were laterally moved into the Central Division ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and after finishing one place outside of the play-offs, the early post season projections had them placed in the South based on locality of other clubs due to play in the Southern League this season.

But in the FA’s placements for the new season, published in May, the Gloucestershire side were surprisingly kept in the Central Division for the new campaign.

The club appealed the decision, with the FA making final placement changes this week and the Centurions were informed of the decision.

On Saturday morning the club tweeted:

Central League football is on the cards for the Centurions again.

Our appeal requesting a move to the South League has been dismissed.

Bitterly disappointed with the decision. 1 team we highlighted to swap with would save 1,300 miles on their travel (40% saved), us 900 (22%)”

The news has been met with a negative response from fans, former players and figures within Gloucestershire football, including supporter Vince Taylor who said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the outcome.

Disappointing but not surprised. Oh well we go again against our new acquaintances we made last season. Perhaps I’ll ask my mates at Brize if we can seek alternative transport to cut down on travelling time 😉

— Vince Taylor (@BerlinSeasider) June 10, 2023

Former Ciren man Sam Farr didn’t hide away from making his feelings known, describing the decision as showing “zero logic.”

Absolutely mental. Zero logic!

— Sam Farr (@SammyFarr4) June 10, 2023

In some cases of the league placement appeals, sides could be hindered by a lack of alternatives. For example, Bishops Stortford’s appeal to be moved into the National League South from the North was rejected due to a lack of alternative sides to take their place.

However, Cirencester wouldn’t be one of those sides based on locality. As mentioned, they were projected to be in the South by Non-League Maps online, with other sides better located to be in the Central Division, something the club have pointed out when questioned on Twitter.

There were actually 3 in total.

1300 miles (39.75% saving in overal travel) for one , another 1232 miles (33.06%) and the 3rd side would have saved 1230 miles (26.27%).

Put those figures Into cost for coach journeys alone & you are looking at thousands of £’s saved

— Cirencester Town FC (@CirenTownFC) June 10, 2023

The opening round of fixtures in the Southern League take place on Saturday 5 August for the Premier Divisions, with both Division One South and Central set to start the following week, pending confirmation of 23/24 FA Cup round dates.

What do you make of the decision to keep Cirencester Town in the Southern League Division One Central? Let us know on Twitter @SevernSport

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