Wanderers clutch at straws

IPSWICH Wanderers chairman Ed Nicholls is still 'clutching at straws' that the Humber Doucy Lane-based club survives relegation from the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Wanderers chairman Ed Nicholls is still 'clutching at straws' that the Humber Doucy Lane-based club survives relegation from the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League.

They finished bottom, but Nicholls said there was a small loophole that might save them.

He explained: “Both Soham and Needham Market have applied up move up, and if they both move on - and Cambridge United reach the Football League - no teams might be relegated.

“The Cambridge feeder team CRC would then I believe have to move out of level five football. We shall see, and we are keeping our fingers crossed.”

What Nicholls wants to see is a review of the situation whereby the Ridgeons League allows reserve sides to enter.

He added: “Histon reserves moved out of the relegation positions with a good late run and the teams they fielded midweek was often different to the one they put out at weekends.

“And their results in the final eight weeks were much better than their results in the opening eight weeks.

“Okay, we finished bottom and at the end of the day we can have no excuses, but something needs to be done. In the Metaltec SIL they don't mix first and second teams at their top levels.”

Steve Buckle is to carry on as manager and Nicholls has every faith in the former Felixstowe and Walton United assistant.

“Steve did not get really established until November and we have paid a penalty for a poor start,” added Nicholls.

“This will be the first close season where we have will have continuity for some while and all our key players have indicated they will be staying with us.

“It would be healthier if both Whitton and ourselves were in the same division, and we have close friendships with them and wish them well on their promotion.”