Craven Arms Town have folded – bringing to an end their 58-year association with the County Football League.
After much soul-searching, the south Shropshire club reluctantly handed their resignation to league officials this week – but say they had little choice as desperate hopes of reviving interest in the club failed.
The bombshell follows a difficult campaign that saw struggling Craven Arms pull out of their last two outings due to lack of numbers.
Rooted to the foot of the division one table with one win from seven games, the resignation marks the end of the founder members’ long association with the league.
Club officials met players last week, but their worst fears were realised.
“The chairman had a meeting with the players but only 10 turned up, and only a few of those said they were available for Saturday’s game at Wroxeter Rovers,” said secretary Rob Jones.
“When asked for a show of hands from those who wanted the club to continue, nobody put their hand up which says everything.
“Even the senior players have decided that enough was enough, and have started to look for new clubs. It’s very disappointing.
“The league said we could have time to think about things before making our decision but our minds are made up and we are now ready to send off our letter of resignation.”
The problems started last season when Mike Seaborne quit as manager midway through the campaign, blaming a lack of commitment from the players.
Jamie Morris took charge up to the end of last term, but could not stop Craven Arms from finishing at the bottom of the table.
Les Bowen took over as manager during the summer, and prospects looked favourable as the south Shropshire side started brightly.
But in recent weeks they have struggled for numbers, particularly in the away fixtures, leaving club officials with no choice but to disband.
County League secretary Mark McIntyre admitted it was a blow to lose a club of Craven Arms’ standing.
“It’s a big shame to lose any team, particularly a club like Craven Arms, and I’ll be sorry to receive their letter of resignation,” he said.
“They were founder members of the league in 1950, and have been an asset to the league since then.
“I know they have been struggling with players, and we as a league were prepared to give them a few weeks without a game so that they could sign some new players.
“But the club have made their decision, so we will go along with that. We will take everything into consideration before deciding whether we should fine them.
“We’ll be sorry to see them go, but I don’t think they will be the last club to fold this season as there could be another one from the Telford area.
“It’s sad as, if ever the club want to re-form, they will have to come back in a league below.”
Craven Arms are the second south Shropshire club to fold in recent seasons, following in Springvale Rovers’ footsteps.
Their record will now be wiped out in the league, with the tables to be adjusted accordingly.
McIntyre is concerned by dwindling numbers and has been keen to turn the County League into three or four divisions, to include the Shropshire Alliance and the Telford Combination.
However, his idea has not been backed by the other leagues.
