League hit by Royal Standard's withdrawal

Herald Express Article Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 09:40

THE Torbay Sunday League has been rocked by another withdrawal.

Mid-table Division One club and GMM Insurance Sunday Senior Cup semi-finalists Royal Standard are the latest to throw in the towel through player apathy after Newton Orient went the same way last month.

And they're the third to disappear during the course of this season after Division Two newcomers Trinidad & Torbaygo were expelled by the league for breach of rules.

"It's very regrettable, but there are a combination of reasons for Royal Standard's decision," confirmed league chairman John Hockin.

"The majority (of players) turn out for Saturday teams faced with fixture backlogs, who must catch-up by playing midweek as well.

"As a result, those concerned have been advised by their clubs not to play on Sundays for fear of injuries.

"Also, it appears a number haven't been able to afford their match-day subscriptions because of the recession. Consequently, the club was having to meet the shortfall every week, including fines, and they've simply run out of money."

Royal Standard's problems came to a head at the weekend when failing to raise a side for the league fixture against Jackz.

It was their third Sunday without a game, albeit the previous week's fixture with AFC Paignton was postponed by mutual agreement after both clubs agreed they'd be struggling to put out teams.

It isn't just the league table – Royal Standard were fourth – that will be disrupted in the likelihood of Royal Standard's record being expunged.

The team was also in the last four of two major trophy competitions – the Sunday Senior Cup when they were scheduled to play North Devon side Athletico Borough at Liverton next weekend, and the Torbay Sunday League's Bill Matthews Memorial Challenge Cup in which they were down to meet Division One rivals Artful Dodger.

"I don't know what action the county FA will take, but the club will face a hefty fine from the league," assured Hockin.

Commented Royal Standard secretary Phil Lloyd: "The decision was taken by team manager John Day and myself because of the lack of commitment from the players.

"Eight or nine are with Upton Athletic in the South Devon League, and those in the first team were advised not to play on Sunday because they've an important Premier Division game against Brixham Villa tomorrow night.

"There was also instances of unpaid subscriptions and fines which the club was having to pay, so John and I felt it wasn't right to carry on."

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The VIFC's view:

The league committee will meet before their competition records are expunged and wiped.

This will mean the VIFC will loose a point gained from the 3-3 draw at the start of the season, dropping to just 4 points. Jacks the only team below us will loose 3 point from a home win result given from the result of 14/2/10 dropping to just 2 points!