Jones: Promotion is all that counts despite league switch setback - The Evesham Observer

Jones: Promotion is all that counts despite league switch setback

Evesham Editorial 20th Jun, 2019   0

LES JONES stressed Pershore Town will not let their frustration at being thwarted in a possible move to the Hellenic League affect their single-minded promotion push in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Town had hoped the FA would reconsider the league structures, with the Hellenic League short of teams for its Division One West and the club keen to follow neighbours Malvern Town and three Herefordshire clubs in being switched across.

Pershore wanted to appeal but were told they had no grounds because they had not indicated before the March 31 deadline they wanted a sideways move and they had remained in the same league.

Pershore boss Jones said: “We were all ready to go to Wembley to ask the FA to think again but the day before we were told there were no grounds for any appeal.




“In terms of travelling, the Hellenic League would have been better for us and with Malvern and the three Herefordshire clubs being moved across we’ve lost our derby matches.

“The Hellenic League said they supported us because they are having to run with only 14 teams in Division One West but the FA said we couldn’t appeal. They did say there will be another rejig next summer and there might be an opportunity then.


“Regardless of the league we’re in, we want to be pushing for promotion. That’s our aim.

“With four teams being promoted next season because of the restructuring, there will be a real incentive for clubs and we want to be challenging.”

Pershore’s squad is continuing to take shape as they countdown to the start of pre-season training a week on Saturday.

Former Redditch United forward Zaq Hussain, who was also on dual registration with Upton Town last term, and former skipper Shaun Griffiths, who played the last few months ‘on loan’ from Stourport Swifts, have both confirmed they will be start next season at the Community Stadium, while strikers Joe Bates and Tom Harding, centre-back Dan Nokes and goalkeeper Matt Gwynne will also be part of the plans.

Bates and Gwynne join from Worcester City and ex-Hereford and Wesfields forward Harding moves from Hereford Lads Club, while Nokes arrives from Malvern Town.

“We retained the vast majority of the squad which ended last season and we’ve already added four or five,” said Jones. “We’re talking with a few more too.

“We were down to 14 fit players towards the end of last season so we knew we needed a few more numbers.”

Pershore have confirmed five friendlies so far, starting with the visit of Stourport, managed by former Town boss Quentin Townsend, on Saturday, July 6.

It will be followed by home games against Worcester City (July 13), Evesham United (July 19), Tividale (July 23) and Malvern side Welland (July 30). They also hope to arrange another game on Saturday, July 27.

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