Thatcham Town faced days of traveling 250 miles to Cornwall after FA decision could ‘jeopardise’ ability to ‘support our club’

Thatcham Town Football Club have appealed against the FA’s decision to move them into a new division, which chairman Paul Ayres says would “jeopardize our ability to participate and support our club”.

The move from the Isthmian League South Central to the Southern League South Division would see a drastic increase in travel for the club’s players and staff.

Before, the Kingfishers’ longest trips were to the outskirts of London, but now they face huge trips to Falmouth and Penzance, with four opponents in Devon and three in Cornwall.

Manager Yashwa Romeo was worried about the prospect. “I looked, it’s quicker to Liverpool than Penzance! It’s not just for us, it’s for them too.”

In an official statement on Saturday night, the club said it had “submitted an appeal” while it was “deeply disappointed by the FA’s announcement”.

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Thatcham would have to deal with rising travel costs, having to travel a total of around 4,492 miles for away games, a 110% increase on last season and the equivalent of driving to Aberdeen and back four and a half times .

“As a grassroots club, our budget doesn’t allow for such significant increases,” Ayres said.

“Increased travel time will affect our players and management, who often balance work and family commitments alongside their passion for football.

“This move could force some players to choose between their livelihoods, family responsibilities and their commitment to the club, resulting in a potential loss of dedicated players.”

Romeo added: “It’s the midweek games. You ask the players to leave work three hours early.

“We were furthest west in the last league, now we are furthest east.

“It makes recruiting difficult. Last year we did brilliantly with it. It would be a shame to throw it away.

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“I was in the process of calling up players last week but now I have to readjust. I don’t know where I am. We did our job and we feel that we are penalized”.

The longest journey, to Mousehole near Land’s End, would usually take four to five hours by car. With a game to play in between, Thatcham could realistically face a twelve-hour day if they don’t pay for expensive accommodation.

Ayres expressed concern that some players may find the demands too much, with many forced to choose between their love of the game and a healthy lifestyle.

“Longer travel times mean more time away from families, increased pressure on their work commitments and a greater risk of burnout.”

Romeo said the club have reaffirmed their support for him, while declaring he will manage Thatcham next season no matter what.

“They gave me assurances. They will support me. Regardless of whether we get into that league, I’ll stay.

“It’s a league that I don’t think is nearly as strong. We have a good chance of being in the playoffs and around them. If if! We keep the current batch”.