National League club facing relegation alongside AFC Fylde 'reluctantly' accept their fate

A National League club that are facing relegation alongside AFC Fylde have conceded they will have to “reluctantly” accept their fate.
Both AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United look set to be relegatedBoth AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United look set to be relegated
Both AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United look set to be relegated
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While Fylde’s relegation has yet to be confirmed, it appears to be a formality with the National League North and South play-offs set to get underway this weekend.

Following the suspension of the National League campaign in March, it was eventually decided that final standings would be determined by an average points-per-game system.

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This saw the Coasters languish inside the bottom four alongside Ebbsfleet United, who suggested at the time that they would seriously consider launching legal action having been angered by the prospect of facing relegation without the campaign being played to a conclusion.

However, in a fresh statement released today, the club has confirmed they will be taking no legal action after all.

“Having regard to the wider interest of the National League, Ebbsfleet United have decided to accept the League’s position and what that entails and will decline to proceed with the legal challenge process available to the club,” the club said.

“We are fully aware of the fine lines and fractions that have led to that result and have certainly tabled them on behalf of all players, staff and supporters, via the correct and proper channels.

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“As all our supporters will know, when the season was prematurely ended our club finished out of the relegation zone and as one of the top form teams in the league.

“Nevertheless, an unweighted points-per-game system saw us move down one place into the relegation positions by 0.002 of a point. This is the leanest mathematical calculation of any club in the UK to be relegated on this system.

“We are the only club to be sent into the relegation zone by points-per-game, and one of only three clubs – along with AFC Fylde and Chorley – to be relegated in the only division in the National League framework to retain relegation under the points-per-game season-end solution.”

The club added: “We have taken a considerable amount of legal advice around the process and what options are available to us and have made representations to the National League seeking answers and clarity around a number of concerns and issues.

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“It is fair to say we disagree with the National League and their legal advisors on some matters and processes. It is also the case that there is a clear legal pathway available to the club to pursue the fight against what we are sure many supporters view as an unfair, and very unlucky, outcome for our club.

“However, as with any legal challenge, we must make a judgement on the merits of such action and, at all times, whether we wish to continue pursuing it or not.

“The decisions on finalising the season have been made under difficult conditions and have been without precedent. They have been made with an intent to find a solution for, and to please the vast majority of clubs wherever possible, and unfortunately for Ebbsfleet United we have fallen on the side of the small minority who are severely affected by the outcome.

“To launch a legal challenge and arbitration when 12 fellow member clubs are planning for and hoping to compete in a play-off series, at great cost to them and the league, would be extremely disruptive, and of course would carry no guarantee of any outcome other than further weeks of delays and uncertainty.

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“We believe it is now in everyone’s best interests to accept that, unfortunately for Ebbsfleet United, the right thing to do is accept our “relegation by formula” and push forward for a strong season in the National League South should play-offs proceed.

“It is true that relegation will disappoint our supporters, and we are all extremely disappointed to arrive at this reality. However, in the context of what the nation has experienced in recent months we must also recognise our blessings of health and well-being.

“The club has been able to take care of our staff and players during the crisis and we have an excellent platform and positive outlook heading into the pre-season in preparation for a strong year ahead.”