Pic: Stamford AFC
STAMFORD must be aiming for promotion next season according to chairman Bob Feetham who says he accepts criticism for the club’s relegation.
The Daniels’ fate was sealed on Wednesday night as relegation rivals Mickleover Sports earned a point at Nantwich Town.
That result means Stamford will be playing Step 4 football again next season after a difficult campaign that saw Graham Drury return as manager for a third time in November.
The club were second bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier at the time and chairman Feetham admits he should have appointed Drury – who became their third manager of the season following David Staff and Anthony Wilson – earlier.
“It is a bitterly disappointing conclusion to what has been a tremendous effort since Christmas,” he said. “We had all hoped that Saturday’s final game against Mickleover would give us the chance to stay up in style.
“Graham Drury and his squad had wanted that desperately – and they had come though some very tough games to get within touching distance of that goal.
“My overriding feeling is one of frustration that we couldn’t do it for the fans. They have been fantastic over these last two campaigns and their support has always been enormously committed.
“I must accept some of the criticisms which suggest we didn’t act quickly enough before Christmas. Yes, Graham Drury should have been at the helm much earlier. We hold our hands up to that. Hindsight, however, is a marvellous thing.”
The Daniels’ last season at Step 4 ended in promotion through the Evo-Stik NPL South play-offs and the target is to emulate that achievement.
Drury signed a deal in January to remain at the Zeeco Stadium until the end of next season and Feetham has backed the boss to get the Lincolnshire side back on the up.
“Graham inherited a very difficult situation but has done a fantastic job,” the chairman added. “He worked incredibly hard to restructure the squad and built a team spirit which augurs well for the future.
“And that is what counts – what we do for the future. The target is to come straight back. Graham is contracted with us until the end of 2016-17 so pre-season and the new campaign will be his. We must give him all the support possible because promotion has to be the target for a club of this size.
“I also want to tell everyone that my fervent wish is that the mood this time next year will be one of elation. The lessons learned will help make that possible.”
