CINDERFORD TOWN manager John Brough has left the club after they decided to turn down promotion to the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier.
The Foresters won the Southern South & West with 96 points in Brough’s second season in charge but their joy has been short-lived.
Chairman Ashley Saunders, 78, stepped down last week after a 50-year association with the club, raising question marks over Cinderford’s future.
Brough’s assistant Gerry Oldham left to join Evesham United and Brough’s player recruitment was put on hold as the Foresters decided on their next move.
And on Wednesday, Town confirmed they had written to the Southern League to request they remain in the Step 4 South & West with financial uncertainty fuelling the decision.
In a statement on the club’s fans’ forum, vice-chairman Stuart Tait said: “Having taken as many views as possible within the last 24 hours whilst adhering to the League deadline, I can confirm I wrote to the League today (Wednesday) confirming that we will be not be taking promotion and have asked to remain in our present League.
“The decision was made with a heavy heart and after such a brilliant season but the security and the sustainababilty of the club was of utmost importance as the club has to come first and not our ambitions, but that doesn’t mean we have to curtail those ambitions going forward.
“Having said that with all the goings on in recent weeks, it’s been a pleasure to see so many rally around in a joint effort to establish this club on a stronger footing which will give us the sustainability to progress this club’s future.”
Another South & West campaign beckons for the Foresters but they will have to search for a new manager following Brough’s decision to walk away.
Cinderford remained unbeaten at home all season but with some of his star players already heading for the exit, the former Bishop’s Cleeve boss has followed.
Tait added: “It’s with regret that having spoken to John this evening (Wednesday) he has decided to decline our offer of the manager’s position for the 2016-2017 season.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the club to thank John for the success he has brought to our club and he will be always remembered in the club’s history for the things he and his management team have achieved.
“As I’ve said previously, it’s a new dawn at the club and the work to bring a new manager into the the fold begins and hopefully in the next few weeks that can be announced.”
Cinderford’s decision means there will be an unclaimed spot in the Southern League Premier although it is currently unclear which club will take it.
