Tamarside FC Withdrawal

[Darren Stewart]

Tamarside FC Withdraw from East Cornwall Premier League

Club Statement

It is with regret that Tamarside Football Club is withdrawing its side from the East Cornwall premier League with immediate effect.

We would like to thank initially the member clubs and league officials who firstly allowed us to participate in the league and for the hospitality shown in the two years we have participated.

The move into the East Cornwall can only be viewed as a positive step from our clubs viewpoint and one which has been followed by further Plymouth clubs this season.

The decision was made at the clubs annual general meeting on Monday in the knowledge that the current management could not continue and the majority of the players had accepted offers to join sides in the peninsula league.

We wish them well and thank them for what they have done for Tamarside both for the seniors but for many since they played many years for the Juniors.

It has been well documented that our clubs aim was to make the peninsula league but the restrictions on our ground at present do not allow us to apply.

Our success in the two seasons winning both league and cup titles playing in the East Cornwall league alerted clubs to the potential of our young players and as is the nature of football players have moved for both financial gain and the opportunity to play in a higher grade.

Last seasons squad which won honours in both the Plymouth and Cornwall leagues was built around two successful Junior sides which won leagues and cups in previous years.

Our current crop of youngsters’ coming through at under 16s and 17s will be more aptly suited to the rigours of the Plymouth and district league in the first instance thus further prompting our decision to withdraw from the East Cornwall.

The formation of our senior section was to provide an exit route for the successful juniors set-up who play under the Tamarside banner thus adopting a side from another club was not really an option in how we see the senior ethos.

The decision was therefore made to continue with one senior side in the Plymouth combination premier this coming season and enter a second side from our current under 16s into the Intermediate league the following season.

During these two seasons we shall actively continue to find ways to bring our current pitch and surroundings up to the required Peninsula league criteria or an alternative venue to allow us to again push for a higher grade of football which our young players can aspire to.

Darren Stewart

Tamarside Football Network General Manager

[chairman]

May I express regret, understanding and sympathy at this decision and hope that this fine Club manages to climb back in due course.

[Guest ECPL Supporter]

Not blaming you in any way Mr Chairman, but if the rumours that i've been hearing are true, a few of their players will be playing for your club next season?

[skippy]

A clever tactical move by Tamarside if they can get their facilitities up to SWP standard. With only two of the six feeder leagues able to promote to the Peninsula each season, if they win the Plymouth League they would take promotion instead of runners up in ECPL or Combo.

[Jon Rosevear]

Stewie, I'm absolutely shocked and gutted, but completely understand the decision.

Hopefully the club will bounce back and continue to move towards it's overall goal of Peninsula League football. A step back to make two forward maybe!

We'll talk on Wednesday mate!

[King Kenny 7]

Sorry to hear about Tamarsides pulling out of the league.

With what is happening at St Austell FC we could fill that place. this would not involve our current second team withdrawing from there league either.

Good luck to tamarside in what ever league they play in.

[Guest]

I wouldn't call it a tactical move. I'm afraid Tamarsdie have not got a hope in hell of making the facilities (pitch) Rok Parkway up to SWPL standard. It just isn't big enough and cannot be made any bigger

[Jon Rosevear]

Well that's not strictly true. While I was there we looked into the possibility and actually got some budget estimates put together by a contractor. It would cost an awful lot of money and the club were looking down the road of grants etc, but it is possible... a long shot admittedly, but possible. The favourite plan was to lose the rugby and turn it 90 degrees, but the club just weren't having that obviously!

Nobody has mentioned Darren Potter in all this. He had to stand down due to a combination of family and work commitments, but the guy worked his socks off for the club during his time there and nobody will be more disappointed than him at this announcement.

[Guest Blackshirt]

Jon

I was sorry to hear about Tamerside leaving the ECPL .... But i would just like to add I will miss officiating your games. When I officiated down at Sticker Last season in the Semi Final It was an out standing game. Plus you and your team have always made me feel welcome either when you are home or away. I would like to wish you all the luck in the future and the ECPL will be a lesser league with out you . best wishes and cheers Ian Spurling ..............