Barnstaple Town

[Mike Odgers]

Will Barnstaple be members of the SWPL next season?

Currently bottom of the Western League Premier and with the resignation of manager Pete Buckingham probably due to the cut in budget which has seen a number of top players leave Mill Road.

A meeting has been called for Tuesday where it will be advised that if relegation arises the best way forward to safeguard the future of the club is to apply to the SWPL rather than go down to W.L. Div1.

The Western League Div.1 has only one Devon club (Elmore) and is based to a more easterly Bristol area wheras the SWPL will have a slightly easier travel in distance.

The deadline for withdrawal from the Western league must be in place by December 31st.

With the uncertainty at Newton Abbot there could be many twists and turns to the structure of the SWPL next season regarding promotion and relegation.

[Dave Deacon]

With the uncertainty at Newton Abbot there could be many twists and turns to the structure of the SWPL next season regarding promotion and relegation.

Mike - you wouldn't be working on ways for Falmouth to avoid relegation would you? <_<

[Mike Odgers]

To be honest-YES

As I see it -Assuming no SWPL club accepts promotion to the Western League Premier.

(A)-If Newton Abbot withdraw from the league it would be One club relegated and Two clubs promoted (Div1W + Div1E) to keep the 20 club league

(B)If Newton Abbot withdraw and Barnstaple request relegation to the SWPL(P) rather than WL Div1 it would be Two up and Two down

C-If Newton Abbot remain in the league and Barnstaple get admitted it would mean a 21 club League which the rules do not cover .

There is also the possibility that a SWPL Div1 club does not take promotion.

[Local Footie fan]

Can you fix it so that no one gets relegated Mike? Cos at this rate Falmouth will be bottom

[chairman]

Please do something to turn it round, wouldn't want to see you drop down one.

[Local Footie fan]

Last season the bottom 3 were Cullompton, Clyst Rovers and Holsworthy

bottom two lost about 24 and third from bottom team Holsworthy lost 18 and had 28 points.

So whats the safe point target estimate this season Mike? 35 points maybe?? Bearing in mind Falmouth only have 3 points!

[J MILLER]

FI think Falmouth will be fine, You look at the start they have had in the league, they have played mostly top half sides. When they start playing teams in and around them they will pick up enough points to stay up.

[Deano11]

Any truth in the rumour you are considering going bk to Falmouth town this summer with westy james ?

[J MILLER]

I dont think so Deano, I like playing in the pink away strip too much and with a KFC down the road its a no brainer really.

[Home Waters]

:blink: Mike, there can be a 22 club division if 90% of that division has lights. So you never know and sometimes rules take twists and turns - I forcast no relegations at end of season - just a hunch <_<

[Mike Odgers]

Barnstaple have just appointed a new manager in 38 year old local lad Owen Pickard-previous clubs Plymouth argyle;Yeovil Town;Hereford United etc.

Barnstaple remain 3 point adrift at the foot of the W.L. Premier after a 1-5 home defeat last night v Wellington Town.

So if they get relegated -will it be to the SWPL(P) or the WL Div1?

[Home Waters]

<_< As you say Mike, which one - they are both at the same level - SWPL and Western I, so I would think that if it occurred they would go where they wanted - SWPL !!!!!

[Paul]

Barnstaple would be a nice trip to have in the SWPL. I for one would like to see them in the SWPL. Id like to think theyd have more travelling fans then most of our Devon clubs!! Tin hat at the ready!! :lol:

[NORTH DEVON DWELLER]

You better have your tin hat on Paul because i'm about to pelt you.

We at Witheridge always have a very healthy following away from home. :thumbsup:

[Paul]

I have to agree with that. Out of all the new teams we played, you did bring the most away fans!! But im wouldnt be far wrong to say the numbers you brought to Blaize Park would be as many as Clyst, Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Elburton brought together!! Sad I no.....but its true!!! :blink:

[skippy]

To be honest-YES

As I see it -Assuming no SWPL club accepts promotion to the Western League Premier.

(A)-If Newton Abbot withdraw from the league it would be One club relegated and Two clubs promoted (Div1W + Div1E) to keep the 20 club league

(B)If Newton Abbot withdraw and Barnstaple request relegation to the SWPL(P) rather than WL Div1 it would be Two up and Two down

C-If Newton Abbot remain in the league and Barnstaple get admitted it would mean a 21 club League which the rules do not cover .

There is also the possibility that a SWPL Div1 club does not take promotion.

And a possibility Elmore seek to transfer

[DanBlazey]

I would be in favour of Barnstaple joining our division. I know certain people still have a phobia of crossing the Tamar, but Barnstaple is a well known town and team and would only be a good thing for the credibility of the league.

I would be open to Elmore coming across as well - I was there last season and the facilities are good.

Having said all that, I hope Falmouth get out of their current predicament and find some money for urgent ground repairs. I wish St Austell all the best as well and would be happy to see them back up at our level next season.

Teams in the SWPL Premier should be there based on merit, not location as some would wish.

[Mike Odgers]

Barnstaple now 10 points adrift at the foot of the Western League Premier

If it doesn't improve will they take relegation to the Western League div 1 OR take a sideways move to the South West Peninsula League Premier ??

[Mr Cornwall]

Barnstaple now 10 points adrift at the foot of the Western League Premier

If it doesn't improve will they take relegation to the Western League div 1 OR take a sideways move to the South West Peninsula League Premier ??

considering the furthest in western division one is penzance and mousehole its too far i would imagine they'd go to the eastern league with most teams from north devon newton abbot area

[claret&blue]

Think they would go straight into the Premier division of the SWP League so travelling to Penzance, Mousehole etc wouldn't be an issue unless either were promoted this season.