Droylsden FC to withdraw from all competitions

There is unfortunately set to be no football at The Butchers Arms when the new non-league season eventually gets under way. 

Droylsden FC has announced that it has resigned from the Northern Premier League and will also take no part in cup competitions in the 2020/21 season. 

The club, which was due to compete again in the BetVictor North West Division, confirmed the sad news in a statement on Thursday morning.  

In a letter sent to the Northern Premier League, the Bloods' chairman Dave Pace described the decision as "the most difficult he has ever had to make" but said the disruption caused by the Covid-19 crisis had "left him with no alternative". 

The statement added: "The closing of the social club and its function rooms  since the start of the pandemic, the main income source with no indication of any restart on viable trading terms along with a loss of income from the club’s main sponsor  has left the club with no visible alternative income stream during the crisis.

"The club may hopefully survive this crisis and continue into the future in less challenging circumstances than we find ourselves in during the present. 

"The club will be making no further statement at the present time."

Fellow non-league teams have sent messages of support to the Bloods at what is a difficult time for the club.

Curzon Ashton said: "Such sad news. Everyone at Curzon Ashton wishes you the best going forward."

Stalybridge Celtic tweeted: "Devastating news, our thoughts are with you all." 

Mossley AFC said: "We’re very sorry to hear this - we've enjoyed some cracking games together over the years. If you need any help in the future you only have to ask us and we’ll do our best. It’s time for the whole ‘football family’ to start truly looking out for one another."

FC United of Manchester said: "Terrible news for such a well established club, we hope you are back very soon Best wishes from everyone at FC United."