Exmouth given a month to sort out their problems (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Exmouth given a month to sort out their problems

2:30pm Monday 12th December 2005 in Football By Alex Lawless

WILTSHIRE'S managers have given mixed responses to the Toolstation League board's decision to grant Exmouth Town a suspension of their fixtures until January 6.

The club has been suspended due to a lack of money to pay wages or travelling fees after wracking up large debts and an unpaid loan.

This resulted in the players and management walking out from the club and Exmouth asking for a suspension of fixtures to sort out their financial problems, which was granted by the league board on Friday.

Despite having a reserve team in the Devon and Exeter League, the Western League board felt they played at too low a level to compete in their top division.

Although managers understand the financial commitments and do not want to see any club drop out of the league, many feel the club should have an obligation to fulfil their fixtures and field their reserve team.

Exmouth chairman Roger Davis said if the club, which has been in the Western League since 1978, could not show they could compete by the deadline they would be fined and kicked out.

"If I could have gone into the players and said, will you do this for no money?' (and they had accepted) we would not be in this situation," said Davis, who is looking for someone to provide money for three years.

"A major problem is the cost of travel. We have to go up to Bristol and Wiltshire every other week and that costs a lot. We are out on a limb here."

Melksham Town boss Kelvin Highmore said he backed the decision.

He said: "I would like to think the board would do the same if any team was in this situation.

"From a selfish manager's point of view I would love to play them now and pick up the three points, but from my heart I can fully appreciate what they are doing. Exmouth have been upfront and honest about their situation.

"However, if they are still operating a reserve team then they should play them. That's why your squad is there."

Devizes Town manager Nathan Sheridan was more adamant in his belief that Exmouth should have to play.

He was in a similar situation in the summer and had to form a new team.

Sheridan said: "It's an unfortunate situation but they have brought it upon themselves.

"Although I cannot see any alternative, I think by giving them a month's reprieve Exmouth could sort themselves out financially and get in better players.

"No one wants to see them fold, but all the managers of teams around the bottom will think the same."

Corsham Town manager Colin Bush was also disappointed in having a free week in the calendar as they were due to play Exmouth on Saturday.

He said: "From what I can hear they have tremendous problems and you would hope any team, which now finds themselves in this situation, will be given a respite.

"I know Bideford and Frome have both played them so it would be great if they can dust themselves down and we have a chance to get three points."

Calne Town manager Robbie Lardner said the history of the club should act in their favour, adding he would also like to keep their three points from their 5-1 win over Exmouth last month.

He said: "They have their problems but Exmouth have a proud history in the Western League and I would not want to see them kicked out."

League secretary and director Ken Clarke said the Toolstation League were in continual discussions with Exmouth.

He said: "We have a history of assisting clubs, certainly the present regime.

"We could have asked them to play their reserves but they play in the equivalent of the Trowbridge and District league.

"It would be three sides gaining three points easily, which would not benefit the other teams.

"We have to do everything we can, but if this had happened at the back end of the season then they would not have had the reprieve."

Exmouth Town's board meets again on December 19 to see if they are any closer to a rescue package.