Stockton Town respond to play-off heartbreak with review & 'exciting plans' promised
STOCKTON Town have apologised for the "administrative error" that led to the Anchors being kicked out of the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs.
And the club say they will be fuelled by their heartbreaking end to the season and come back stronger, promising some "exciting plans" for the future.
Stockton were due to be playing Worksop on Monday for a place in National League North next season but were ejected from the play-offs after fielding an ineligible player in last week's semi-final victory over Guiseley, who took their place in the final.
Captain Adam Nicholson was sent off on the final day of the regular season but played against Guiseley, with Stockton saying their understanding was that his suspension wasn't due to start until Saturday, May 3.
They were charged by the FA before attending two hearings. It was then decided by the league over the weekend that Stockton wouldn't be allowed to play in the final.
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Stockton then released a fresh and lengthy statement on Monday morning, saying: "Stockton Town Football Club has this week found itself in a difficult position which arose out of an administrative error due to a complex chain of events.
"We admit that this shouldn't have happened and apologise to our players, management, supporters and the wider community of Stockton that we have been left in the position of being disqualified from the end of season play-offs.
"The club shall review and reflect on the causes of this and we are committed to act on findings to ensure as a club we improve and never again end up in this position.
"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all that hold this club close to their heart for their understanding, support and commitment to the club over the past week and we are truly humbled by all your messages of support."
Stockton have enjoyed a remarkable rise over the course of the last decade and club bosses have vowed to learn from this week's setback and continue their upward trajectory.
The statement continued: "Stockton Town Football Club has grown out of adversity and has experienced many difficult days over the years but we have never let any of those define us, and the events of the last week will be another of those.
"We have exciting plans for the future and we believe a future that can bring further success and pride to our club and community, but this will only be achieved with the whole club pulling in the same direction.
"The club is already well advanced with its plans for the 2025/26 season and we hope to be in a position to begin to share news of those plans coming to fruition in the next few weeks.
"Finally we would like to wish both Worksop Town and Guiseley our best wishes for the play-off Final, may the best team win."
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