How Littlehampton Town and Lancing plan to make most of relegation reprieve
Littlehampton Town and Lancing will be out to make the most of league reprieves next season – after both were spared relegation in this year’s non-league shake-up.
The Marigolds finished in the top relegation spot in the Isthmian South Central division which would normally mean dropping down to the SCFL Premier.
And Lancing ended 19th out of 20 in the SCFL Premier, usually meaning a fall to Division 1.
But last Thursday’s publication by the FA of next season’s step three to six line-ups – which reflects new league boundaries at each step of the pyramid and any changes needed because of clubs withdrawing from divisions – confirmed both would stay up.
Littlehampton can now plan for a fifth straight season at step four.
Joint boss Mitch Hand said: “When you look across the board, we had enough points to stay up in six of the eight divisions at step four. We had the highest points-per-game total of those in our position.
"As much as it doesn’t sit right with me, you have to take what you’re given and we weren’t really given a choice – we were told we were staying in the league. It wasn’t a case of them asking us if we wanted the reprieve.
"If you look at the Isthmian SE league we had the same number of points as Hastings, who ended two places outside the relegation zone.
"We’re looking forward to next season now. We just need to make sure we don’t put ourselves in that situation again.
"At Christmas we were six points off the play-offs and six points off the bottom four.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re consistent enough to be in that top half next season. It’s not a case of trying to stay up, it's about doing what we should have done this year, which was finish in the top half.”
Lancing chairman Martin Gander said: “I don’t like the word reprieve – we have stayed up with the reformations of the leagues under the National League System by the FA, using their rules and regulations that have existed for quite a few seasons.
"We got lucky. I fully expected to be relegated into Division 1 of the SCFL. However I will obviously take what’s happened and hopefully use it to enhance the club to make sure we’re not in the same position next season.
"Dale Hurley is working very hard to boost the young squad from last season and we’ll look to hit the ground running from the start, with a better pre-season and the club in general, on and off the pitch, in a better place.
"It’s a relief for everyone involved at the club to have dodged relegation and it is the supporters I really feel most pleased for – they have been magnificent in their support.
"We have been accused of over-celebrating but after the past couple of seasons it was a relief to see the tide turn and have some luck go our way.”
Lancing vice-chairman James Taylor said: “A few weeks ago, we were preparing for life in Step 6. It hurt, but the way the group responded, especially our young squad, showed what this club is about.
"Now we’ve been given a reprieve and will remain in the Southern Combination Premier Division. It’s a bit of good luck, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity.
"Since stepping back in, the focus has been on putting Lancing on a stronger, more stable footing, on and off the pitch, and that work continues. There’s belief building again around Culver Road. We’re not taking this lightly, and we’re not wasting it.
"To everyone who’s stuck with us, thank you. This is a second chance. Let’s make it count.”