TOWN RELEGATED

That’s according to the club’s caretaker manager Ronnie Haughey.

The club finally lost their battle with the drop on Saturday afternoon after drawing with Tobermore United. Only a win would have done for the locals - and even then they would have needed Limavady United to lose.

It’s the first time they have been relegated since the early 2000s when Ronnie Clarke was manager. Back then they were demoted on the last day of the season as the league was being restructured into two new divisions.

Haughey accepts that results over the season have been the reason why the Town will be travelling to the likes of Annagh United, Wakehurst and Armagh City.

“We’ve been as good as down from early doors in the season. It’s been a real uphill battle,” said Haughey.

“The results elsewhere didn’t go our way either which obviously didn’t help things but even looking at that side of things we were clutching at straws.

“Injuries, suspensions and the transfer window have all conspired against us but in the end there were crucial games where we have played well but we’ve been caught short.”

The club must hold on to the neucleus of the squad and build to come back up - even if it does mean consolidating their position for a season.

“Everyone now must take a step back and look at how we can take the club forward. That will mean building on the foundation we have and adding to the squad we have from within the constraints we have been set,” Haughey added.

“Next season might be one where we have to just consolidate on where we are. But despite everything that has gone on there has been a good vibe about the club.

“A lot of other teams have experienced relegation just like and it is a horrible feeling but if we stick together we will bounce back.

- TO read about Ronnie’s vision for the future and club chairman Andrew Cully’s vision of the future visit our website - www.banbridgeleader.co.uk from lunchtime on Tuesday.