COLWYN BAY Football Club will play in a new Undibond Division one South next season after the new North/South format got the two third majority vote needed from member clubs this week.
It means the Seagulls face several long trips to away games in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Club vice-chairman Andy Owens reported: "The vote in favour reached the required number to pass by three votes. The clubs then voted to further split the division into two groups of nine and play an additional eight games (four home and four away) to give a 42 game programme. These are intended to be based on geographical proximity (nobody could tell which eight clubs will be seen as the Bay's group). This was despite the obvious problems this format in terms of credibility, fairness and practicality which had meant this proposal was discounted by the league officials prior to the meeting as not viable. Stating the obvious imbalance in terms of certain teams having to play stronger teams than others, mitigating against a fair level playing field.
"We voted against the proposals on a business, financial and on the latter football credibility perspective. We were unable to convince enough others to see it our way. I cannot hide the fact I am disappointed with the way this has been handled; we will need to take stock and decide how we move on from this."
The Division will be made up of the following teams: Alsager Town, Belper Town, Brigg Town,
Cammell Laird, Carlton Town (Nottinghamshire), Colwyn Bay, Goole, Grantham Town (Lincolnshire), Gresley Rovers, Kidsgrove Athletic, Nantwich Town, Quorn (Leicestershire), Retford United (Nottinghamshire), Sheffield,
Shepshed Dynamo (Leicestershire), Spalding United (Lincolnshire), Stocksbridge PS and
Warrington Town.
Financially the new format looks very damaging to the Bay and the apparent lack of backing that the club get in England does prompt the question of whether or not they should consider returning to Welsh football. Personally I think that could damage the club's credability beyond repair and most fans on the club's website seem vehemently against such a move.
Should the Bay stay in England and strive to progress, or return to Wales? If you have a view on this please let us know.

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