Willenhall Town FC demoted after Wednesfield ground-share deal

The Lockmen recently announced they would be moving to the Cottage Ground following their departure from Bilston's Queen Street Stadium.

Last month, Wednesfield had their promotion to the West Midlands Premier Division confirmed despite initial concerns over the Cottage Ground.

After finishing as runners up in Division One last season, Dean Gill’s side were initially denied promotion after an FA pitch inspection.

That decision was overturned at an appeal hearing.

But Willenhall's decision to leave the Grade G Queen Street Stadium to move to the Grade H Cottage Ground has effectively seen them downgrade their home.

And that has led to the FA demoting them from the Premier Division into Division One.

Willenhall chairman Simon Hall said: “It was announced at the AGM of the West Midlands (Regional) League, as much to our surprise as to other attendees, that Willenhall Town would not be able to play at Wednesfield in the Premier Division.

“This is apparently because Wednesfield’s ground is graded at Grade H and as Willenhall having played at G cannot play in the Premier there.

“We have taken this up with the FA at Wembley and have been advised by them that the rule stands and that there is no discretion to be exercised and so whilst Wednesfield will rightly take promotion and play from the Cottage Ground following a fantastic season, Willenhall would have to either find a new home ground to play in the Premier, accept demotion into Division One or fold.

“As such, after a week where of anxious decision making, we can confirm we have taken the decision to step down into Division One and play from Wednesfield as planned. Folding is not something we felt was appropriate.

“Whilst we are far from happy with this ruling a we now have to accept that, for this season at least, we will be in Division One.

"We are pleased to finally be basing ourselves from the Cottage Ground and WE now look at this as a new opportunity to re-group, develop and grow."