Woodford United chairman Andy Worrall has denied categorically that the Reds are contemplating a voluntary return to UCL football after two seasons in the Southern League's new Midlands Division.
"If a miracle happens and Berkhamsted suddenly pick up 20 points in the last few weeks of the season we will take our punishment and drop down," said Worrall in a frank interview.
A couple of cuts in the players' budget and a freak accident to con
tracted goalkeeper Matt Finlay means that local lad Tom Fountain is the only survivor from last season's first team squad still performing at
Byfield Road.
Woodford's demise from top four to bottom four in little more than a year has seen a whole team depart, mainly to Banbury, Brackley and Leamington.
The list is almost endless: Aaron Parkinson, Russell Dunkley, Nicky Gordon, Josh Green, Ben Milner, Lewis Travers, Glen Hawkins, Jason Burnham, Terry Fitton, Carl Standen, Jamie Williams, Neil King and Craig Pearman.
"There are no major financial problems," insisted Worrall, "but we must set out our stall for the long-term future.
"The club must be brave enough to put financial stability before short-term success on
the pitch."
Worrall agreed that in some ways Woodford have been victims of their own success in progressing from village football to the Southern League in under 10 years.
"As a club though you have to take whatever is on offer.
"Maybe we have punched above our own weight, but everyone involved has
earned it."
Daventry Town took years to recover from voluntary relegation in the UCL, while Towcester Town went out of business after twice declining promotion.
Silby Rangers even rejected a step up on three occasions.
Plans to turn Woodford United FC into a limited company are still on the backburner as the club continues the search for new sponsors in the 2008-2009 campaign.
Manager Phil Mason's own future is in the balance, despite winning the UCL crown in 2006 and cementing roots at Southern League level.
The Geordie's contract runs out next month and he will only remain at Byfield Road next season if a suitable players' budget can be put together.
"In 1997, we could not have dreamt of playing in the Southern League," added Worrall. "If the club is stable and still playing at the same standard in 10 years time, I'll be a happy man.
"Woodford Halse is only a village yet last week we played against Sutton Coldfield, which has a six-figure population.
"You can't ask for much more than that."
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