Farndon United quit league due to lack of commitment, says manager
A lack of commitment and drive were the main reasons for Farndon United’s first team pulling out of the Newark Alliance, according to manager Andy Duckmanton.
The club resigned from the Premier Division after their first match of the campaign, despite winning the title by eight points last season.
It is the second time in successive years that the champions have quit, following the resignation of Bilsthorpe in 2014.
Farndon’s reserve team have become the new first team and will continue to play in Division One.
Duckmanton said: “It has been coming over the past couple of seasons.
“Even last year when we won the league and cup there were still matches when we had only 12 players.
“Paul Cosgrove, who had been helping to run the side, couldn’t commit to Sundays any more and a number of players, including last season’s captain, Luke Parsons, left, which didn’t help.
“Secretary Dave Bennett also decided to retire and my motivation to keep going had waned.”
Duckmanton, who managed the side for 13 seasons, said there was a tinge of sadness.
“It is one of those decisions that had to be made. However, the club has given me a lot of happy memories. Winning the treble in 2006 was good.
“Winning the Notts Intermediate Cup for the first time was also up there with my better memories at the club.”