Two seasons of long distance travelling to away games and poor crowds at Kimberley Stadium have forced Saltash United to decided to withdraw from the Western League at the end of this season. The cost of travelling and match officials expenses allied with a dramatic drop in attendances at Kimberley Stadium have left the club with no other option but to seek a return to the Carlsberg South Western League. The South Western League have already received applications from Cornwall Combination sides Wendron and St Agnes, although only one could win promotion at the end of the season due to the rule that only one side can be promoted from the same league in one season. Ashes chairman Darren Bennetts admitted the club had made a mistake in joining the Western League, which is made up mostly of teams in the Bristol area, and it is to be hoped the fans who have deserted the club will return when they are back on familiar territory. Bennetts said: 'The club fully accepted that the step up was a gamble. 'We were aware of how challenging the football was but we had not anticipated how serious the implications of the club's geographical positioning would affect the progress of things. 'We had a unique opportunity that allowed us entry into the Western League and we grasped it firmly with both hands. 'I have no regrets about making the move, however, after two seasons the club has decided, subject to FA and league approval, to seek re-admittance into the South Western League. 'The main reason is the increase in costs associated with playing at a different level combined with the decrease in revenue from the overall lack of interest from the local football community. 'At the end of the day the club needs to create something that is of interest and benefit to all those involved in local football. 'If the demand is to watch the club compete at a more local level with the option to enter into national cup competitions then that is what we shall build. 'Looking forward the club is very excited about the prospect of playing its football in the new Devon and Cornwall League planned for the season after next. 'The committee felt the club had a much better chance of building a strong team for this new league playing in the South Western League next season. 'Although it was a personal ambition of mine to steer the club into the Western League Premier Division, I fully support the committee's decision to ensure that the club operates within its means. 'There will be the opportunity to enter the Western League Premier Division if we are successful in winning the new Devon and Cornwall League.'
