Vics owner vows to weigh up his options after appeal (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria owner says coming days are 'crucial' in the club's future

11:22am Friday 29th June 2012 in Vics Exclusive By Andrew Simpson , Senior Sports Writer

VICS owner Jim Rushe says he needs time to think after the Football Association rejected the club’s appeal against honouring a ground share at Stafford.

He plans to make a decision about what to do next after the weekend.

“I’m really disappointed with the decision,” he said.

“It was a surreal atmosphere during the hearing; it felt like the FA had no flexibility to overrule the Northern Premier League even in what I feel are exceptional circumstances.”

In a statement last night, Thursday, the club blamed a technicality for the appeal’s failure.

Neither the FA, nor the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, wished to make a comment on that other than to confirm the panel’s verdict.

It means Vics, allocated a place in Division One South next season on the basis that home matches would be played at Stafford’s Marston Road, will be forced to honour an agreement signed in March.

Rushe said: “I’ve got a lot to think about.

“There is a number of options open to me; I’ll weigh those up, and try to remain positive.

“It’s fair to say though that the next few days will be crucial in terms of what happens moving forward from here.”

He said that a lease offered to the club by the landlord at Flixton’s Valley Road – the venue he asked the FA for permission to play at – remains in place.

North West Counties League Division One outfit Northwich Villa play home games there from next season.