United are given shock reprieve (13.05.05)

FOLLOWING last week’s relegation heartbreak, Maidenhead United are back in the Conference South this week.
The reasons are yet to be officially confirmed, but it is believed that Hornchurch are dropping out of the league to play at a lower level, reportedly Ryman League Division 1, or Southern League East or West.
The club and the league refused to confirm anything on Thursday, although the Essex side is known to have been experiencing financial difficulties since before Christmas.
But whatever the reasons for United’s reinstatement, club chairman Jon Swan was clearly delighted by the news.
He said: “We’ve been told by the league that we’ll be playing in the Conference South next season.
“We’ve been put back in it. It’s a lifeline and we’re grateful for it.
“It’s the highest level of football the club has ever played at.
“I was very glad we had the opportunity to play at that level, and it’s great we have the opportunity to stay in it.
“You have to embrace the highs, when they come, unexpected or otherwise.”
Swan broke the news of United’s reinstatement to relieved fans at an extraordinary meeting at the club on Wednesday night, called after a heated bust-up between officials and some supporters at Newport County, where a
2-1 defeat on the last day of the season sentenced United to relegation.
Swan said: “I was pleased with the way the meeting went.
“It’s important to listen to the supporters. Their views are always respected.
“But as much as they are respected, the experience at Newport County will not be accepted.
“Anyone is welcome to come down to York Road and enjoy the game, as long as they behave.
“It’s now been dealt with. It’s finished. We need to look ahead and consolidate.”
Swan also reiterated his support for manager Dennis Greene, who has taken the brunt of the fans’ criticism, despite turning United’s form around since joining the club in December.
Swan said: “Dennis is so hard working. He travels the length and breadth of the country watching teams and looking at players.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and going forwards.
“He’s taken a lot of criticism, but he has delivered a side that would have been comfortable in midtable.
“We had an awful record until we took Dennis on.
“The reason we were in the bottom three was because of the first half of the season.”
However, despite the reprieve, Swan admits his side may struggle to compete against the best next term, largely due to United’s relatively small budget.
He explained: “We don’t have the funds to compete with the top sides.
“It’s a hard task and people need to understand that.”
However, there was some good news on the club finances.
Swan added: “It’s easier to attract more funding at a higher level of football.”

TOUGH OLD BIRD: Maidenhead United chairman Jon Swan is counting his blessings, but knows it will be another struggle to survive next season. Ref:88803/13