Presteigne St Andrews FC’s committee has decided ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to the club’s disciplinary record.
At a meeting earlier in the week, it was unanimously agreed that the players themselves have to start taking more responsibility for the position in which the club finds itself.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Club chairman Alan Randell says there is widespread support from supporters for a tougher stance on those who bring the club’s reputation into disrepute.
“The club has had a very poor disciplinary record for the past few years and not surprisingly the governing bodies take a very dim view of this,” said Alan.
“The club was fined several hundred pounds at the end of last season and the way things are going, we are looking at an even bigger fine this time around.
“The committee has decided the club will levy an extra fine on players who are cautioned or sent off for certain offences, especially needless things such as dissent.
“This extra money will go towards paying the inevitable club fine coming our way.
“We all know that the modern-day game means a marginally late tackle can result in a yellow card and we all accept that – even the governing bodies accept that – so fines of that nature will remain at the current rate.
“What we won’t accept is stupid bookings for bad mouthing officials – there have been occasions in recent years when we have watched games and wondered if some offenders have got the brains they were born with.
“If you ask most players, they will grudgingly admit that there are not many referees who are likely to change their minds just because you swear at them.
“These are some of the same players who moan when they can’t have a bus to a long distance away game, or that the quality of the food isn’t what they would like.
“Well, wake up – we can only spend the money we take a lot of time and trouble to raise once and the committee is fed up with effectively throwing good money after bad in needless club fines,” he added.
These sanctions will run across all three teams and come into effect as from Saturday, 30 November.
The managers have all been told to spell this out clearly to their respective teams but the message is our disciplinary record has to improve – and quickly.