Preliminary discussions took place on New Years Day ahead of an in-person meeting on the morning of January 2nd between the former chairman and senior club officials.

Unfortunately, all of the cost cutting and revenue raising proposals put forward at the meeting had already been previously implemented or exhausted many weeks and months ago by the club’s volunteers, and thus the former chairman wished everyone well in their endeavors.

Committee Meeting & Withdrawal Motion

The club committee convened at 6.30pm the same evening.

The meeting lasted for approximately 2.5 hours.

The situation was debated at length. Objective and emotional arguments made on both sides. The financials were intensely scrutinised along with every possible scenario and outcome.

The Northern Premier League was phoned at one stage for additional guidance which was communicated to the rest of the room.

The motion to resign from the Northern Premier League was tabled by the committee chair then seconded.

Only official committee members could vote, although there were guest representations in the room of all views, including players, volunteers, and independent financial advice.

A vote was held. The breakdown was as follows:

Ten For. One Abstention. One Against. Motion carried.

The committee member who voted against still supported the collective decision but wanted to officially record some opposition for the record.

At the end of the meeting, officers for vacant roles were elected including committee vice-chair, and club treasurer.

Notification to the League & Communication

At approximately 12.30pm on Wednesday 3rd January, Marske United officially notified the Northern Premier League of its intention to withdraw the First Team from the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

This was accompanied by previously requested information, plus a signed club committee motion sheet of the previous night's vote, and an application to be forwarded to the FA for consideration to join the Northern League Division 1 for the 2024/25 season.

Following dialogue with the Northern Premier League, a club statement was released the following morning at 9am on Thursday 4th January.

After the statement was published, BBC Radio Tees contacted the club requesting to speak to a Marske United supporter, and an interview was recorded in the afternoon which was broadcast on the morning of Friday 5th January.

A decision on which league the First Team will play in next season will be made by the FA at the end of the season and the club have requested personal representation as part of this process in addition to the previously mentioned application.

First Team & Reserves

Marske United First team players have been offered the opportunity to play and train with the Reserve Team to retain fitness while their moves for the rest of the season are finalised.

The club is also helping to assist players when requests are received from other clubs. Marske United has also been in regular contact with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) as well.

Due to waterlogged pitches at New Marske Sports Club and Mount Pleasant, the Reserve Team played their North Riding League Division One fixture against Darlington Railway Athletic Reserves at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston last weekend.

Preparations for this weekend’s away Reserve Team fixture at Loftus Athletic are well underway with the squad having trained last night. Admission for North Riding League games is free as per the league’s regulations and supporters are welcome to attend.

Mount Pleasant is also being readied for future home Reserves games such as North Ormesby (20th Jan) and Heighington (27th Jan).

We can confirm that Neil’s Kabin will be back open selling snacks, drinks, chilled beers and a reduced food menu with proceeds going towards the club.

Junior Teams

Marske United’s Junior Teams continue as normal and the Under 14's Boys team was in action against the Riverside Reds at Middlesbrough Sports Village at the weekend.

Fans Forum, Farewell Evening, & Future Events

The club is currently in the process of arranging an end of season farewell presentation evening in the clubhouse. Sponsors will receive their shirts, and there will also be awards for players & unsung heroes. Online voting to open once finalised. Date & time TBC

Following discussions with the Marske United Supporters Club, we are also in the process of organising a separate fans forum in the clubhouse where fans can ask questions about recent events. Date & time TBC.

A race night club fundraiser is also being planned in the clubhouse with another quiz night in the works as well.

Club Structure

A number of club officials have stepped down in recent days and Marske United Football Club would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.

Future steps will be discussed at the next upcoming meeting of the club committee and communicated shortly thereafter.