Club Statement: Rugby Town Accept FA Reprieve

Rugby Town Football Club can confirm that we have accepted a reprieve from relegation and will therefore remain in the Northern Premier League Midlands for the 2025/26 season.

The FA reprieve follows the announcement on Friday that Hinckley Leicester Road have withdrawn from the NPL Midlands and entered voluntary liquidation, creating a vacancy at Step Four.

After assessing the options available, the FA's Step 1-4 Operational Committee has chosen to offer the vacant spot to Valley, as the highest-placed relegated side from the division.

We appreciate the FA's consideration in this matter and are grateful for the opportunity to maintain our status.

While planning had already begun for life in the United Counties League again, the management team and Board are united in embracing this opportunity and preparations are now underway for a fresh challenge in the NPL Midlands.

Club Director Neil Melvin commented: "We're delighted to have been given the chance to remain at this level and thank the NPL and the FA Committee for their swift and pragmatic approach.

"The situation has developed quickly since Friday but we’re confident we have the people in place to adapt and build a competitive squad for the NPL Midlands.

"It's a surprise and a welcome lift after the disappointment of last season and we now move forward with real focus and ambition."

We recognise that Hinckley Leicester Road’s withdrawal has brought a difficult and sudden end to the club in its current form and we extend our thoughts to the players, volunteers, supporters, suppliers and others affected by the club's demise.

With the season now expected to start a week later than planned, our pre-season schedule will now change with the need for two different opponents for the friendlies - further announcements will follow in due course.