Wood seek Premier League reprieve

4:00pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Boreham Wood are hoping for a little extra help from the Halifax.

And if they get it, they could be playing in the Ryman League Premier Division next season, after all.

Though the Meadow Park outfit were relegated on the final day of the campaign, the plight of Blue Square Premier League Halifax Town might come to their rescue.

Should the cash-strapped Shaymen go bust and drop a few levels in the non-league pyramid, as expected will happen, it could lead to a lifeline for Wood.

Altrincham, who ended in the final Blue Square Premier League relegation place, will probably be spared from the drop to ensure an even number of clubs in the top division.

However, that would mean an uneven number in Blue Square North, the next division down, which could mean Hucknall Town, who finished in the final relegation spot in that division, also being reprieved.

Wood owner Danny Hunter, speaking exclusively to the Times this week, said: "With Halifax's possible demise creating a domino effect down the pyramid, It is only correct that we, as the team relegated with most points from Step 3, which is the Ryman, Southern and Northern Premier Leagues, should state our case for our own reprieve.

"I believe I've put forward a coherent case for the club, based on the 50 points we've accumulated. Of all the 11 teams relegated at Step 3, we had the best playing record, so deserve to stay up."

Though Mr Hunter had sympathy for Halifax, he said their plight acted as a warning to others.

"It may not always please the supporters, but if you ignore the financial side of things, you run the risk of boom and bust.

"If we are reprieved, we will remain solvent as a club, because we manage our finances in a sensible manner. However, that doesn't mean we can't still progress up the league after a difficult season. If the FA do not rule in our favour, we must win promotion at our first attempt."