Gwent County League - Division Three

CALDICOT Castle manager Alex Hart has announced he will step down at the end of the season, blaming the Welsh FA and others of being “appalling at organising grassroots football”.

Hart was reacting at the uncertain future of teams, including Castle, in the lower reaches of Division Three because of changes in higher leagues.

He also claimed that during Castle’s 6-3 defeat by fifth-from-bottom Race on Saturday, he recognised players in the opponents’ team who had played for other clubs this season.

After admitting his men were “slack and poor” Hart added: “It was interesting to see that we played against players who had played for other teams this season but that is again down to this wonderful league we play in.

“I find it absolutely shocking that we have two games to go and yet do not know where the relegation zone is!

“It goes to show that the people who run this league and the Welsh FA in general are appalling at organising grassroots football.

“I will no longer be in charge of Castle next year due to complete and utter uncertainty we face each year in this league.

“Anybody can surely see it needs changing, but nothing seems to change. I’m not blaming them for our defeat but when we don’t know where the goalposts are at the beginning of the season, how can people plan?

“Race deserved the win and I take nothing away from them. They gave us a lesson in finishing but I’m fed up with only having hearsay to know who could go down!

“The league is a joke!”

Hart’s outburst is a result of uncertainty as to how many teams will be relegated from Division Three as the restructuring of higher leagues filters down.

The restructure demands that divisions containing 18 clubs must reduce to 16 and that could result in a severe impact on Division Three’s lower clubs.

Castle currently lie seven from the bottom and were due to welcome leaders Villa Dino last night (Tuesday 26th April).

Meanwhile Blackrock Rovers boss Richard Regulski said his team are “going through the motions” now that the club’s promotion push has stuttered.

“It was very disappointing to lose 4-0 at Rogerstone without putting up much of a fight,” he admitted.

“Rogerstone wanted it more than us. I don’t think they were better than us in terms of ability but the extra 10 per cent effort they put in, shows in the scoreline.”

Rovers were due to play their last match at home to Ponthir last night (Tuesday 26th April).

Third-from-bottom Rockfield Rovers will hope to get a good result at Pontnewydd on Saturday while Sudbrook CC, safe in mid-table, are due to visit Rhymney.