There was some discussion when this happened to us over whether or not it was even a rule, or just something the conference could use at their discretion?
I have to say that I wouldn't wish what happened to us on any club and so for that reason, I back this Sailsbury City appeal and also Northwich for that matter. I think its pretty clear that this rule isn't stopping clubs spending recklessly and there seems to be more emphasis on punishing the Club and supporters, whilst the individuals who get clubs into the mess in the first place are allowed to carry on at other clubs. Until individuals become liable I think this problem will continue, as the same names and faces seem to appear regularly at new clubs employing the same philosophies. I haven't done any research on this, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I think more clubs from the conference have gone bust than from any other league in recent times. I frankly think the way the Conference has handled its matters the past few seasons has been a shambles and I think they need to now come out with a clear set of rules which will be applied consistently before next season begins and get them backed by the F.A. so that they don't risk being overturned on appeal. These rules should punish the Club to an extent e.g. points penalties, but the real focus should be on the indivduals with lengthy involvement bans and - I realise this maybe beyond their scope - criminal charges if matters are serious enough.
Anyway - Good Luck to the fans of Sailsbury and Northwich, I hope you're summer isn't as soul distroying as our last few!
