With the recent news that the National League season will be concluded by a points-per-game ratio, just like Sky Bet League Two, it spells bad news for Chorley FC.
The Magpies, who finished at the foot of England's fifth tier on 26 points, had some valiant moments in their singular campaign since a fantastic promotion season last year, having an away draw against top of the league Barrow, the 3-0 rampant victory over Stockport County and even reaching the first round of the FA Cup before being edged out by League Two side Mansfield Town. Whilst they were relegated, a few players can come out with their heads held high.
One man is Elliot Newby, who has made 28 appearances this season, and spoke on the club's relegation and former club Barrow's promotion to the football league: "We're disappointed about the decision as it is unfair to relegate anyone when all the games haven't been played, we certainly feel like we were in lots of games and maybe could have gotten more. But we can't argue with where we were at the time of the league being postponed and how hard it would have been to get out of that situation.
"I think there is no doubt they were the best team certainly after playing everyone, I felt they were the best team and played the best football so it's great to see a team that plays like that go up. Who knows what would have happened at the end of the season though."
Despite the relegation, Newby has committed himself to the club for a third year, after joining from Telford United in 2018, and manager Jamie Vermiglio described the Englisman as one of Chorley's most exciting players: "I have a very good relationship with him he is very easy to get along with for sure, it's also good to have that coming from the manager. I was happy with some parts, especially later in the season when I started to play more regularly and consistently."
With the Magpies being relegated, Newby remained confident that the club will be able to mount a promotion push, despite club legend Andrew Teague leaving: "It will certainly be a challenge as that league is getting more and more competitive each year, but we are definitely capable. Of course he [Teague], has been a big leader at the club for many years long before I joined, I think Matt [Urwin] would be a good captain but we will wait and see who is brought in and I am sure we will find the right man for the job."
If Chorley are to bounce back from relegation, many are predicting that an array of new players will be needed at Victory Park to play alongside Elliot and Alex Newby: "I enjoyed playing with a few lads at Telford, Marcus Dinanga and Anthony Dwyer as well as Henry Cowans in midfield, they are a few that stand out.
"It was certainly a bit competitive when we were younger, we would always be competitive and it would certainly help develop us in certain areas. I have always enjoyed playing with my brother as well, we have a great understanding with each other on the pitch especially when we could play close to each other."
As the curtains close on the 2019/20 campaign for the Magpies, with the likes of the Newby brothers and Vermiglio pundits and fans alike should be able to tip Chorley to ascend a promotion push and with confidence, alignment and fight Chorley will be hoping to stabilise as a club and find their feet again; hopefully in the National League.
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