WOMBWELL Town have been relegated following a 26-game winless run but manager Karl Rose insists they are just as ambitious as ever and will look to bounce back immediately next season.
Town have five games remaining and are 18 points adrift of safety.
Having won the Division One play-off final last season, they had hoped to at least finish in the top half.
Rose said: “We just haven’t been good enough.
“Our pre-season was poor, there was a lack of preparation and commitment.
“Our recruitment was poor, none of our signings worked out.
“The momentum of last season carried us through about ten games then we really, really struggled.
“As quick as it is on the upward spiral, when people want to join you, it’s an even more slippery slope the other way and people leave for other clubs.
“We were in a lot of games but threw points away. Every other team had a month when they won a few games and we never did.
“We’ve given away stupid goals and kept one clean sheet all season and we missed too many chances.
“Apologies to the fans who have followed us home and away. We’ve probably lost more games this season than in our whole history.”
Rose, who set the club up in 2018 and achieved four promotions, has said he wants to take Town as high as any Barnsley non-league has ever been.
He said: “It’s a kick in the shins. We have to regroup and drop back down.
“But we have come a long way in a short time. We’re gutted but still ambitious. These things happen.
“We have to take it on the chin, take our medicine and learn from mistakes – me, the players and everyone.
“Our aim will be to win the league next year. Nothing has changed with our long-term plans. I would love to get the club to the Northern Premier League.
“We probably came up one season too early. We’ve had to spend a lot of money out of our playing budget on upgrading our ground, but that’s done now.
“On the pitch, it’s been a failure this season but the foundations are in place.
“We have a buzzing clubhouse and 28 junior teams. As a club, it’s never been in a better place. It’s not boom and bust. We’re here for the long term.”
