BANBURY United say an ‘unprecedented opportunity and challenge’ awaits the club after their relegation from Vanarama National League North was finally confirmed.

The Puritans were beaten 5-2 at Spennymoor Town, a result which sealed the club’s fate this season, as they sit 12 points inside the relegation zone with just three games to go.

The club released a lengthy statement minutes after the defeat, assessing the next steps for the team, while praising supporters.

READ ALSO: Oxford United looking to secure quirky record this weekend

The statement from the Puritans board of directors read: “Tonight, our relegation from the Vanarama National League North is confirmed. Everyone involved in the club – members, team, players, volunteers, sponsors and supporters – will be united in disappointment.

“We barrelled into Step 2 football for the 2022/23 season, having won promotion from the Southern League Premier Central, 23 points clear. This was the pinnacle of a meteoric rise in our fortunes over a decade. We are proud to have equalled the highest level of football played in our club’s history.

“Despite a strong start last autumn, after two seasons, three managers and two almost completely new teams, our whole club package has been unable to gain a foothold at this level.

“It’s time to reflect on our capabilities as a fan-owned, volunteer-led club. Our structure, roles, income and lack of assets, most notably the lack of our own ground.

“Teams on and off the pitch work immensely hard around the clock to create a club our town can be proud of. However, for now, it is shown that our set-up is not aligned to the demands of competing in the National League.

“What follows now is a time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge at Banbury United. We face a ground move and the construction of a new stadium. Becoming a Step 2 and above club with our own ground may involve a complete rethink and debate about the way the club is owned, structured and operated.

“We have ambitions to grow Banbury United across all footballing categories and improve sporting facilities for the local area. To lead this charge, we are having some very encouraging conversations with potential new chair candidates. Announcements will be made shortly regarding the football team structure and other areas of the club.

“We would sincerely like to thank everyone involved in our battle this season – from our volunteers across the club who donate so much of their time, to fellow league clubs who have given us such a warm welcome and the benefit of their advice over the past two years.

“Particularly, we applaud those supporters who have shown up to recent cold, wet Tuesday night matches, when relegation was firmly on the cards, and you supported the players and your club anyway.

“They say you get the club you deserve. When the good times roll again, it is you lot who will deserve them.”