CASH-STRAPPED Malmesbury Victoria will drop down to the Wiltshire League next season, prompting the exit of first-team boss Gareth Davies, club chairman Phil Exton confirmed today.

The Flying Monk ground club concluded their Hellenic League Division One West campaign with a 3-3 draw against North Leigh United last Wednesday, despite fears they would not be able to fulfil their final home fixtures because they were so short of cash.

Utility bills totalling £800 left the club, devastated by flooding in the last two years, struggling with only a £200 float at one stage before their coffers were swelled by donations and support from the town to help them complete their campaign.

But faced with the prospect of their facilities not being used - and therefore not generating revenue for the next three months - Vics' committee took the decision to drop down to county level on Monday night.

Exton said: "The club has had a very difficult time over the last two winters with flooding, this has put us in a very precarious position financially.

"Due to this the committee took the decision last night to drop back from Hellenic League football to Wiltshire Premier league football next season. This will help by having less expenditure for games, so allowing us to rebuild.

"Unfortunately the first team manager (Davies) has decided that he does not wish to go to this level of football with the club, so has tendered his resignation.

"The club would like to thank him for all the hard work put in over the last season and wish him well for the future.''

Vics will continue in the Wiltshire League next season, with reserve team boss Wayne Kibble stepping up to take charge of the first team.

The club will also run the Youth Development team, who will be joint managed by Ashley Langley and Anthony Woolcock and hope to find a league for their ladies to play in.

Exton added: "The club would also like to thank the local public for their support over the last few weeks and hope that you will continue to come along to support us at all future events.

These will commence with the Vic Fest (July 4-5) and the post-carnival party in September. Other events are in the pipeline and will be released in the near future.

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