Hamworthy United looking to positive future following “devastating” league exit

Hamworthy United are confident of bouncing back following the “devastating” decision to depart the Southern League due to financial costs.

Hammers’ reserves, who compete three leagues lower in the Dorset Premier League, will now become the first team after the club saw the departure of up to 17 players.

Last season, the club achieved a playoff promotion spot finishing third in the league, yet just five months later the decision to withdraw from the same division was made.

Despite a difficult period at the club, chairman Steve Mitchener remains positive.

He said: “Whilst it was the most devastating decision, I’ve ever had to make we look forward to a positive future, we’re fighting back and Hamworthy are already planning for next season.”

Commercial manager Andy James also remains hopeful.

He said: “The comeback is on, going forward our vision is to ensure that Hamworthy United is profitable, and striving for success. Our mission is to maximise revenue opportunities and bring value to our partners, sponsors, supporters, and customers.”

We’re hopeful now that the new stand will be up by the beginning of December. We’ve got new goals, balls and a ground of colourful boards, the future is bright.”

Following the closure of The County Ground’s main stand, Hamworthy had agreed with Weymouth FC to temporarily relocate to the Bob Lucas Stadium for the 2023/24 season.

However, the financial costs became too much for The Hammers leading to their withdrawal from the league.

Mitchener said: “The amount of travelling and expenditure overstretched the club, of course, the ground share at Weymouth had its price and was sadly financially unsustainable, the only option was to withdraw.”

Chris Millar, who runs the Hamworthy supporters’ group, is looking forward to the rebuild.

He said: “There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, Steve and Andy are working so hard.

“Understandably, the ground share at Weymouth caused attendance to fall, our aim is to make sure we get the fans back. This club is amazing, and it deserves to be back where it belongs, the supporters’ group will do the best we can to make this happen.”