Portishead Town FC is devastated to announce that, despite a remarkable performance on the pitch this season, the club will be relegated to Step 5.

In recent years, this club has expanded, flourished, and thrived at an incredible pace. As we have grown, we have relied on the football authorities to guide us through the complexities of moving up the pyramid. It is a bitter irony that we are now, effectively, a victim of our own success—penalised by a system that we trusted to support our rapid progress.

This relegation follows a decision by the FA to revoke a previously granted extension until 31st July 2026. This revocation stems from ground grading concerns relating to stands not being installed by the end of March 2026.

We wish to make it clear that stands were ordered, constructed and awaiting installation but due to outstanding unresolved health and safety matters beyond our control it would not have been safe to continue. We therefore asked for a small extension of time which would have seen all work completed by July 2026. This extension was refused.

Throughout this process, the club followed every instruction provided by FA advisors, who encouraged us to “get the small things done” and “apply for an extension.” We were never advised that our progress was insufficient. To the contrary, 8 out of 10 clubs in similar positions were granted extensions, while two others were relegated solely on league position.

Despite being told at the start of our appeal that this would be a “footballing decision,” it clearly is not. Our appeal has since been rejected, a decision that feels like a betrayal of the spirit of the game. Regardless of local rivalries, football as a whole has lost today.

PTFC already has plans in place—actioned and funded by our club and the local community—to complete all necessary works on our own accord by July 2026. We remain committed to achieving Step 3 grading by that date, regardless of this setback.

To our players, management, volunteers, and supporters: we are deeply sorry. You give everything to this club and this community, and you deserved better. We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering loyalty.

We will fight on. We will meet the standards required. And we will be back.