CINDERFORD Town have decided to take promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division after all.

The Foresters held an emergency meeting last night following the FA’s decision to uphold Evesham United’s appeal against being switched from the Southern One South & West to the Northern Premier League Division One South.

Evesham had been angered at being shunted out of the Southern League after Cinderford, having won Division One South & West last season, announced they could not afford to go up.

But last night Cinderford unanimously voted to take promotion rather than resign from the league and drop into the Hellenic/Western.

Chairman Staurt Tait said: “Whilst this will cause great stress to our sustainable business plan, our committee is fully behind this decision in order to deal with outstanding HMRC claims of £30k, increased running costs, and stadium improvement works to maintain the highest standard of football to be seen at the Causeway.

"In doing this it will also provide great support to 200 youth players within the community associated with our youth football academy."

“To help assist the club moving forward we are looking for companies who are willing to sponsor the club during the 2016/17 season and have lots of sponsorship opportunities available.

"Planning for the season is well underway and we will be confirming the signing of several players over the next 48 hours. We now look forward to a successful season ahead.”

Two former Cinderford players – ex-Pompey defender Chris Burns and Allan Gough – have taken over as new managers of the Foresters.