Thatcham Town relegated as club reflect on a season to forget
Thatcham Town have been relegated to Step Five of the non-league pyramid.
The Kingfishers were handed a lifeline last week, when it was announced that Shaftesbury would be kicked out of the division due to their ground.
This left Thatcham with four games to save their season, as a fourth-from bottom finish would now likely be enough to seal survival.
A midweek clash with Bideford saw them make a perfect start, as they won 3-2 in a massive boost to their survival hopes.
A tough Easter weekend awaited however, with Thatcham only able to take a point at home to Bishops Cleeve on Saturday.
That meant Monday’s clash away at Didcot was vital, with safety well within sight.
This proved to be a bridge too far for Yashwa Romeo’s young squad however, as Didcot ran out 1-0 winners.
“It’s a bitter disappointment,” Romeo said.
“It’s been the same old story.
“We could have won the game, we had the better chances, but couldn’t convert them.
“The boys are honest and they work hard, but we help teams beat us.”
Romeo also commented on his own future with the club.
“We’ve had preliminary conversations,” he said.
“I’ve said to the club that I want to stay with them.
“I don’t want to leave the club on a bad note, I want to go out on a high.
“We want to finish better off than we are.
“If I feel we can go on and do something then I will 100% stay.
“There are good conversations going on.”
A move back to a more local league would help Thatcham’s chances of going straight back up, something Romeo appreciates.
“I want to bounce straight back up, that’s my target,” he said.
“It has been a bit different with the players I’ve had this year.
“It can be difficult, but we’ll definitely be pushing for promotion.”
Romeo took time to thank the fans, who have supported Thatcham loyally throughout a challenging season.
“They’ve been brilliant, home and away,” he said.
“Some come on the coach, and the support has been absolutely brilliant throughout the season.
“The young ultras with the drums have been brilliant. I never had that when I was playing!
“And the supporters who have been there for thirty years, who have built the club, they always have kind words.
“I just thank them all for their support.”
Thatcham battled bravely in South Oxfordshire on Monday, with the game still goal-less with five minutes left on the clock.
Didcot struck at the death to condemn their visitors however, leaving Thatcham to rue their missed opportunity at a great escape.
In truth, Thatcham missed a lot more opportunities on Monday, as chance after chance went unconverted.
A penalty shout went unanswered, while Jadyn Dundas had a goal ruled out.
It could be said that Thatcham were unlucky, but results like this have been the story of their season.
Thatcham’s youngsters have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on many occasions this year, often playing well and looking to be in control of games, only for concentration to slip at the vital moments.
These traits however, are perhaps to be expected from such a young squad.
Thatcham were moved from the Isthmian League to the Southern League last summer, increasing costs and destabilising their squad.
Monday’s trip was Thatcham’s first within an hour’s drive all season, and this extra travel meant that many of their senior players were unable to commit to the club for another season.
They were largely replaced by young players, who had less in the way of work or family commitments, but also lacked at times the experience and nous required to succeed in non-league.
Yashwa Romeo’s youngsters have been relegated with a game to go, as they host Tavistock on Saturday.
Next year will see a return to Step Five, and with any luck a return to a more familiar league.
The Combined Counties may be a possibility, where local side Tadley Calleva currently reside.
Manager Romeo expects to stay with the club, wanting to go out on a high.
To do that he’ll need to rebuild much of his squad, as he aims to lead Thatcham back to where they belong.
“This season has been an incredibly tough one for the club, both on and off the pitch,” said chairman Paul Ayres in an official statement.
“We’ve faced challenges that have tested everyone involved, and while we've fought until the end, ultimately it hasn't been enough to secure our place at this level.
“To our fans, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who’s stuck by us, we are truly sorry. But more importantly, we want to say thank you.
“Relegation hurts, but it is not the end of our story. Far from it.
“We are already putting plans in place to rebuild and come back stronger.
“The work starts now to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance of success next season.”
