Champions again - Sidley United on the up after Mid Sussex League settles season on points per game

The Mid Sussex Football League confirmed that despite the FA’s decision to null and void all step three to seven football this season, they have elected to award final league positions and promotion based on an average points per game record for all remaining fixtures.

This means Sidley United are declared the winners of the championship and are eligible for promotion to the premier division. However no trophy or medals will be awarded.

This decision secures back to back league titles for the Blues, who won the East Sussex premier division last season. It’s a fantastic achievement.

Manager John Carey said: “It’s fantastic to have been confirmed as champions and know that we are going up into the premier division next season.

“I want to say a big thank-you to my assistant Mark Funnell for all his help this year; he is a massive figure to have involved at the club.

“Thank you to all the committee members who help week in week out and do an unbelievable amount of work behind the scenes.

“Thanks to my brother Lee, who has supported me with the coaching and training which really has been of help. Thanks also to Spencer for helping put the nets up every week come wind, rain or shine.

“Thanks also go to Gino for his help with sponsorship allowing us to buy equipment.

“But most of all thanks go to the top group of lads I have to work with every week. This announcement is no less than you deserve, your hard work has paid off once again.

“It is massive for the club to win back to back league titles - something never achieved before. We can look forward now to some good local games next season against teams like Hollington United, Westfield, Eastbourne Rangers and hopefully we can make it three titles in a row - that certainly is the aim.

“I would also like to mention the fantastic support we have had throughout the season and in particular the young lads who travel with us every week; Kingsley, Jack, Tom, Freddy, Oscar and Archie, who are all top boys. I am looking forward to everyone cheering on the team again next season.

“Congratulations again to all. We look forward to a good night out to celebrate as soon as we are able to. In the meantime I hope everyone stays safe.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.