NIHL South in chaos after trio request relegation to lower league

The EIHA’s League Management Committee (LMC) for NIHL South has confirmed that Solent Devils, Oxford City Stars and Chelmsford Chieftains have asked to withdraw from Division 1.

A new structure for the southern section was agreed earlier this month, but the trio of clubs have since decided to request to drop into Division 2.

An LMC statement read: “After our meeting on 7th May, where the league was in such a positive place, it is desperately disappointing to see this happen.

“We would like to thank all three clubs for what they have brought to NIHL1 over the years and they will be truly missed.

“Several of these teams have requested relegation to NIHL 2. This will be considered by the LMC over the coming days and a full statement will be made at that time to include the agreed structure for NIHL1 and NIHL2 in the South.

“The LMC continues to speak with all of the member clubs in the NIHL South to reach a solution as soon as possible.

“Finally we thank the supporters of the teams for their patience in this difficult time and we will issue a further statement as quickly as we can.”

(Image permission: Steve Sutherland)