Cleeve manager vows to stay on

teve Cleal appeared resigned to relegation after watching his Bishop's Cleeve team go down 3-0 at home to Larkhall Athletic on Tuesday night.

But the Mitres boss wants to remain in charge at Kayte Lane, even if they drop to the Hellenic League next term.

Shortwood United have confirmed they will resign at the end of the season, but the Southern League have indicated the team that finishes bottom will still be demoted.

Cleeve needed a result against Larkhall and while they are not mathematically down, Cleal knows a seven point gap with six matches left looks to big a gap to bridge.

"This was a massive blow for us," Cleal said, after a brace from Greg Peel and one from Alex Lambert sealed the points for Larkhall.

"Mathematically we can still do it, but I think our race is run to be honest.

"I have a year left on my agreement here so if the chairman (Dave Walker) wants me to stay and the board do, whether we are in the Hellenic or Southern League, I will continue to give my all for Bishop's Cleeve Football Club."

Cleal said he was disappointed with some of his players' attitudes during their defeat by Larkhall.

"Too many individuals have let themselves down and let me down, unfortunately," he said.

"It’s disappointing to hear some of the negative comments around the squad.

"This is a good platform for players to come and play and the disappointing thing for me is that some of the lads don’t realise that."

Read More At: Gloucestershire Live