PURTON chairman Alan Eastwood admits the club are actively seeking a new manager after confirming the their demotion from the Hellenic League.

Boss Justin Miller stepped down at the end of the season after guiding the club to sixth in Division One West.

However, changes to ground grading has meant that the Red House outfit will have to ply their trade in the Wiltshire Senior League after failing to meet new standards, as Purton Parish Council trustees will not permit floodlights being added to the club’s Red House home.

“The problem is that we had to have floodlights, but our trustees have turned us down ever since we went up in 1986,” said Eastwood.

“They just won’t allow us to do anything. Unfortunately we can’t reach the ground criteria set by the FA and the Hellenic League.

“So we’ve been thrown out, we have gone back to where we came from in 1986.

“The annoying thing is we won the league twice (1995/96 and 2003/04) and didn’t get promoted because we didn’t have lights.”

The chairman is frustrated the club may have to start from scratch as he expects players to leave the club after the recent step-down.

“Obviously we will lose a better class of player because we have dropped down, so we may have to rebuild all over again, which is a sad state of affairs for a club like us,” he added.

“It’s not giving the younger players from our youth teams the chance to play at a high standard when they come through.

“They’re then going to want to go to a higher level and other clubs will just snap them up.”

While Eastwood is frustrated by the decision, he remains keen on appointing a new manager before the club’s AGM, which is due to take place early next month.

“We have put the word around a bit and we have had a couple of people email in but we need as many people to come in to have a look at,” said the club chairman.

“We want someone with experience of senior football, that is what we need. I’ve had three emails in and when we get everyone in will bring the ones who are likely to suit us.”

Anyone who is interested in applying for the role should get in touch with the club by phone: 01793729844 or via email: alan.eastwood83@ntlworld.com.