Becks prepare for meeting to regain FA acceptance

THE dawning of the New Year heralds the end of Beckenham Town’s five-year ban from competing in FA Competitions.

The Eden Park Avenue club were suspended by the Football Association and fined £1,400 following the fielding of an unregistered player, believed to be striker Paul Vines, against Lordswood in a FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie back in September 2004.

Beckenham subsequently lost what proved to be a damaging and mismanaged appeal, which in the opinion of many was the reason behind the FA decision to inflict a five-year ban on the Kent League club.

A club spokesperson, speaking to www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk, said “ We have made two appeals to the FA during the past five years; both have been turned down.

“The damage which the ban has caused to this club is immeasurable. We were informed by the Football Association last year that they will require the club to attend a meeting at FA headquarter before finally agreeing to allow us back.”

If Beckenham’s entry is given the go ahead by the Football Association, they would qualify to compete in the 2009-10 FA Vase and FA Cup.

Article courtesy of www.beckenhamtownfc.co.uk