By Pete Oliver

Vics relegation is confirmed

Northwich Victoria manager Steve Burr is devastated by the Conference's decision to relegate his side from the league's top-flight.

Burr transformed the Vics last season, and despite a 10-point penalty imposed for going into administration, led the club to apparent safety.

However, the Vics have now been sent down to Conference North over issues regarding the ownership of their ground and their membership of the Football Association and the Conference.

"I think it's disgraceful that this has happened after what we achieved last season," Burr told BBC Sport.

"The players and me have earned the right to be in the Conference, but it has been taken out of our hands.

"Nobody thought we would stay up after having 10 points deducted and after the season we had previously, but we managed it comfortably.

"Nobody thought we would get the ground finished on time, but we did.

"So then to be relegated as supposedly the third worst team in the Conference is a massive blow."

Burr, who took charge at Northwich last summer, recently signed a new two-year deal at the Victoria Stadium.

Northwich felt they had completed the Victoria Stadium on time

He is set to start the new season in charge but has seen his team-building plans thrown into chaos by the Conference ruling, which has meant a reprieve for Forest Green Rovers.

Officials at the Vics question why Conference rules allow them to play in the same league, but not in the top flight.

And club owner Mike Connett, who took over after the club went into administration last autumn, has indicated that he may take legal action against the Conference and the administrators' lawyers.