Constant financial demands to improve facilities coupled with the loss of major sponsors left the club in a vulnerable financial position, making it almost impossible to continue competing at Southern League level.

Shortwood’s committee asked the FA to demote them to Step 5 level so they could play more locally and reduce operating costs and demands for facility improvements.

The club were placed in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division for 2018/19 but, following the departure of boss Paul Meredith and his assistant Chris Burns earlier this summer, the club invited applications, but few were forthcoming, leaving the club to consider its very future.

The post was re-advertised in a last-ditch effort to save the club from folding, and a former centre-back, Adam Paul, answered the call and has been appointed as Shortwood`s new first-team manager.

As well as Shortwood, Paul who also played for Slimbridge and Stroud & District League side Whitminster.