MANAGER Mike Maher admits he is "hopeful" of a reprieve from relegation after Redhill were condemned to a bottom-three finish in Ryman League Division One South.
The Lobsters were relegated after losing 3-2 to Sittingbourne on Easter Monday thanks to Three Bridges' 4-2 triumph over Whitstable Town. The results leave Redhill five points from safety with just one game to play.
But the Kiln Brow team may still be handed a reprieve from the drop depending on club movement in the leagues above.
However, Ryman League president Alan Turvey is adamant that, despite rumours saying otherwise, the number of clubs to be relegation has not yet been decided.
"Nothing has been decided yet," Turvey explained. "Redhill are in a relegation position, and under normal circumstances they would go down but nothing is set in stone until the league review on May 7.
"I wouldn't want to give anyone false hope."
But Redhill boss Maher believes his side would be unlucky to return to the Sussex County League after just one season at step four.
"We're hopeful; we have a one-point-a-game average and I've never seen a team relegated from the Ryman League with a one-point-a-game average," he said. "Last year everyone said we were going up but we waited for the official decision, we'll do the same this year.
"If we are given another crack at it next season, which I hope we are, we will come back stronger. We have to work within our means because we're a small club, but 're already looking at players for next season and it's unlikely that squad will change whether we are in the Ryman or in a step five league."
