Former Irish League outfit clear 'the club isn’t folding' with history motivating factor to continue

The Co Londonderry club - a consistent presence in the Irish League pyramid prior to last season’s Premier Intermediate League relegation - have withdrawn from the remainder of their Ballymena & Provincial League campaign.

Tobermore, formed in 1965, stands as the sole club from his homeland Northern Ireland and Manchester United icon George Best represented in a competitive fixture, losing out 7-0 to Ballymena United in February 1984.

Having faced difficulties following their drop from the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), Tobermore are hitting pause for now – but intend to return next season.

"We got relegated out of the NIFL pyramid last season and you lose players naturally at that point,” explained Black. “The performances weren’t there in the Ballymena League and players move elsewhere, that’s more or less where we’re at.

"It was a very tough decision to make.

"We’ve been deciding about it for the last week or so and it wasn’t a decision we made lightly.

"We had a number of committee meetings about it and trying to resolve the situation.

"The manager was working hard to get players in but was hitting a brick wall.

"We’re taking a wee step back for now and intend to be back on the go again for next season. We have a committee meeting on Tuesday and we will decide which way we’re going to go.”

Tobermore’s update prompted well wishes from across the football community with fans and players sharing memories of the club.

The Fortwilliam Park outfit aren’t entirely sure what the future holds at this stage, but there remains a strong determination to continue operating.

“At this stage, we don’t know (what next season will look like),” added Black. “The main thing is the club isn’t folding.

"It may be restructured, it could be a bit different, but it’ll still be going.”