Isle of Wight's Carisbrooke FC collapses over lack of players

The club had been struggling for some time, said vice-chairman Julie Culliford-Brace, and for the new season, only a few players came forward.

The club formed in 1898, and is steeped in history, but like many clubs on the Island, Covid, and the cost-of-living crisis have taken their toll.

“I would like to thank all of those who have been involved with Carisbrooke United FC over the years,” said Julie.

Football action between Carisbrooke FC and Cowes Sports Reserves. Left, Boyd Jardine challenging Darren Williams. (Image: County Press)

“We have seen some really good results, and some not so good, but all in all it has been a really good club.

“I am heartbroken that this has happened.

“I always hoped things would improve, and I'm sorry that it has not.”

Ventnor FC against Carisbrooke FC. Left, Harry Mulholland and Marley Newey challenging for the ball. (Image: County Press)

At the weekend, Osborne Coburg were handed all three points in Island League Division Two, when Carisbrooke United were unable to field a side.

“I first noticed a decline a couple of years before the pandemic,” said a tearful Julie.

“Lots of players were moving on, and rightly so – they’ve got to do what they’ve got to do.

Carisbrooke United vs Ryde Saints. Jack Manton kicking the ball during a previous fixture. (Image: County Press)

“But then we had the long Covid break, and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s been a gradual decline, and it’s just been impossible.

“We lost the reserved last year, and that didn’t help.

“We’ve lost some really good players this year. They’ve all gone to other clubs.

“I think they’ve noticed the decline, too. Especially when you stand at the Brooke and you don’t see any supporters.

“When I joined 28 years ago, there were load up there, and we had sponsorship.

“We’ve had some great people with us over the years. Our chairman, Pete Winkles, has been with us 29 years. Our manager, Reg Moul, has been with us for 17 years.

“And this is it. There is no going back at this stage, unless somebody in the future wants to start Carisbrooke United up again.

“That would be fantastic, but there is nothing on the horizon. It’s a very sad time.

“We’re not the only ones struggling, and other clubs have folded over the last couple of years.

“We’re all in the same boat. If you haven’t got the players, you haven’t got the sponsorship, you haven’t got the ground.

“It’s not a financial decision for us. We simply haven’t got the boots on the ground.

“We’re all devastated. Our manager, Reg, put his heart and soul into it, and everything has fallen apart.

“The younger generation, as well, is a problem. We’ve found there are not a lot of schools that have proper teams anymore.

“Times have changed, too. Technology is a big factor in it; computer games and the like.

“It’s killing football.”