Dave Ross insists Redbridge can have no complaints over relegation to the Essex Senior League but has now turned his attention to plotting an immediate return.

The Motormen finished in the Isthmian Division One North relegation zone but owing to the annual spate of resignations, demotions and transfers, they could have been reprieved.

However, it has been confirmed they will now take their place alongside Waltham Forest in the Essex Senior League Premier Division next season.

“We are gutted but we put ourselves in this position. We would like to have stayed in that league but it’s out of our hands. We are not taking anything for granted next season, though,” explained Ross.

“If you go down then the aim is promotion and if we don’t get promotion then it will be a disappointment. But I know there are teams that are paying out money in that league and I don’t know if we can yet.”

He added: “We have now got to show a little but of heart and desire to get ourselves out this league – not that I am taking it for granted."