‘I wasn’t prepared to take any chances with my players’ lives’

With Storm Dennis predicted to rage across the south, Birmingham decided he and his players were not prepared to make the Wessex League Premier Division trip to Poole.

There were no pitch problems because Hamworthy play on a 3G surface, but Birmingham decided the journey was far too risky.

The club will now wait to see if the league decide to fine them and award the points to the Hammers.

'As manager I have a duty of care to all my players,' said Birmingham.

'My players signed for me because they trust they will be looked after.

'When you have the professional weather people forecasting severe weather and warning not to travel unless it is essential, then you have to listen.

'They were predicting winds between 60 and 70 miles per hour.

'The forecast for the journey back was horrendous.

'It is not as if it is just 10 or 20 minutes down the road.

'We are talking a good three-hour commute there and back.

'Some of the players would have had to make their own way there because of work commitments.

'I have a responsibility to all my players, some of whom are only 16 years old.

'We have seen recently how dangerous the storms can be.

'Only last week one person lost their life in Winchester when a tree fell on their car.

'I wasn't prepared to take any chances with my players’ lives.

'This is Wessex League football and some teams in leagues two or three levels above us were allowed to call their games off the night before.

'Last weekend Manchester City's game at West Ham in the Premier League was postponed because of weather concerns.

'Why can't we be treated in the same way and with the same respect?

'If they can do it in the Premier League, surely it can be done at our level?

'I phoned the league and they said it was up to Hamworthy and they could do nothing.

'It is a disgrace and an utter shambles.

'If Hamworthy want the three points they can have them, because they are not that important.’

Horndean’s decision was unsurprisingly criticised by some people on Hamworthy’s Twitter feed.

Hammers boss Tim Sills said one of his players, Eddie Hodge, had travelled down from London to play in the game.

Others pointed out that Tadley Calleva had managed to travel to AFC Stoneham to fulfil their Wessex Premier fixture.

'I can't believe some of the criticism we have been subjected to on social media since,’ Birmingham added.

'The decision was made for all the right reasons.

'It is of no benefit to us having to make the journey in midweek later in the season.'

Wessex League secretary Aubrey Hodder said a decision on whether Hamworthy would be awarded the points would be taken at next month’s league meeting.