MEL Aldis has pledged his loyalty to Framlingham Town, even though the club may be playing in Division One of the Kingsley Healthcare SIL next season rather than the Eastern Counties League.

The SIL Senior Division side are one of only three clubs to apply to join the Eastern Counties League along with Saffron Walden Town, who dropped out at the start of this season, and Team Braintree.

But Framlingham, who have flirted with relegation all season, are currently bottom and the top-five finish they required to be eligible for a possible step up is beyond them.

Aldis, who left Ridgeons League side Debenham LC following their relegation from the Premier Division at the end of last season, was subsequently appointed for a second spell as manager of Framlingham last summer.

Framlingham turned to Aldis even though he had a court case looming – he was cleared last September of fraud – and in return he has pledged his future to the club who showed their faith in him.

“The club have already said they want me to continue as manager next season, and even if we are relegated I won’t walk away.

“Of course I would have liked to be playing in Ridgeons League Division One next season, rather than possibly SIL Division One!

“But I love it at Framlingham – I loved it when I was here before – there is something special about the club.

“I have enjoyed the camaraderie of the SIL, although there is perhaps too much familiarity with match officials. That is not to say the camaraderie isn’t good in the Ridgeons League, but it is closer in the SIL.”

Framlingham have taken just one point from their last ten league games – a 3-3 draw at Stanton a month ago – and Aldis is only too aware that time is running out if they are to avoid the drop.

They have just seven matches remaining, including five at Badingham Road, starting with tomorrow’s game at home to fourth-from-bottom Capel Plough.

“We have got winnable games, but we are running out of time to win them!