CINDERFORD Town chairman Stuart Tait says the atmosphere at the club is ’overwhelmingly positive’ despite recent turmoil.

Town are being forced to take promotion to the Southern League Premier Division by The FA following their championship-winning season in Division One South & West.

The FA’s stance comes after Evesham United, who were shunted into the Northern League Division One South when Town asked to remain in the South & West division, won their appeal against the move.

Town initially rejected promotion on the basis that life in the Premier Division would be ’unsustainable’ considering the club’s financial situation.

They have finally been informed of the full extent of their historic tax bill, revealed by The Forester in April, but it is double the initial estimate of £15,000.

Tait confirmed HMRC are claiming around £30,000 from the club in unpaid tax but believes there is a sense of fight after recent headlines in the Non-League Paper against the club.

“We are going to give it a go,” he said.

“There’s a feeling in the club. It’s like they feel ’if you kick us, we will come back fighting’ and that’s made things very determined and very positive.”

The club released a statement on Thursday after an emergency meeting followed the result of Evesham’s appeal.

“I am pleased to confirm that the new Management committee of Cinderford Town AFC, during a emergency meeting last night, have voted unanimously to take promotion other than the option to resign from the league,” Tait added in the statement.

“Whilst this will cause great stress to our sustainable business plan, our committee is fully behind this decision in order to deal with outstanding HMRC claims of £30,000, increased running costs, and stadium improvement works to maintain the highest standard of football to be seen at the Causeway.

“In doing this it will also provide great support to 200 youth players within the community associated with our youth football academy.

“To help assist the club moving forward we are looking for companies who are willing to sponsor the club during the 2016/17 season and have lots of sponsorship opportunities available.

“Planning for the season is well underway and we will be confirming the signing of several players over the next 48 hours.

“We now look forward to a successful season ahead.”