NICKY FORSTER admits relegation would be "harsh" on Lingfield after they finished sixth in the league.
Lingfield face the drop after failing to meet the FA's ground grading requirement and while Forster would be sad to see his club go down, the striker accepts "rules are there to be adhered to".
The former Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion professional has made a number of appearances for non-league Lingfield over the past two seasons, racking up plenty of goals in the Sussex County League Division One.
However, after Lingfield's Godstone Road facilities failed ground grading due to a dispute over a path around the pitch, the east Surrey club are facing relegation - despite finishing the season sixth.
The Sussex County League have not yet made a final decision on relegations, but striker Forster believes a drop to Step Six would be harsh on his local club.
"At this level of football money is tight and it is especially difficult for Lingfield because they share their ground with the cricket club and that is why they couldn't put the path around the whole pitch," the 39-year-old football pundit said. "It's very sad for the club. They have had a good season and finished sixth and to then be relegated would be harsh on them.
"But I understand rules are there to be adhered to; otherwise it would be unfair on the other teams who did meet the ground standards."
However, Forster insists a drop in league would not effect his decision whether to sign for Lingfield again next season.
"It was my intention not to play next season but if nothing comes up in management then I will probably play a few games," he said.
Lingfield manager Dixie Dean has threatened to resign if his team are relegated and Forster believes he would be a great loss to the club.
"Dixie has brought together a great group of players and he is a larger than life character," Forster said. "The players love Dixie and he has done an extraordinary job when you consider that, for one reason or another, they don't train regularly.
"Even during the week, Dixie is at the ground nearly every day sorting out the pitch or other things. He is pivotal to the club."
