Pitchero Non League

....United from the Uhlsport Hellenic League to the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League following a request by the club`s chairman Robyn Maggs. In his submission to the FA, Maggs stated: "The future well-being of Winterbourne United has brought about our application to transfer to the Western League - there is no other quantifiable reason.

“Winterbourne United FC have no issue with the Hellenic League and have enjoyed being part of it, we have two championship wins and this seasons promotion place is something I am particularly proud of.

“Our application has not come on a whim and we have put aside the loyalty aspect of such a move to ask for something we believe is a necessity for the clubs future well-being.

“The Western League is undoubtedly regarded as the 'local' league to Bristol as each division include seven or eight Bristol/Bath-based sides. Having spoken to my opposite number at a few of these clubs I have been led to expect a boost in attendances as people will more readily come and watch a local derby. The income generated through the turnstile and in refreshment sales will also be of great benefit and we also have potential new sponsors waiting to see where we are playing next season."

Maggs included in his submission mileage charts of anticipated travel in both competitions with that involved in the Western Premier being considerably lower by a couple of thousand miles.

Hellenic League general manager Brian King in his summation to the FA stated: "The Hellenic League has always looked to support member clubs and their needs and where a case as is presented by Winterbourne United we as a competition had no option but to support the request to transfer."

King also requested that the FA must now look to resolving flexible boundaries for competitions at Step 5 and 6.

In a response Mike Appleby, FA League's Manager, stated: "We will be meeting with all leagues going forward to look at any `boundary` issues." The loss of Winterbourne United to the Western League throws up further problems for the Hellenic League following the relegation of Trowbridge Town to the Wiltshire League and the resignations of Abingdon United Reserves and Hungerford Town Reserves, which was not received until the completion of the 2011/12 season.

A few other matters are still under consideration making the forming of the Constitution ever more difficult.

At present it is highly likely that the Premier Division may run with just twenty member clubs.

Tags: News | Winterbourne United

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