Second string cleared to step up

After securing the runners-up spot for the last two seasons in the Hellenic League's Division Two West and lifting the Hellenic League Chairman's Cup in April, pictured, the Football Association has ratified the promotion of the EVO-STIK League Southern Division One Central club's reserves to Division One level and application to be renamed FC Kidlington.

Nick East's side are now awaiting news on whether they'll be entered in Division One East or West of the Hellenic League as officials at Yarnton Road Stadium started the process of finding new players, officials and sponsors for the 2017-18 campaign.

A Greens spokesman said: "Kidlington Football Club are delighted to announce that following many internal discussions and ratification from the Football Association and Uhlsport Hellenic League officials, the reserve team has been promoted to Step Six of the football pyramid. This is a fantastic opportunity for the club and particularly for future first team players to nurture their talents at a higher level.

"The new look FC Kidlington are looking for a new club secretary to help facilitate this promotion and will look to develop the fantastic players they already have whilst also attracting new talent that have the potential to step up to our Southern League team. FC Kidlington also require new sponsors, including a main sponsor who will see their name and logo emblazoned on the new green home shirt."

Barry Hiles has also been appointed assistant manager alongside current assistant boss Dave Morris and the spokesman added: "Barry has had a very successful coaching and management career and brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to the team. Until the end of season 15-16 he successfully managed the youth team that contained many of players who played for the reserves last year."

Image courtesy of @Kidlington_FC/Twitter

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1