The restructuring of Step 4 of the non-league pyramid has brought Kent clubs together in the Isthmian (Ryman) Division One South.
Whites will face up against the likes of Ashford, Chatham, Dartford, Maidstone and Sittingbourne next season, in an even more regionalised league than the season just gone.
Banstead have resigned from the Isthmian League, whilst Bashley, Lymington and Newport IoW have been moved over to the Southern League South/South-West division. (Corinthian-Casuals and Newport IoW were reprieved from relegation due to Banstead’s resignation and the restructuring.)
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH
ASHFORD TOWN FC (KENT)
BURGESS HILL TOWN FC
CHATHAM TOWN FC
CORINTHIAN CASUALS FC
CRAY WANDERERS FC
CROYDON ATHLETIC FC
DARTFORD FC
DOVER ATHLETIC FC
DULWICH HAMLET FC
FLEET TOWN FC
GODALMING TOWN FC
HASTINGS UNITED FC
HORSHAM YMCA FC
KINGSTONIAN FC
LEATHERHEAD FC
MAIDSTONE UNITED FC
METROPOLITAN POLICE FC
MOLESEY FC
SITTINGBOURNE FC
TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED FC
WALTON CASUALS FC
WHYTELEAFE FC
The Football Association have produced the following press release:
“The FA’s Leagues Committee this morning agreed the make-up of the National League ‘pyramid’ at Steps 1 to 4 for season 2006/2007, this followed recommendations made to the Committee by the Alliance the previous day.
The structure next season will be 1 – 2 – 3 – 5 with both the Isthmian and Southern Leagues operating with two divisions at Step 4 and the Northern Premier one division.
The relegation of three clubs from Step 4 was confirmed: Banstead Athletic (to Combined Counties), Bishop Auckland (Northern League) and Thame United (Hellenic League). The remaining clubs placed in relegation places will be reprieved.”
The Southern (Dr. Marten’s) League’s two divisions are no longer East and West, due to the introduction of another Isthmian (Ryman) league at Step 4. One of the Southern league’s will be for Midlands clubs, whilst the other will be for clubs on the South Coast and in the South West.
Therefore, the Isthimian Division One will now consist of two leagues of 22 teams. One will be ‘North’ for clubs in North London, Essex and East Anglia. The other will be ‘South’ for clubs in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, East Hampshire and South London.
For a clearer idea of the set-up, with league allocations and maps, click here.