THERE will be extra interest next season in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West, insists Evesham United boss Paul Collicutt.
And the former Cheltenham Town captain believes newly-promoted phoenix clubs Hereford and Salisbury will be favourites to achieve promotion.
Hereford and Salisbury’s inclusion in the Robins’ division was confirmed this week after a meeting of the FA’s leagues committee.
Salisbury are managed by media pundit Steve Claridge, the much-travelled former Birmingham City and Portsmouth striker.
Collicutt said: “We know Hereford United and Salisbury City were both Conference Premier clubs when they ran into financial difficulties and had to start again.
“But they have re-formed and are big clubs for our league and it will cause a lot of interest in our division.
“I think Hereford and Salisbury will be favourites to win the title and get promotion next season.
“Hereford had some gates of more than 4,000 for home matches last season and have got a tremendous following.
“I am sure they will bring a lot of fans to Evesham because it’s only up the road.”
Hereford and Salisbury have been placed in step four after winning the Midland League Premier Division and Wessex League Premier Division respectively.
Both clubs were involved in an historic FA Vase semi-final, with the two legs attracting more than 8,000 people.
The Bulls prevailed 3-1 on aggregate and will be taking around 18,300 fans to Wembley next Sunday for the final against Morpeth Town.
Hereford have already won three trophies this season, including the Polymac Packaging Midland League Cup after a 3-1 win against Walsall Wood on Tuesday.
The Robins finished sixth in Division One South and West, just one place and two points shy of the promotion play-offs.
Southern League Division One South and West:
AFC Totton
Barnstaple Town
Bideford
Bishop’s Cleeve
Bridgwater Town
Didcot Town
EVESHAM UNITED
Hereford
Larkhall Athletic
Mangotsfield United
North Leigh
Paulton Rovers
Salisbury
Shortwood United
Slimbridge
Swindon Supermarine
Taunton Town
Tiverton Town
Wantage Town
Wimborne Town
Winchester City
Yate Town
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