CHARD Town have been given another year in the Western League by the FA, with a view to relocating from their Zembard Lane home by the end of the 2018/19 season.

The Robins are on the lookout for a new ‘nest’, in order for the club to remain part of the Toolstation Western League, and chairman Lyndsey Gage is hopeful of progress being made soon.

The slope of the pitch led to their Zembard Lane ground losing its FA grading, and there were fears that Chard would be bumped down into the Somerset County League as part of Non-League football’s restructuring this summer.

However, the Robins have been granted a one-year reprieve by the FA, an opportunity which the club is keen to take advantage of.

Gage told the Chard & Ilminster News: “The FA have given us another year, to find somewhere to relocate to.

“I can’t say too much at the moment, but discussions are ongoing.

“We’re hoping that in the next four to five weeks we should know a bit more.”

Two more teams hoping for a reprieve are Portishead Town and Warminster Town, who finished in the bottom two places in last season’s Western League First Division.

With Almondsbury and Malmesbury Victoria being moved across to the Hellenic League, the number of teams in the First Division has dropped from 22 to 18 – unless Portishead and Warminster are successful in their appeals.

“I hope they [Portishead and Warminster] are reprieved, as I think 20 teams is fairer,” said Gage.

“I understand reducing the number, but 20 makes more sense.”

Regardless of how many teams the Robins will face in the league next season, Gage is optimistic for the club’s future.

Paul Down has departed as manager, having successfully stabilised the first team, to be replaced by former Chard, Sherborne and Yeovil player Jamie Manley.

He brings with him as assistant Kevin Leigh, who was number two to Bob Russell at Chard for five years in the late 1990s.

Gage said: “I can’t thank Paul [Down] and his team enough for what they’ve done for the club.

“Jamie and Kevin will be a great asset to the club, with their determination and enthusiasm.

“They’re on the same page as me; we want to keep Western League football at Chard Town.”

He added: “Jamie and his team have come wanting to win the league, and hopefully they can get the players on board.

“With an Under-18 team starting up next season, there’s certainly potential here.”

The Robins plan to run a side in the Somerset Floodlight Under-18 Youth League next season, after a two-year break.

The man earmarked to run the side is Garry Perren, a veteran of youth football in Somerset.

Gage continued: “I see a bright future for Chard Town.

“We’re looking to play football at a high level [whatever happens].

“But we don’t want to drop down, we want Western League football for Chard.”