Bicester Town are aiming to launch a membership scheme to enable the local community to get involved in the running of the newlyreformed club, writes Tom St John.

The town has been without a senior football club for four years, but they successfully applied to rejoin the Hellenic League and next season will groundshare with Ardley United.

Club secretary, Roger Wise said the idea was for fans to pay £10 to join.

“This will give you a share of the club, as such, and once you’ve given the money, filled in a form and been accepted, you’ll have the chance to vote on important, major decisionmaking at the club, like, for instance, the electing of a new board.

“This is a great way to get the whole community involved. We have also discussed a donation from the £10 fee going to a local charity.”

Bicester’s vice-chairman, Alfie Pickett, added: “In a nutshell, if the town wants a successful football club then this is their opportunity.

“The population of Bicester could rise to 100,000 and the town needs a senior football team.”

Meanwhile, next Thursday, from 6.45pm, Bicester are hosting their first training session at Pingle Field and are inviting people who feel they can play at Hellenic League level to attend.

Joint boss Eddie Nix said he had spoken to several local players who were keen to join.

He said: “Because they’re hasn’t been a club in the area, players have gone elsewhere and we want to get them back.

“I’m hoping to get 20 plus, although the last time I held an open training session we had 57, so you never know.”