BICESTER Town are hopeful that they will be playing back in the town in the near future, writes Michael Knox.

A dispute with Bicester Sports Association, owners of their previous Oxford Road ground, forced the club to fold in 2011.

Since they reformed in 2015, they have played the last two seasons at fellow Uhlsport Hellenic League club Ardley United’s Playing Fields ground.

Now there is a distinct possibility, they could soon return to Bicester, according club chairman Tim Holloway.

“We are in discussions with the local council about playing back in the town,”

said Holloway.

“The talks are at a delicate stage, and I don’t want to say anything that might scupper them. We are working hard to secure an agreement.

“If things work out, the future of Bicester Town looks highly promising.”

Holloway made these comments after Eddie Nix expressed fears for the club’s future, when stepping down as jointmanager last week.

He said: “The club will struggle to survive if we don’t get to own our own ground.

“It becomes difficult to generate income and to attract players to the club, with our future so uncertain.”

Holloway sought to calm those worries.

“In the meantime, we are also in talks about having a third season at Ardley,”

he said.

“Nothing has been resolved yet, but we are hopeful.”

Holloway paid tribute to Nix, who is standing down due to personal reasons.

“I fully understand why Eddie has stepped down, but we are very pleased that he will stay on the club committee,”

he said, “We value his energy and commitment.”