WITTON Albion are to merge their reserve and youth teams next season.

Manager Jim Vince admits the move is a risky one, but believes it may attract the best young players in the area to the club.

He said: "I know it's a gamble, but I've been thinking about doing it for a while."

Former Winsford United reserve team manager Neil Gill will be in charge of the new team, which will play in the Mid-Cheshire League First Division.

Gill is also in charge of the Mid-Cheshire District FA U18s side.

"We wanted to bring Neil to the club a year ago, but the structure we had then stopped us from appointing him," said Vince.

"I'm delighted he is on board. His contacts and knowledge of where the best local talent is playing can only good for us."

Albion secretary Grahame Edgeley has been busy in recent weeks trying to find a home for their reserve and youth teams to play at.

The hunt was launched after a deal to share Wincham Park with Runcorn Linnets FC was announced earlier this month, but Witton have had to admit defeat.

He said: "It's true that my hand was forced a little, but we wanted to wait and see what happened.

"I know we can make it work."

The new team will play their home matches on the enclosed pitch at Moss Farm.

Meanwhile, Vince's men returned for pre-season training on Saturday with around 30 players taking part.

"Ideally I'd like to cut that down to 18 by the start of the season," he said.

"At the moment it's a good opportunity to see what talent there is around."

He admitted budgetary constraints may limit the number of new faces from now on, and urged supporters to get behind him to help improve the first team

"They have a part to play if they want Witton Albion to be successful," Vince added.