YATE Town have taken the ‘reluctant’ step of pull their reserves side from the Gloucestershire County League after three seasons where they have struggled for results.

But, as new manager Paul Britton looks to youth to develop the first team for the future, the club have assured him that there will be pathways to develop players towards the senior side.

Yate Town Reserves have found it difficult, particularly away from Lodge Road, over recent years in the County League, finishing in the bottom three this year with just four wins and seven draws from 32 matches last season.

So the club took the decision last week to cease. A statement said: “We wish to advise that Yate Town Football Club have discontinued the reserves from the Gloucestershire County League.

“The decision was made following a meeting attended by the chairman, directors, first team manager and reps from the development side where all aspects were considered and it was agreed this would be in the best overall interests of the club.

“The club would like to thank the team along with everyone else who have supported the Reserves for their commitment and wish them all the very best for their future.”

Yate will continue with their flourishing Under-18 side but the reserves will stop. They are looking at options of how players will switch from this youth side to more senior football in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West team.

That, said director of football Nigel Hawkins, may include players moving to another club for experience before returning to Yate in the future.

Hawkins said: “This was a difficult decision, however the club remain absolutely committed to mentoring and coaching young players who are considered as potential for the first team and supporting all our young players to reach their potential.

“We were finding that the youngsters in the reserves could not compete in the County League. They got battered a bit away from home. The idea was to get older players in, with the backbone of the squad being youngsters but it was just not possible.

“The team was part of our player pathway but it was not right for us. When you are getting beaten every week, players get demoralised.

“We were really caught between two stools. We are concentrating on the Under-18s and we have quality and coaching to prepare them for first team football.”

Hawkins added: “Maybe some of them will go away from the club but come back again in the future.

“After three seasons of struggling, it is best to pull out (of the league) and re-consider our options.

“We have to be real. Some players want to play with their mates and there are those who want to go to higher levels.”

Meanwhile, Britton is continuing his build-up towards the return of the first team squad from their close season break.

Hawkins added: “We get going again at the end of June. We will have a jog and a social and see how it goes. There is a lot going on off the field to get the structure of the club right.”