The Wiltshire FA have confirmed that New College Academy could have remained in the Hellenic League this season if they had taken the chance to apply for senior status last year.

As revealed in yesterday's Advertiser, New College have been demoted to the Wiltshire Junior League for the coming season after choosing to leave the wing of parent club Swindon Supermarine.

New College plan to move to a pitch neighbouring Marine's Hunts Copse ground where they played in their inaugural season.

But the facility is not yet up to senior club status and as such they are unable to compete in the Hellenic League.

However, Wilts FA secretary Mike Benson has confirmed the situation could have been avoided if New College had applied for senior status when they were first advised to.

Benson said: "New College decided to move to one of the outside pitches at Supermarine, which is fine, but they can't play senior football at that ground because it doesn't fulfil the requirements such as an enclosed pitch.

"The club was told a year ago that this would be the case if they were to move away from Supermarine but no application was received.

"As such we have had to put a ruling on them that they could not play senior status football this season."

New College have appealed against the decision to the national FA, but they have backed the decision of their Wiltshire counterparts.

The club now hope to apply for senior status in time for the 2004/05 season and Benson is confident the process will run smoothly this time.

"I understand plans have been drawn up for the new ground at Supermarine Sports and Social Club to bring the club up to senior status the season after next.

"The application needs to be in place by the end of February, 2004, but I believe it's on course to be done by this September."

If the application is approved and New College deliver on the pitch in their new division, a return to the Hellenic could be on the cards next year.

CHIPPENHAM goalkeeper James Bittner finalised his move to Exeter City yesterday.

Chippenham receive no fee for the out-of-contract 24-year-old, but Exeter have agreed a sell-on clause and a friendly as part of the deal.

Another talented youngster could follow Bittner out of the door after arch rivals Bath City tabled a £5,000 bid for defender Tom Gould.