Football teams merge in Hexham

But the merger is actually a lifeline for both clubs, which have both had trouble maintaining sufficient numbers of players on their books. The under 17s had 14 players last year and this season have 12, eight of whom will move over to their new Sunday club.

Manager Clive Wilson said: "We were down to 12 which wasn't enough to continue, especially as one of the people who left was the goal keeper.

"I was a bit upset about it in the beginning, but merging with the Ex-Servicemans means I'm still providing football for eight of them. It's better than no football at all. They've been together for nine years so it means they can continue as a group.

"Hexham Ex-Servicemans is the best adult team in Hexham and the better players would go there anyway. They were in doubt as well so it has come at a good time for both clubs."

Mr Wilson will become assistant manager at the Ex-Servicemans and added: "It's going to be an exciting season. I'm looking forward to it."

Manager of the Ex-Servicemans, Andrew Wylie, explained that the under 17s side was the last junior team before players join an adult side, so the merger means junior players move up to adult teams a year early.

He said: "We are going to continue. The u17s were in the same boat as us, struggling for players, so instead of the two teams we've signed eight of their players to help us. That's the way forward as far as I'm concerned.

"It's sad to see the end of the under 17s -- they're finished -- but at the end of the day that's what will happen anyway."

The Ex-Servicemans team started 20 years ago after some Hexham players playing for the Blue Bell in Corbridge decided they wanted to play for Hexham.

Their next game is a local derby with Hexham Argyles a week Sunday, and Mr Wylie added: "I'm looking forward to a couple of good players; Matthew Wilson (right midfield) and Andrew Crawford (centre midfield). We're looking to the new season with the young lads in it. It's given us all a lift."