BOSS Carl Abbott insisted “no great stock” had been put on a league transfer after discovering Evesham United is set to stay put.

The Robins have been provisionally allocated to Southern League Division One South by the FA, meaning planned friendlies against teams from that league – Cinderford Town and Slimbridge – have had to be cancelled.

Club officials gave the summer appointment the option of enquiring about swap, much like they did with Didcot Town to remain in Division One South last season, but Abbott declined.

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“Those friendlies were planned because the projections had shown us as being in the Central, I didn’t want to sit on my hands and do nothing and then rush once it was confirmed,” he said.

“We got on with planning and tried to steer clear of the two divisions as much as possible but there was bound to be some cross over.

“We have just had to replace the two games. There was no great stock placed on going Central.

“I don’t want to change what the club is, I live 30 minutes from Evesham so I am not a northern-based manager who needs to be in the Central.

“The club did ask me if I wanted to look into a swap but I said no, let’s just embrace and go with it now.

“A lot of lads already there are over the moon about it, maybe it removes the option for one or two I have spoken to but that’s football – there are always other players.

“It is fine and we will crack on. I just wish it was pre-season now, I want to get on with it.”

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Abbott also indicated his squad building is well underway.

“We had player meetings on Wednesday night, I was down at the club until nearly midnight and spoke to 13 lads,” he added.

“Some terms have been offered, agreements made and forms signed but we don’t want to go too early and alert clubs because you can get gazumped.

“Players are never too concerned about going back on their word so we will let people know who has signed up in good time but things are progressing nicely.”

PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION – Southern League Division One South: (20 clubs) AFC Totton, Barnstaple Town – REPRIEVED, Basingstoke Town – RELEGATED, Bideford, Bristol Manor Farm, Cinderford Town, Cirencester Town, Evesham United, Frome Town – RELEGATED, Highworth Town, Larkhall Athletic, Mangotsfield United, Melksham Town, Moneyfields, Paulton Rovers, Sholing – PROMOTED, Slimbridge, Thatcham Town, Willand Rovers – PROMOTED, Winchester City.