Drax delighted by reprieve

Maidenhead United FC boss Johnson Hippolyte has expressed his delight at the news that his side have been handed a reprieve and will remain in the BSS

Charles Watts writes in the Maidenhead Advertiser: The Magpies should be heading for the Southern League after suffering relegation on the final day of the campaign last month.
But they have been saved from the drop due to both Darlington and Kettering Town having to move down divisions because of financial troubles.
This was confirmed last Friday when the Football Association released their leagues for the coming season and Maidenhead were in the Blue Square South.

The divisions still need to be ratified at the Conference AGM on June 9 but Hippolyte admits his team seem to have had a lucky escape.
He said: “I think we can probably say we’re there now, having looked at the structure of the leagues that were released.
“It’s looking very positive and it’s great news for the club.
“It’s what we wanted, now we can really start planning ahead.”

One of the downsides of the reprieve is that Hippolyte has had to tear up much of the pre-season he had planned for his squad.
The Blue Square South starts a week later than the Southern League plus certain friendlies have had to be cancelled.
United were due to play Blue Square South sides Basingstoke and Hayes & Yeading but those games have now been called off.
Hippolyte said: "We had to cancel the games against Basingstoke and Hayes because you don't want to be playing teams in your own league.
"We've got plenty others lined up and I've also got calls in to clubs in the leagues above that I'm waiting to hear from.
"If any of them come off then one or two of the games might have to be moved."

The Magpies boss has also started his search for some fresh faces for his squad.
“I’ve spoken to a striker,” he said. “He’s 24, has Blue Square experience and is leaning towards coming on board.
“I’ve also spoken to a midfielder and a full back. Players are doing what they usually do though. They will talk to a few clubs before deciding.”

Maidenhead United's pre-season schedule (subject to change):

Flackwell Heath (a) - July 17
Burnham (at Bisham Abbey) - July 21
Aylesbury (a) - July 21
Brentford (h) - July 24
Harrow Borough (a) - July 28
Walton & Hersham (a) - July 31
Holyport (a) - August 2
Hendon (at Bisham Abbey) - August 4
Thatcham (a) - August 7
Hampton & Richmond (venue TBC) - August 9

Source: Maidenhead Advertiser 31/5/12