A GROUP of Bashley supporters, opposed to next season’s planned move to New Milton, have written an open letter to the club on the eve of their EGM.

Members of both Bashley and New Milton were last night due to meet to discuss a move that would see the newly-named Bashley New Milton, with a new kit and club crest, start up at Fawcett’s Field. Current Bash boss Frank Gray is likely to become the new club’s manager.

The name change would still need approving by the Football Association, while the alliance is also subject to planning permission to make necessary ground improvements to New Milton’s current home.

The letter, understood to have been signed by 60 Bash fans, urges the club to reconsider what they describe as a “merger”, a term both clubs have distanced themselves from as the FA makes amalgamated clubs take the place of the lowest team in the National League System.

Steve Davies, one of the 60 who helped put the letter together, said: “If the proposals go through the EGM then we will petition the Hampshire FA relentlessly. We hope that they can have an impact because this is a mini version of the MK Dons and Wimbledon situation.

“We are not trying to be controversial or cause an argument, we just want to save our club.”

Bash chairman Richard Millbery did not wish to respond directly to the comments, but said: “We are a members’ club and each of those members has the right to say their piece at the EGM.

“Given the chance, we would love to remain at Bashley Road but it has now become unsustainable.”