BASHLEY’S move to New Milton took another significant step forward when both clubs overwhelmingly passed the proposal at their respective extraordinary general meetings.

Bashley have been in negotiation with the Linnets over relocating to Fawcett’s Field in the summer with the club being renamed Bashley New Milton.

The plan is for the club to retain Bashley’s current standing in the Premier Division of the Southern League with New Milton dropping out of the Wessex League.

The newly-named outfit would also sport new club colours and crest, although both parties have been keen to distance themselves from calling it a merger as FA rules state that merged clubs should take the place of the lowest club in the National League System.

Bashley members voted in favour of the alliance by 25 votes to two, while New Milton chairman John Breaker said the motion was passed by around 90 per cent of Linnets members.

Richard Millbery, the Bashley chairman, said: “We are pleased it went through and the majority indicates the positivity around the move following an enlightening discussion.

“Six life presidents attended which shows how important it was to people who have held the club dear to their hearts for many years.”

Bashley are now waiting on FA permission for the name change and planning permission from New Forest District Council to make the necessary improvements to Fawcett’s Field.

However, New Milton chairman Breaker reiterated that his club would continue to compete in the Wessex League next season, should the move not be passed.

Breaker said: “The deadline for us to resign without penalty is March 31 and there are a host of difficulties that come along with that.

“The meeting went reasonably well and was better attended than I thought. But if the name change and planning permission are not ratified then it would be dead in the water.

“We want this move to happen because we feel it is in the interest of football in the area. But if it doesn’t then we will still be a Wessex League club next season.

“There have been a few suggestions that we will be going out of business but that could not be further from the truth. We need a decision as soon as possible so everyone knows what they are doing.”

Meanwhile, Bashley edged a step closer to Premier Division survival following a 0-0 draw against Bideford in north Devon on Saturday.

New signings Alex Moth and Jamal Bajandouh, released by Cherries earlier this month, were both named on the bench, with Bajandouh replacing Charlie Knight 17 minutes from time.

Bash: Kearn, Strickland, Oliver, Finlay, Middleton, Richardson, Casey, Jenkinson (Gradwell, 82), Stokoe, Gamble, Knight (Bajandouh, 73). Unused subs: Hill, Moth, Cooper.