Oxhey FC will break new ground next season when they compete in the Herts Senior County League - the importance of which is not lost on club secretary Stephen Cavinder.

Both the club's senior and reserve sides will take part in the league, with the former competing in Division One.

And Cavinder says the groundbreaking moment has had a profound impact on all connected to the club, from players to backroom staff.

"We're feeling really excited and it is something that we have been working on for the past two or three years," Cavinder told the Watford Observer.

"We were formed in 1951 and have a lot of history so we are ready to make this move, which is a huge one for us.

"It is a huge reward for everyone associated with the club from the players to the backroom staff.

"We have people who have been involved in the club for years and it will mean a lot to them. Our president Rowland Wyatt was a player here and has been at the club for over 30 years, so that shows what sort of a club this is."

With pre-season up and running at the club, the preparation for the upcoming campaign is already well underway.

Cavinder has seen a clear morale boost among the players since the news Oxhey would be making the step up in level.

He also says the greater stature has led to new names being attracted to the club before the season gets underway.

"The players are over the moon and can't wait for the season to start. Training is already underway and going very well," he said.

"Moving up to this level has actually meant we have been able to attract new players to come and join us.

"It is also a big moment for the management team who have worked hard to make sure we are financially stable and provide chances for as many people as possible to play."

That management team is led by Ian Allan who will be tasked with helping the club maintain their Division One standing next season.

While expectations are of course to be tempered in a maiden season in a new competition, Cavinder believes there is no reason to put a limitation on what Oxhey can achieve in 2018/19.

His confidence in Allan's ability is one of the key reasons to be optimistic.

"The first team goal is for stability, but I think we will be able to compete with some of the top teams," he said.

"We would expect to be looking for promotion in two or three years and we have an extremely ambitious manager in Ian Allan, who has played at a higher level. We feel very confident."

Oxhey are still on the lookout for new players and would welcome anybody who wishes to try out at the club.

To get in touch visit the Oxhey FC Facebook page.