Promotion-winning AFC Emneth joins forces with Wisbech St Mary as new era begins for Saints
A desire from both clubs to develop opportunities for all their players within local football and to create a seamless pathway from youth to adult football has led to the amalgamation of two clubs.
Last season's Cambs County League Senior A league winners AFC Emneth - winners of seven promotions in six seasons - are now defunct after announcing they are linking up with Premier Division side Wisbech St Mary from next season.
It marks the start of a new era for Fenland football as the Saints look to eventually win back their place at Step 6 of the football pyramid.
Charlie Buttriss and Harry Griffin - both behind the incredible success story of the Honey Badgers - have taken on leading roles at Beechings Close after former boss Paul Hunt stepped down as first team boss last week.
Buttriss has been named as head of adult football at St Mary while Griffin has been named first team manager.
"For me it made sense to combine the two sides as we'd reached our cap so to speak," said Buttriss.
"We'd reached our limit with the facility we had at Hungate and, yes it's a big sacrifice, but it gives us more motivation to make sure we get this right.
"It's new beginnings but we want to continue the momentum we had as a club at AFC Emneth with Wisbech St Mary.
"The idea is to create a pathway from youth football right up to the men's teams so it is very exciting times for the club."
As well as having 26 youth teams and an under-18 side in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, from next season the Saints will also operate an A side along with a reserve and first team.
News of the shock amalgamation broke last week.
A statement from the Saints read: "Wisbech St Mary Football Club is delighted to announce head of adult football Charlie Buttriss and first team manager Harry Griffin for the 2023/24 season.
"Harry and Charlie come with a wealth of experience id developing local talented players.
"In addition they will add a reserve and A team for the 2023/24 season."
AFC Emneth also released a statement, saying: "We have made a very hard decision to bring the Badger era to a close and pursue a fantastic opportunity we have been offered at a club which has the ambition and facilities to match our own aspirations.
"From the depths of the North West Norfolk Division Two, where we started, to the current high point of the invincible Cambs Senior A league champions, it's been a hell of a journey with memories that will last a lifetime.
"We are very excited to announce we will be joining forces with a local sleeping giant in Wisbech St Mary where we can continue to grow within a fantastic football environment and infrastructure.
"We would like to thank every supporter, sponsor, player, volunteers who has helped us to get to where we are today and hope to continue the fantastic relations we have with everyone at our new home."
