Ottery St Mary are part of the thinking with regard to the make-up of the new two division Step 7 League that is being run from the start of next season.

Devon FA has released a list of the 39 applications for the 32 spaces that are available for the new Devon County Step 7 League.

This list of 39 clubs includes two clubs who are on standby.

Several of the clubs who have applied will now have a visit from a ground grading team to inspect their ground and confirm that they meet the criteria required for Step 7 football. When those ground visits are completed there will be a further release from the county FA.

Current Step 6/7 clubs who have applied for new Step 7 League: Alphington, Bere Alston United, Liverton United, Plymstock United, St Martins, Teignmouth, University of Exeter, Waldon Athletic, Plymouth Argyle Reserves.

Current Devon & Exeter Football League clubs who have applied for new Step 7 League: Clyst Valley, Topsham Cronies, Exmouth Town Reserves, Exwick Villa, Feniton, Heavitree United, Newtown, Witheridge, Kentisbeare, Ottery St Mary.

Current North Devon Football League clubs who have applied for new Step 7 League: Braunton, Fremington, Torrington.

Current Plymouth & West Devon Football League clubs who have applied for new Step 7 League: Lakeside Athletic, Plympton Athletic.

Current South Devon Football League clubs who have applied for new Step 7 League: Ashburton, Brixham AFC Reserves, Buckland Athletic Reserves, Chudleigh Athletic, Dartmouth, Kingsteignton Athletic, Paignton Villa, Roselands, Totnes & Dartington, Watcombe Wanderers, Bovey Tracey Reserves, Newton Abbot 66, Paignton Saints, Ipplepen Athletic.

East Cornwall League & Others: Tavistock AFC Reserves

Standby Applications: Kingskerswell & Cheslton, Chaddlewood Miners Old Boys.

With regard to the Ottery application, Otters’ boss Dave Fairweather says: “This is a real opportunity for us to move onwards and upwards in terms of the football pyramid and I know it is something very dear to chairman Mike Ringers’ ‘bigger picture’ planning for club. I support this bid 100 per cent and see it as a very real opportunity for talented local footballers to seize the moment and grab the opportunity to play at a higher level for a football club that really believes in being a ‘home town club’.”

What Ottery are now very keen to do is attract all manner of ‘off-field’ additional helpers and anyone who would like to be involved in this exciting phase of development at the club is asked to get in touch with Fairweather on 07791 774706 or contact the club via their Facebook page.

(You can read a more detailed report on the bid for Step Seven status at www.sidmouthherald.co.uk)