LEE'S GREENS HAVE GOT NEW ENERGY WITH DREAM SWITCH

UPBEAT Hendon boss Lee Allinson believes their switch back to the Isthmian League gives them a chance to compete on a more level playing field next season.

- John Lyons

The Greens were moved from their traditional Isthmian home to the Southern League six years ago as part of Non-League restructuring, but had a long-held wish to return to their roots because of the extra cost and time associated with trips to the southwest.

When their lateral move across the Step 3 divisions was confirmed last week when the new club allocations for 2024-25 were revealed, Hendon thanked the Southern League for supporting their bid to go back.

And it was sweet music to the ears of Allinson as he begins to mould his squad for next term.

“It was no secret it was going to be difficult for us next season if we’d stayed in the Southern League,” he told The NLP. “Around 14 away journeys would have needed a coach, costing us £22,000 for the year.

“In the Isthmian, we only probably need two or three coaches for the season. It will save us something in the region of £18,000 and halve our mileage. It gives us the opportunity to invest that money both into the club and budget.