BERRIEW have become the fourth Spar Mid Wales League club to apply for promotion to the Huws Gray Alliance.
The Talbot Field club have followed in the footsteps of Montgomery Town, Rhayader Town and Newbridge in officially tendering an application to join the second tier.
Berriew enjoyed a season in the Alliance in 2010 but were unfortunate to find themselves culled when the season’s bottom 10 clubs were relegated as part of sweeping Welsh football pyramid reforms.
The club have since harboured aspirations to re-attain second tier status, with ground developments at the Talbot Field ensuring the club will meet all criteria.
Manager Mike Barton insisted it would be a “tall order” to end in a promotion spot this season, while backing Montgomery Town for the title and elevation to the Huws Gray Alliance.
However the decision to apply re-enforced Barton’s belief that it will only be a matter of time before Berriew’s ambitions are rewarded with a return to the Alliance.
“The Alliance is the league we aspire to and everything is in place off the pitch to take the club forward,” said Barton. “When I was appointed I knew that Berriew’s ambitions matched my own so now it is up to myself to get a winning team together and have a proper crack at the title and promotion next season.
“The ground is already up to Alliance standard and I suppose the application ensures an inspection and a gauge of any further additions we may need to consider.”
Meanwhile Barton has officially announced the end of his playing career, with Chris Williams to don the No1 jersey from now on.
“I was not enjoying playing and in my last game against Montgomery Town I found myself wanting,” said Barton. “I would rather retire now and put all my focus into coaching and managing Berriew Football Club.”