Bourton Rovers built last season’s Hellenic League Division Two West title charge on a remarkable post-new year period which saw them win nine out of 10 games to pip Kidlington to pole position.

Now the challenge is to build up their facilities at their ground just off Rissington Road so that they can take their rightful place in Division One West.

That’s not going to happen this season – when they will again compete in Division Two West – but chairman Brian Hall is hopeful that everything will be in place for the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

Not that it will be easy.

“We need more floodlights all around the ground, railings on three sides of the pitch, a hardstanding area for supporters and a stand for 50 people,” said Hall.

“The floodlights will be the big thing. It’s all going to cost us £45,000 to £50,000 so it’s not cheap.”

So far the club haven’t raised any money, but they have applied for grants and will be holding an open day at their clubhouse in September.

“We want to see if we can involve local businesses in sponsorships, that sort of thing,” he said. “Any way that anyone is able to help would be great.

“We’re right at the heart of the community and we’re in a good catchment area in terms of attracting players. Unfortunately, a few other teams have fallen by the wayside in recent times but that has in turn been good for us. Having said that we will lose one or two players who want to go and play at a higher level.”

Hall reckons that the club will have 10 or 12 new senior players who they will be able to call on this season and while that may not be good news for their rivals it is certainly good news for Rovers fans.

Those fans numbered 250 when the club hosted near neighbours Moreton Rangers last season and there were close on 200 for the title decider against Kidlington.

The supporters, like Hall, have been impressed by the job done by manager Scott Powell.

“He’s been in charge three or four years,” said Hall, “he’s done exceptionally well. His overall leadership and management is really good. He’s a sports trainer and knows what he’s doing.”

So does Hall, who has been a member of the club since 2001.

“I moved to the area the year before and joined the club because I thought it was a good way to integrate myself into the community,” he explained

“I’ve been chairman on and off for seven or eight years and although it can be a bit stressful, it’s a good role and it’s a good community.

“The aim of the club is to attract more families and start building from grassroots for the future.”