CHICKERELL United will not field a team in the Dorset Senior League next season after withdrawing from the division.

The Chickens end a decade-long association with the Senior League, having been a permanent fixture since the 2013/14 season.

Chickerell were stationed in the Dorset Premier League between 2007 and 2013 before dropping to the Senior tier.

They went on to win the Senior League title in 2015/16 and were Dorset Senior League Cup runners-up in 2021.

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However, since Covid, the Chickens have struggled and this summer matters came to a head when boss Shaun Murphy stepped away after more than 20 years in various posts at the club.

Garry Mowlam was entrusted to lead The Stalls-based side into the 2023/24 campaign.

Echosport understands player exits outweighed signings this summer, contributing to the club's decision to withdraw from the second tier of grassroots football in Dorset.

Mowlam will instead head up the Chickens' reserve team in Dorset League Division Five.

In a club statement, the Chickens said: "It is with great regret and consideration that Chickerell United Football Club has made the very difficult decision to withdraw the first team from the Dorset Senior League.

"The club will still maintain a side in Division Five, that carries on from the reserve team of last season.

"Garry Mowlam will continue to manage this side and begin the process of guiding this club back to the Senior League.

"After a very difficult summer, the club has made this decision with the future in mind.

"With the creation of a new under-18 team this season and a youthful squad we will, alongside Garry, work hard to rebuild, invest and develop the new first team."

Chickerell finished seventh of the 11 teams in the Dorset Senior League last season.

Chickerell have lost several key players over the summer, including the retired Nick Etherington, with Dylan Ellis moving to Dorchester Sports.

Balti Sports have also agreed terms with Jack Critchell, James Hansford and Derek Wall this summer.

Chickerell's withdrawal follows the similar fates of Portland Town and Upwey & Broadwey this year.

Only ten teams remain in the Dorset Senior League, with the opening day of the new season scheduled for Saturday, September 2.