NEWLY-NAMED Balti Sports FC are on the verge of becoming a Dorset Premier League outfit, after completing a successful ground grading at their Weymouth College home.

The side, formerly known as Balti House and headed by manager Marco Nott, will find the final decision of their status at the league’s AGM on June 17.

Speaking on behalf of the league, Hilary Billimore told Echosport: “Following a successful ground grading, the Dorset Premier League are set to be welcoming Balti Sports FC as one of the new teams this year.”

In their first season in the Dorset Senior League last term, Balti finished third in the division, a solitary point behind champions Holt United.

Reacting to the news of a possible promotion, manager Nott told Echosport: “We have had the all clear and I have a meeting on June 17 now.

“It is a bit of a dream really, it is good for a small club like us to hopefully get into the DPL and hopefully we will hold our own in it, although it will be tough.

“Everyone is really happy about it, it is unbelievable and it’s something we never thought would happen to be honest.

“From being bottom of Dorset Division Two to the Dorset Premier League is quite an achievement really.

“The lads are buzzing, we are looking forward to getting going next season.”

Nott also spoke further about the club’s change in name.

He added: “The league didn’t really want a sponsor’s name as your club’s name.

“We had to go for something else but I didn’t want to lose ‘Balti’ as that’s the identity of our club.

“They gave us a couple of ideas and we went for Balti Sports in the end. Hopefully the sponsors will understand and carry on sponsoring us!”

The Balti boss also wished to thank Simon Ansell and Don for their support throughout the season.

Echosport understands that Holt United are also set to be promoted back to the Dorset Premier League and South Cheriton United have their ground grading this weekend.

It is also believed that Sturminster Marshall and Poole Borough will not feature in the Premier Division next term. Portland United have been promoted.