Gwent County League Divison One sides Malpas United and Newport Civil Service have announced that they are to merge together as one club.
The club will now go under the name Malpas Civil Service and will continue to play in the same division, as well as running a second side in the Newport & District Premier X Division.
Malpas United released a statement on their social media feeds on Saturday morning to reveal the news to those with an interest in the club.
“After positive talks were held between the two clubs, we are pleased to announce the merger of Malpas United and Newport Civil Service. Malpas/Civil Service will be running two sidesnext season, one in the Gwent County First Division and one in the Premier X. This is an exciting era for both clubs.
The move now sees the division reduced to 14 teams, following the withdrawal of Cwmffrwdoer Sports with it seemingly likely that no teams will be added to the division for the season.
The club are set to alternate their Home ground by using both Malpas United’s home of Bettws Lane near Newport High School, as well as the use of Newport Civil Service’s Newport Civil Service Sports Ground.
The club will now be managed by the joint-managerial ship of Malpas United boss Paul Berry and Newport Civil Service boss Ben Burrows
The playing squads of the two clubs are likely to integrate, meaning that the club will have a strong selection pool of players to choose from for the upcoming season, with the ambitions of the club being a return to the Welsh Football League.
This is not the first time that Malpas have been part of a merger, having been part of a merger between Malpas FC and Malpas Gladiator back in 1988.
Newport Civil Service on the other hand were found in 1963 and had recently been playing in the Welsh Football League, before their relegation to the Gwent County League two seasons ago.
The merger will mean that the club will have to go under a re-brand, with a re-design of the club badge and the kits as well as a nick name.
The clubs first competitive game in their new guise is their FAW Trophy Round One tie with South Wales Alliance Premier Division side Cardiff Corinthians, which Malpas Civil Service will host.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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