The Southern League have published the Constitution of their Leagues for the 2024/25 season, writes John Dibsdall.

Whilst clubs are able to appeal, as it stands, Exmouth Town will face six new teams next season. Wimborne Town and Frome Town have been promoted to the Southern League South Premier, whilst Hamworthy United and Paulton Rovers have been relegated.

As previously indicated, the Division One South has been extended to 22 teams. Town will lock horns with old foes in Helston Athletic and Falmouth Town, who have been promoted from the Western League, and Cinderford Town, who they played in the 2022/23 season, have gained promotion from the Hellenic League.

Shaftesbury, who Town met in the FA Cup in 2017, losing 2-1 after extra time in a replay, have been promoted from the Wessex League.

The two remaining sides are somewhat of a surprise package. Didcot Town have been relegated from the Premier Division. They were bottom of the league, twenty points from safety and are based in South Oxfordshire, a round trip of around 320 miles.

Whilst it was thought that Cirencester might be moved sideways from Southern Central, they asked to be relegated and Thatcham Town have been moved sideways from the Ishmian League South Central.

Based in Berkshire, they finished eighth in their league last season and again, a round trip of around 260 miles.

Falmouth and Helston will give you round trips of 220 miles, Shaftesbury 150 miles and Cinderford 250 miles, so a lot more travelling in prospect.

Exmouth Town have announced the first of their pre-season friendlies and Southern League Premier side Poole Town will visit their Circle of Care Community Stadium on Friday, July 26, kick-off 7pm.