AFC Sudbury and Bury Town fans will have longer away trips next season

AFC Sudbury and Bury Town will be playing in the Southern League next season after a restructuring of leagues by the Football Association.

The FA Leagues Committee ratified a proposal to move both Suffolk clubs plus promoted side Soham Town Rangers out of the Isthmian League.

AFC Sudbury chairman Keith Morris told BBC Radio Suffolk: "The first we heard about this was last night."

Morris added that the club are considering whether to appeal.

Bury Town chairman Russell Ward said: "I'd like to know why we have to travel an extra 600 miles when it was decided two years ago to make it easier for clubs to compete at a higher level."

An FA spokesman confirmed the restructuring but said the various leagues decided the new make-up amongst themselves which was only then ratified by the Leagues Committee.

The Isthmian League was not immediately available for comment.