THE future of Witney Town took another twist today with Brian Constable becoming the new chairman of Witney Academy FC.

The move comes after the former Witney Town chief executive stood down from his position at the troubled Dr Martens League club on May 7. It follows an offer from Academy chief Bob Haydon.

The decision means that the future of Witney Town is still up in the air, with Constable setting another deadline of the end of the month for a buyer to come forward and save the club from folding.

Constable will take up his new position on June 1.

Witney Academy were set up by Haydon at the start of last season as a feeder club for Witney Town, but the two sides will now be run completely independently.

"I saw Witney Town complete the season, and that was my duty done," Constable said.

"I set the original deadline of May 7 for someone to come in for Witney Town and although nothing had happened, I have kept it going because I do not want to see it go down the drain totally. That is why I haven't made a firm decision on its future.

"There are talks in progress about a board of directors being formed by six people, and if they can do that, then I would seriously look at giving them the first year of football at Marriotts Stadium rent free, for two reasons.

"Firstly, it would be a relief to get it off my hands, and secondly, it will be nice to see someone from the town actually giving the club some backing for a change.

"I'm not looking to be difficult, I just want some relief."

Haydon, who was in charge of Hellenic League Division 1 side Academy, said he was delighted to secure the services of Constable.

"We are very, very pleased to have him on board. Brian will give the club some financial support and we will be going all out to win the title next season."

Meanwhile, Constable confirmed that one of the two parties interested in taking over the club, as revealed in yesterday's Sportsmail, are a firm from Jersey who would be looking at turning Marriotts Stadium into a greyhound track.