Merger approved between two Dunstable clubs

A non-league club that Manchester United legend George Best once played for has been given permission to merge with another local team.

The Football Association (FA) has given the go-ahead for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable to join together to form Dunstable FC.

"This is a massive step forward for the future of football in our town," a statement on the Dunstable Town website, external read.

The FA was first notified of the plan in December and the following month the two clubs said they were engaged in "positive and constructive discussions" with a view to a merger.

Dunstable Town were founded in 1883 and finished 17th in South Midlands League Premier Division this season.

It was in 1974 that Best turned out as a guest for the team, then managed by Barry Fry, the current director of football at Peterborough United.

AFC Dunstable, who formed as Old Dunstablians in the early 1980s, ended the season bottom of Southern League Division One Central, winning only three of their 42 matches.

The two clubs are now awaiting final sign-off from the Financial Conduct Authority, with work to appoint a board and coaching staff, and to confirm a club crest and kit design, to follow.