Oxford City general manager Justin Merritt feels that his side’s change of divisions next season is a mixed blessing, but is relishing the new challenge.

After winning promotion from the Southern League Premier Division in 2012, City were surprisingly placed in Conference North, where they have remained for the last three seasons.

But they will kick off their next campaign in National League South after the FA Leagues Committee moved them.

The switch will save City 1,344 miles – 3,680 in total compared to last season’s 5,024 – but Merritt said there are pros and cons.

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“I’m a bit disappointed in some ways, because there are some big clubs in the North and we’ve missed out on some big games,” he said.

“We’re more familiar with the teams in the North, having spent the last few seasons developing that knowledge.

“In the South there are a lot of grounds that we haven’t been to and teams we haven’t played in a while, so we have a bit of research to do.

“The positive thing is that it’s less travelling. It’s a fresh league and we’re something of an unknown quantity to the other sides.”

After missing out on a Conference North play-off spot by just one point this season, City will be attempting to go one better in their next campaign.

And Merritt feels that being moved to the South division could give his side an advantage.

He said: “I think there are some very good sides in both divisions.

“The North is generally a lot more physical, while the South has more footballing sides.

“I think coming from the North will stand us in good stead, because we have that resilience.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Scott has left the club in search of a regular starting place.

He tweeted: “After 2 very tough seasons I’m going to venture out and find regular football. Thank you to every one at Oxford City.”