FORMER manager Eddie Nix expressed his sadness after Bicester Town folded for the second time in seven years.

The Uhlsport Hellenic League club announced they were closing down, after failing to fulfil their Division 1 East game at home to AFC Aldermaston on Saturday due to a shortage of players.

Bicester, who shared facilities with Ardley United, appointed Darren Thomas from local side KEA United as manager this season, following the resignation of John Prpa.

But the club lost their first three league games.

“It’s a very sad day, but it has been coming,” said Nix.

“I don’t blame the new manager at all. They hardly had any pre-season preparation, while the club were down to a three-man committee.

“You just can’t have that at this level and survive.”

A dispute with landlords Bicester Sports Association over their tenure at their former Oxford Road home originally forced the club to fold in 2011.

But four years later, they returned to the Hellenic League under new management, and only the fact they did not own their own ground prevented them being promoted to the top flight.

The league’s chief executive Brian King said: “There is no way that Bicester will be let in again until they own their ground, preferably in the town.”

Club chairman Tim Holloway was unavailable for comment.