FORMER skipper Nathan Jukes is expected to return to Common Road next season, writes Mervyn Collins.

According to Evesham manager Paul West, the talented midfield player has indicated that he wants to follow ex Malvern boss Neil Hunt to the Southern League club.

And, the newly formed United management team has also revealed that they are confident that Mark Owen will also sign on the dotted line for next season.

The former Worcester City striker, like Jukes, has been in fine form for the Langlands Stadium side that finished third in the Midland Alliance last term and could, league reorganisation permitting, be in the same Midlands Division of the Southern League next season.

If Owen does join the Robins then he will hoping to make a mark on his old stamping ground when Evesham play their home games next season at City's St George's Lane ground.

Hunt was named as assistant manager last Friday after a meting with West and Micky Brennan and he is confident that a new-look United team can make a swift return to the top flight of the Southern League.

"Geographically it's the right move for me," Hunt explained. "I am coming to Evesham to be successful and help to get the club back into the Premier Division.

"I will be 100 per cent behind Paul West and I hope that he will be 100 per cent behind me. I am ambitious like Paul and, with the move to the new gro-und on the horizon, I can't wait to get started."

The regional make-up of the Southern League for next season was expected to be revealed yesterday.