THE chairman of what is now Enfield's top football club believes that the demise of Enfield FC could usher in a new age of on-pitch glory for the borough.

Enfield Town Football Club supremo Paul Millington has floated the possibility that Town could join forces with the newly-formed phoenix club Enfield (1893).

That was formed the day after Enfield FC was dissolved by the club's directors two weeks ago.

Mr Millington said: "We have an opportunity now to put the past aside and move together for the benefit of football in Enfield and a return to the glory days of the past."

Enfield (1893) was founded by the former directors of Enfield FC, and all employees of the folded team, including the players and board, have signed up to the fledgling side.

Mr Millington said: "We believe that it is now the right time for both sets of supporters to pool their resources and work together to return the name of Enfield to the top of the non-league world and with the support of everyone, potentially beyond that.

"We have approached Enfield FC chairman Steve Whittington and asked him to consider this. He is going to speak to his team and we look forward to hopefully receiving a positive response.

"We believe that it is an exciting time for football in the borough and with the strength of a united club, the future is very promising for football in Enfield."

Enfield Town and Enfield (1893) share common roots. Each was formed at different times during a decade of trials and tribulations that culminated with Enfield FC's demise.

Mr Millington expressed sadness at the club's downfall, which he said is the legacy of past mismanagement.

He said: "It has been the end of a long chain of events that started with the sale of Southbury Road stadium.

"The board of Enfield Town recognises and respects the work put in by Steve Whittington and his team over the years to continue running Enfield FC, but the burden of the previous administration was always too great."

Town was formed in 2001 by the Enfield Supporters Trust, a group of disillusioned Enfield FC fans who fought unsuccessfully against the sale of its ground by owners, the Enfield FC Holding Company.

While Enfield FC were forced to leave the borough to play their matches at Boreham Wood, Town were able to groundshare with Brimsdown Rovers.

The club played its maiden 2001/02 season in the Essex Senior League, the same division from which Enfield (1893) hope to gain promotion during the forthcoming campaign.