There have been plenty of changes already this summer at Colney Heath - with a new badge the backdrop to a historic agreement with neighbours London Colney Colts.

The two clubs are separated by less than three miles of the A414 but have always enjoyed a good relationship among the rivalry on the field.

And it is off the pitch that the pair have now come together to provide a huge change to their youth football in the district, creating one new future under the banner of Colney Heath Colts.

The joint statement said: "In recent years, these two grassroots clubs have enjoyed a close relationship.

"Many London Colney Colts' football teams have moved to Colney Heath Youth, facilitated by Paul Ferdinand and Richard Smith, chairmen of the respective clubs.

"At London Colney Colts, the players are coached in the 'Colts way' while at Colney Heath, they will have a route map into adult football.

"Colney Heath was established in 1907 with a focus in adult football.

"A youth section developed and they have a successful Eastern Junior Alliance set-up, as well as teams across the Watford Friendly, West Herts and Mid-Herts leagues.

"London Colney Colts is arguably one of the most successful grassroots clubs in the area. Their teams have won divisional titles, county and district cups.

"They are an enthusiastic club with very high standards of coaching and a commitment to developing young players.

"Thank you to Paul Ferdinand, Sally Lock and Ollie Poole at Colts and to Will Chippington and the Colney Heath Youth team.

"Two great clubs, one great future."

The statement that more news would follow as the committees carry out a "seamless coming together".

That is not all though and with the improvements off the field, Colney Heath have also taken the opportunity to bring their branding into the 21st century with a new badge.

A statement from the Magpies said: "We felt as though it was the right time to investigate updating the club branding, to make sure that our off-field progress matches the brilliant work being done on the pitch."

The new design brings a more modern feel without changing much of the original.

The magpie on the ball remains although it now has a 3D feel to it while the border of the roundel has been made deeper, encompassing the writing and with the black background, giving it a more striking, crisper look.

In senior football, Colney Heath and London Colney have been confirmed as staying in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, following the release of the non-league allocations by the FA for the 2024-2025 season.

The division though will be reduced to 18, instead of the standard 20, and there will only be three new clubs involved - relegated Kempston Rovers and the promoted pair of Winslow United and Wormley Rovers.

London Colney meanwhile have been moved back to the league and will play in Division One.

Last season had seen them avoid relegation from the Combined Counties League by way of a reprieve.