Jersey Bulls will play a division higher next year after a restructure of the national league system.

Gary Freeman's side will play Step 5 football from August.

The Bulls technically secured promotion to the Combined Counties Premier Division South in 2019 after winning all of their matches, but it was cruelly ripped away after the league season was declared null and void because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The club only played a handful of matches last season, but their record was enough to see them promoted out of Combined Counties Division One.

"We are delighted to have received upward movement from the English FA and look forward to the new challenge of playing Step 5 Football. As a club we are extremely proud of the efforts of all the players, management, and committee over the first two disjointed seasons. Thank you to all of our supporters." - Russell Le Feuvre, Chairman.

Jersey Bulls are excited to announce that we have secured promotion to Step 5 for the 2021/22 season after today’s announcement by the English FA! ⚽️🤟

Read more about this very exciting news below! 👏#BackTheBulls #TheBullsAreChargingUp https://t.co/on4bhyB0k3 pic.twitter.com/G8vv4hVSUY

— JerseyBullsFC (@JerseyBullsFC) May 18, 2021

The new season is due to start on 7 August and it's hoped fans will be able to watch, given that Covid-19 restrictions are due to be lifted in Jersey and the UK next month.

Jersey Bulls are due to return to action in July with pre-season fixtures against Kettering Town and Risborough Rangers at Springfield Stadium.

"Our initial reaction to this news is one of relief, it’s been a long process and we are so pleased the FA have rewarded those teams that deserve promotion over what has been a testing few seasons. I am absolutely delighted for the players." - Gary Freeman, Manager.

107 clubs have moved up the non-league pyramid as a result of this restructure.

"The restructure will have a positive impact on a significant number of clubs, supporting them with reduced travel and costs and providing greater opportunities for generating income via localised fixtures." - English FA.

Guernsey FC will move from the Isthmian League Division One South East to the Isthmian League South Central.

BREAKING: Guernsey FC will move leagues as part of the National League System (NLS) restructure announced today. Next season we will be playing in the Isthmian League Division 1 South Central... (continued) pic.twitter.com/ahPQ4FK97W

— Guernsey FC (@GuernseyFC) May 18, 2021