Former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Jordan Berry will spearhead AFC Hayes' bid to return to the Southern League following relegation.

The Hayes-born midfielder, who was a regular for the League Two side's youth team and reserves, has been brought home by Hayes boss Paul Palmer.

However, it looks like Palmer will have to do without Melvin Minter and Jake Cass, who are on trial at Hendon, ahead of Saturday's season-opener at former Southern League rivals Ashford Town (Middx).

Palmer will remain in the hot seat at Farm Park, despite him being unable to stave off relegation, having taken over midway through the season following Ian Crane's departure.

Exit: Jake Cass (right) looks likely to leave

Chairman Barry Stone said: “Paul had a tough job, but we had a long chat and decided to give him the opportunity to to see what he could do starting from scratch.”

Following their relegation, Hayes were originally bound for the Spartan South Midlands League, where they played for 16 years before being promoted in 2004, but were then swiftly diverted to the Combined Counties League.

Stone said: “We were originally put in the SSMFL, but three days later the FA put us into the Combined Counties League with no reason given. To be truthful, the travelling is better for us.

“There will be a lot new teams but a lot of local ones too. You always like to think you will be up there, but there are some decent teams in this league who have been playing in it for a while, I would be happy with anything above a mid-table finish

“We were disappointed with our relegation, but we've accepted it now. We had nine seasons in the Southern League, which a club our size should be proud of.”

Still in charge: Paul Palmer

Meanwhile, Stone admits he's not a fan of his club's name – but has no intention to change it back to Brook House.

The club originally adopted a new moniker back in 2007, when it was felt a name reflecting the area rather than the pub it was born out of, would enhance their profile.

Despite a return to their step five routes following relegation from Division One Central of the Southern League, the club will stick with the name it has gone by for the last eight years.

Stone said: “Part of the problem is our name gives the wrong impression. The board at the time thought that changing it would get us more sponsorship, but that came to nothing. It was done for right reasons, but they could have come up with a better name, like Hayes North or Charville, where we are based.

“We just end up getting confused with Hayes & Yeading. We've had ambulances turn up here meant for them and vice versa. I've thought about changing it back, but you have to jump through so many hoops.”