IT has been an eventful few years for Haxby United.

Formed out of a merger between Leeper Hare York and District Football League outfits Haxby Town and Haxby and Wigginton, the club has been promoted, won trophies, been relegated and has merged again - all in just four years.

The latest incarnation of the club, which saw them join forces with Sheriff Hutton during the closed season, has propelled them to the summit of the Leeper Hare first division in this campaign.

All with a 25-year-old manager at the helm.

The club, who play at Ethel Ward, have big plans. With a new sponsor in Say Scaffolding on board, Haxby United now want to link up with Haxby Town juniors and apply for FA Charter Standard status.

Success could give the fledgling club access to cash grants, which, in turn, could help them renovate their current tired facilities.

United in their present form came together in 2003 and, in their first season, were promoted to the Leeper Hare premiership and won the York FA Cup after beating Malton Bacon Factory 4-0 at KitKat Crescent.

Consolidation followed but last season United were relegated - losing their last game 17-0 to Huntington.

The club has since rebuilt, despite losing a succession of managers, and under the stewardship of young boss Lee Bullock, a former referee forced to retire because of injury, United have dominated the Leeper Hare first division this time around.

So on the evidence of this season so far, a bright future is ahead, says secretary Chris Watkinson.

"Lee shows extreme maturity for a 25-year-old. We have gone 11 games unbeaten. We have scored something like 68 goals so far this season. I have been involved with Haxby for ten years and this is the best football I have seen," he said.

With the players at Bullock's disposal, it is easy to see why.

Alongside former York City legend Andy McMillan, who played in the Minstermen's 1993 play-off triumph at Wembley, and ex-City midfielder Christian Fox, United can also call on a host of local talent including prolific striker Paul Bedingham, forward partner Kev Butler and skipper Scott Barley.

And with assistant-manager Rich Leeming adding experience to the mix, having been a key figure in the recent merger, it has so far been a winning combination.

Added Watkinson: "We are an out-and-out attacking side and we have a mix of seasoned players and local talent.

"We are hoping we will be playing premiership football next season. It's looking hopeful."