ANXIOUS fans of Aldershot Town will discover in a matter of days whether or not they have been gifted a relegation reprieve from the National League.

The Shots finished last season in the bottom four of the league, condemning them to the dreaded drop into National League South.

But troubled Gateshead have subsequently had their playing licence suspended by the National League over financial irregularities, meaning the Shots could be in line to stay up in their place.

Gateshead, who this week confirmed new owners after a tumultuous few months, have appealed the National League’s sanctions – and a decision will be made at the league’s annual meeting at Celtic Manor in South Wales on Saturday.

Shots chairman Shahid Azeem said: “It’s difficult for me because I’m the commercial chairman of the National League so I have to be at arm’s length because of the conflict of interest, but the decision will be made by the governance of the National League and whatever that decision is we have to abide by it.

“On the pitch we were relegated and at the moment, as we stand, subject to whatever might happen, we are looking to be in National League South. If circumstances change and we get a reprieve then we will take it.”

The uncertainty surrounding Aldershot’s league future next season certainly hasn’t hindered new Shots boss Danny Searle, who has taken over the reins following the departure of fan favourite Gary Waddock at the end of last season.

Searle, who spent the second half of last season at Braintree Town, has already appointed former Dagenham & Redbridge skipper Anwar Uddin as his assistant manager while Dave Blackmore has joined as goalkeeping coach.

And Searle, who officially took up his new role with the Shots on June 1, has already picked up two new players – towering former Crystal Palace centre-back Ollie O’Dwyer, 22, and former Braintree defender Kodi Lyons-Foster, also 22, who played for the Shots in 2017 – as he looks for a fast start to the new season no matter which league Aldershot find themselves in.

“Danny has come across as a breath of fresh air,” said Mr Azeem. “He’s met the supporters, he’s met the staff, he’s seen the set up, he’s been to the training ground.

“He says the right things, he’s done his bit at Braintree and people like Chelsea and West Ham speak highly of him, but the reality of it is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating when the season starts. He’s not underestimating his task, but he’s ready for it.”

Skipper Scott Rendell won’t be part of Searle’s brave new world after the striker signed for National League Eastleigh.