Athletic's reserve side have been voted back into the Totesport.com Central League after a year's self-imposed absence.

Lee Duxbury's outfit will compete in the West Division after successfully re-applying for entry at the Football League AGM in Portugal.

The club's chief executive, Alan Hardy, was also re-elected to the managing committee which oversees delivery of the competition.

Athletic competed in the Central Division in 2007/08 but pulled out last season, citing strain on resources and excessive travelling times.

The move back into the West Division ensures more local games in addition to the club's participation in the various cup competitions.

West Division 2009/10: Latics, Accrington Stanley, Blackpool, Carlisle United, Manchester City, Morecambe, Preston North End, Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers, Wrexham.