THE North West Counties League have confirmed that seven clubs have applied to join their Step 6 Division One for next season.
The first, Manchester League side Prestwich Heys, expressed their desire to join and their ground meets the Grade H standard required.
Ground grading inspections have also been carried out at Cheshire League side Sandbach United and Charnock Richard of the West Lancashire League but both grounds need work before for the March 31 deadline.
Two clubs from Cumbria have also asked to join the North West Counties League, rather than go into the Northern League.
Northern Football Alliance side Carlisle City and Whitehaven of the Wearside League would both prefer to enter the NWCL and it is expected that both of their grounds will meet the required grading by the deadline.
The Football Association, meanwhile, have confirmed that two new clubs wishing to join the league – FC Oswestry Town and City of Liverpool FC – will be going to Wembley for interviews in April.
The FA will decide if they are to enter the NWCL at Step 6 or be forced to start at Step 7 after promotion and relegation issues have been decided.
League Secretary John Deal said: “Existing member clubs are reminded that any clubs not complying with their FA Grading Report are likely to fail the FA Ground Grading Inspections that will take place later this month. This would result in them being placed in a relegation position.
“With the number of Step 7 and new clubs applying for promotion to our league now exceeding the number of vacancies, these existing member clubs place themselves under serious pressure with regard to retaining their membership, if they do not carry out the necessary ground improvements.”
