RYLANDS hope to join the North West Counties League next season.

The Cheshire League club have made an enquiry to enter the step-six competition’s First Division.

League secretary John Deal has carried out an advisory visit to Gorsey Lane, and is encouraged by the number of enquiries from clubs at football’s step seven.

“The response we have received so far from clubs outside our league has been good,” he said.

“In addition to the formal expressions of interest we have received so far, we do expect at least a couple more in the next few weeks.

“What this does mean is that there are implications for clubs in the First Division whose grounds have not reached the required ground grading standard.”

The NWCL management Committee expressed concern FA Grading Inspectors found a number of First Division clubs are not meeting the grading standards.

“In the event of a club finishing in a promotion or play-off position with a ground not up to standard, it will not be allowed either promotion or to participate in the play-offs,” added Deal.

“However, clubs not achieving the Grade G by March 31 may be placed by the FA in a relegation position regardless of their final League placing.

“In the event that we have had applications from clubs outside the league approved by the FA, this could mean that one or more of our existing clubs could lose their place.

“The FA have relaxed the promotion criteria in that a club does not have to finish in a promotion position (top five) of a step seven league to be promoted to step six, in our case, our First Division.”

Step seven clubs applying for promotion are required to apply directly to the FA by December 31, with a copy to their current league.