SAM Wilson’s appointment as permanent manager shows Warrington Rylands are starting to think of the long-term.

In the immediate short-term, however, they can now officially plan for the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs and a potential tilt at joining neighbours Warrington Town in the National League North next season.

Their spot was sealed on Saturday despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Lancaster City, with Worksop Town’s 4-0 defeat at Morpeth Town meaning Blues can no longer be dislodged from the top five.

Warrington Rylands reach play-offs – what happens next?

Before they can tackle the post-season shake-up, Rylands still have two matches remaining in the regular season.

They travel to Worksop Town, who must win to keep their hopes of joining them in the play-offs alive, on Saturday before wrapping up the regular season with at home to Ilkeston Town on April 27.

With their play-off spot secure, it is now about jostling for position to ensure they make life as easy for themselves as possible.

They are currently second, but Macclesfield are just a point behind with two games in hand while Marine in fourth are a point further back.

However, a win at Worksop on Saturday coupled with Marine failing to beat Atherton Collieries would mean Rylands would guarantee they finish no lower than third, meaning their play-off semi-final would be played at Gorsey Lane.

Northern Premier League play-off dates

Play-off semi-finals are one-legged affairs played at the home ground of the highest-ranked team – second will host fifth and third will entertain fourth – and will be played on Tuesday, April 30.

The two winners will then contest the play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday – May 6 – with the highest-ranked finalist playing host.

All ties will be concluded on the day, with extra time and penalty shoot-outs in play if necessary.