IT'S official – 1874 Northwich are a Northern Premier League club.
The FA have confirmed their promotion to Step Four of the National League System as part of a restructure which sees an extra division created.
Along with Warrington Rylands and Bootle – the other two North West Counties League sides invited to apply for upwards movement after satisfying the FA's on-field criteria over the past two Covid-shortened seasons – they will be in the NPL West Division for the 2021-22 campaign.
We are delighted to announce that our application for upward movement into the Northern Premier League has been accepted.
— 1874 Northwich (@1874Northwich) May 18, 2021
This means that from the start of the 2021/22 season we will be playing our football in the newly formed NPL Division One West.https://t.co/0rlwTSkmUZ pic.twitter.com/4w2J4X0kHj
Among their league rivals will be Marine, Workington, City of Liverpool and Runcorn Linnets.
In reaction, 1874 chairman Steve Richardson said he was "over the moon" with the decision and hailed the work done by the players, co-managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison and the club's committee.
"This is the just rewards for both the commitment and performances that the players, Wayne, Paul, Phil Lea, Andy Williams, Dave Stephenson and Jonathan Humble have put in consistently over a number of years," he said,
“This group of players have made a steadfast commitment to the club and they deserve all the recognition and praise that they receive.
“We’re over the moon with the decision. We can continue to build on the 1874 story and take it forward to a new audience.
“I commend the FA for making this decision. We voiced our concerns at the way the 2019/20 season concluded, however this crucially allows the football pyramid to continue and move forward.
“I would like to thank our members, and supporters of the club who have stuck resolutely with the club throughout last year.
“This is a great moment for the club and now we’ve got to rise to the challenge of playing and operating at a higher level.”
Full list of Northern Premier League West clubs, 2021-22:
1874 Northwich
Bootle
City of Liverpool
Clitheroe
Colne
Glossop North End
Kendal Town
Kidsgrove Athletic
Leek Town
Marine
Market Drayton Town
Mossley
Newcastle Town
Prescot Cables
Ramsbottom United
Runcorn Linnets
Trafford
Warrington Rylands
Widnes
Workington
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