MIDDLEWICH Town are gearing up to join Winsford United in the North West Counties League.
The Seddon Streeters may not even have to win the Mid Cheshire League to qualify.
Non-league is preparing for a summer shake-up, which will see the Conference extend by forming two regional second divisions, called Alliances.
The drain on the UniBond will have a knock-on effect, with leading NWCL clubs stepping up and creating space for an anticipated seven vacancies.
Seddon Street has been inspected by the NWCL and Middlewich have a list of jobs that need to be done by April 1.
Manager Terry Murphy was appointed to win the title and promotion, but he may not have to do either.
'The jobs aren't major but we'll struggle to do them in time because we need more volunteers.
'The town is big enough to support a North West Counties side and it does not matter who is in charge.
'I originally thought we should be in no hurry and should concentrate on preparing the whole club first. Well, our facilities are fantastic now and we have planning permission for floodlights.
'The team is in better shape than this time last year. I know all managers say this, but we really only do need two players to be of the required standard. We were beaten 2-0 by Winsford recently but were at least as good as they were, so we should go for it while there is a chance of an invite.'
Middlewich have been told to create two pay-entrance gates, install 20 seats, erect fencing and lay more terracing.
Town spent two seasons in the NWCL in the late 1990s and were expelled for not completing the stand on time, even though the work was interrupted by bad weather.
Middlewich gained a point on leaders Barnton at the weekend and their thoughts will turn to revenge this Saturday when Garswood are the visitors. Joey Roberts (hamstring) is the only player sidelined.
Town's next two fixtures are against Barnton themselves, in the League at home on Saturday December 27, and in the Cheshire Cup away in January.
