Shildon preparing for promotion to league

Northern League Shildon have applied for membership of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League next season.

The Railwaymen announced on Monday that depending on the outcome of issues over their ground and whether they finish in the promotion spots, they will accept promotion to First Division North.

The Division One club are currently considering building a new ground elsewhere in the town and will have the option of withdrawing their application after a forthcoming inspection of their Dean Street facilities by EVO-STIK NPL officials.

Manager Gary Forrest said: "We are applying however we will be completing a thorough analysis before making a final decision. The club is still completing its review on whether to move stadium and this will have an influence on the decision as to when to take promotion assuming we finish in a promotion position.

"We have still not completed the development of the club’s training centre which will mainly be utilised for the academy teams. There is a lot of positive work taking place at the club and we are a very ambitious club. However, we have followed a very careful growth and development plan over the last few years and will continue to make diligent decisions for the benefit of the club’s long term future."

Another Northern League side, Bishop Auckland, have also submitted their application to join the EVO-STIK NPL while Dunston UTS have already ruled out promotion.

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