THE 2017 newitts.com Beckett Football League champions Wombleton Wanderers will not play in the competition next season.

Wanderers, who finished third in last term’s table behind title winners Lealholm and Kirkbymoorside Reserves, have resigned and applied to join the York Minster Engineering League.

The club announced their decision a day before the Beckett League’s annual general meeting and the move means no teams will now be relegated from the first division because Ryedale Sports Club and Royal Oak Malton also dropped out during the campaign.

Division two champions Sleights and runners-up Snainton Reserves have both been promoted but Slingsby, who finished third, declined an offer to join them in the top flight and fourth-placed Thornton-le-Dale Reserves had resigned too, so would have needed to re-form under another name, meaning there will only be nine teams in the top tier next term if the current constitution remains the same.

It was agreed, however, by the league management committee at the AGM, hosted by Kirkbymoorside Bar and Club, that any new teams wishing to secure a place in the league can apply before July 30 by phoning secretary Mike Sturgess on 07823 321999 or chairman Keith Sales on 01751 473348 or 07799 508679.

The second division will consist of 11 sides with four new teams having been accepted, including Ayton Reserves and Filey Town Reserves from the Scarborough & District League.

Rillington Rovers have been admitted as a newly-formed team and Ryedale Sports Club have re-formed under new management.

The Beckett League season will kick off on Saturday, September 1, with midweek games taking place on Wednesdays, September 5 and 12.

A loss was reported by the treasurer for the 2017/18 season, who thanked league sponsors newitts.com and Panasonic League Division Two Cup sponsors Television House, of Pickering, for their continued support.

The following officers were also elected for 2018/19: Keith Sales (president, chairman and treasurer), AR Harrison (life-member), R Allardice (vice-chairman and assistant-treasurer), Mike Sturgess (secretary) and Ian Lealman (auditor). Eight additional men were elected onto the league management committee.

They were P Bernstein, T Heselwood, A Stanton, A Strickland, J Tateson, A Wilkinson, John Greening and Philip Ward.