The West Midlands (Regional) League's 128th AGM, took place last night, it turned out to be quite a contentious meeting. During the meeting, the make-up of the three divisions with promotion and relegation being confirmed in most circumstances except for last night

During a League meeting in early May, provisional Leagues were disclosed to the member clubs with some caveats, for example Wednesfields appeal to the F.A. and the F.A. Grounds Committee agreeing to promotion for West Bromwich United and Telford Juniors from Division Two because of ground grading issues.

Since that meeting, the situation has changed significantly Wednesfields appeal was upheld by the F.A. and they have been promoted into the Premier, West Bromwich United and F.C. Stafford have resigned from Division One, throwing the make-up of the Division into some chaos, as clearly Division One could not run for a season with 15 teams.

The West Midlands (Regional) League Committee last night had proposed a Premier Division of 21 teams, 16 teams in Division One and 17 teams in Division Two, with 9 new teams
made up of;

AFC Bilbrook
AFC Bridgnorth U21
AFC Wednesbury
Church Stretton
FC Darlaston
Ludlow
Market Drayton Town RES
Oldbury United
Rock Rovers
All of which were elected as members of The West Midlands (Regional) League.

Now the contentious part, following a significant discussion concerning the odd number of clubs in the Premier Division between the Chief Exec and clubs concerned, after Wednesfield successful appeal a vote decided Wellington Amateurs would be relegated from The Premier Division into Division One on the basis that the League Constitution states that there are two teams to be promoted and relegated from each Division, to be fair this is what would have happened if the League had given Wednesfields ground the grading the F.A. Independent Inspector did.

However, Wellington Amateurs have the right of appeal to the F.A. concerning their shock relegation which they might decide to pursue.

Discussions then moved onto the remaining two divisions, both having odd numbers, Division One and Division Two both with 17 clubs, once again discussions between the Chief Exec and the clubs took place far less contentious that the Premier ones, another vote ensued, regarding increasing Division One to 18 teams, and leaving Division Two with 16 team, which would be much easier to manage given most grounds don't have floodlights.

Strangely for their own reasons Broseley declined the chance to be promoted, so it was decided to promote either Gornal Colts or Warstone Wanderers, they finished on equal points and equal in head to head games last season, how or when the League are going to separate the two clubs is yet to be decided, we are likely to told at the next meeting at the end of July just days before the season starts.

So finally, we can confirm for next season Division One will consist of 18 Teams of which we know 17 names and they are as follows:

Allscott
Bromyard Town
Bustleholme
Darlaston Town (1874)
Gornal Athletic
Kington Town
Newport Town
Old Wulfrunians
St. Martins
Team Dudley
Telford Juniors
Tipton Town
Wellington Amateurs
Wem Town
Worcester Raiders
Wrens Nest
Wyrley

Fixtures will not be available until Mid to Late July. Once these are known, we will of course post them on the Website as soon as they are available.

#TheCitizens #@DarloTown1874FC #Darloaywe!