VICS will not move to a temporary home in Skelmersdale next season after it was ruled not up to scratch.

It leaves the team with nowhere to play and, hours before a deadline needing notice of where they will host opponents after this term, at risk of breaking the same rules as last summer.

“Skelmersdale failed its inspection,” said a source at the Northern Premier League (NPL).

“The club has accepted the reason for doing so but as it does not affect the requirements for it to play in Division One North, it does not intend to appeal.”

Vics’ Premier Division rivals Burscough played matches at the West Lancashire College Stadium earlier this season, but the Guardian understands that changes have been made to the ground since.

League bosses warned at the start of last month that Northwich would need to have security of tenure – that is an agreement to share a rival’s ground or a lease to play at one – by March 31.

Skelmersdale’s home was inspected on Tuesday, with the outcome communicated to Vics owner Jim Rushe yesterday, Wednesday.

If an alternative is not arranged before the weekend, then the Northern Premier League will report the club to the Football Association.

The game’s governing body would then decide upon an appropriate sanction, although Vics have a right to appeal.

“Security of tenure is a membership requirement of the league,” added the NPL source.

Mr Rushe has asked Vics’ Cheshire neighbours Nantwich to host the team’s remaining home matches in the current campaign.

He told the Guardian on Monday that the two clubs had approved a draft proposal, although a deal has still not been announced.

Vics will host Rushall there this weekend though.