IT'S official – 1874 Northwich are a Northern Premier League club.

The FA have confirmed their promotion to Step Four of the National League System as part of a restructure which sees an extra division created.

Along with Warrington Rylands and Bootle – the other two North West Counties League sides invited to apply for upwards movement after satisfying the FA's on-field criteria over the past two Covid-shortened seasons – they will be in the NPL West Division for the 2021-22 campaign.

Among their league rivals will be Marine, Workington, City of Liverpool and Runcorn Linnets.

In reaction, 1874 chairman Steve Richardson said he was "over the moon" with the decision and hailed the work done by the players, co-managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison and the club's committee.

"This is the just rewards for both the commitment and performances that the players, Wayne, Paul, Phil Lea, Andy Williams, Dave Stephenson and Jonathan Humble have put in consistently over a number of years," he said,

“This group of players have made a steadfast commitment to the club and they deserve all the recognition and praise that they receive.

“We’re over the moon with the decision. We can continue to build on the 1874 story and take it forward to a new audience.

“I commend the FA for making this decision. We voiced our concerns at the way the 2019/20 season concluded, however this crucially allows the football pyramid to continue and move forward.

“I would like to thank our members, and supporters of the club who have stuck resolutely with the club throughout last year.

“This is a great moment for the club and now we’ve got to rise to the challenge of playing and operating at a higher level.”

Full list of Northern Premier League West clubs, 2021-22:

1874 Northwich

Bootle

City of Liverpool

Clitheroe

Colne

Glossop North End

Kendal Town

Kidsgrove Athletic

Leek Town

Marine

Market Drayton Town

Mossley

Newcastle Town

Prescot Cables

Ramsbottom United

Runcorn Linnets

Trafford

Warrington Rylands

Widnes

Workington