Prestwich Heys are celebrating this evening after the Football Association today confirmed their promotion to the North West Counties League Premier Division as part of their restructure of the Non-League Pyramid.

The restructure has been in the planning for the last two seasons but had been delayed by the Covid pandemic. The FA therefore decided to invite applications from the top three sides in each division over the last two years based on a points per game ratio.

Heys results over the last two years saw them able to apply as the third best ranked team in Division One North and today saw confirmation of their promotion alongside Lower Breck and AFC Liverpool.

On hearing the announcement Heys Chairman Neil Gilmore said “We are delighted as a club to have secured promotion to the NWCFL Premier Division. It is a testament to the hard work by everybody involved with the club over a number of years.”

“We are now looking forward to the future and hope this promotion will enable us to attract a bigger fan base alongside additional investment and sponsorship. I would like to thank everybody who has made this possible”.

Since joining the League in 2016 Heys have been in the hunt for promotion each season, coming closest in 2018 when they missed out in the Play-offs. Their efforts, like everyone’s’ have been hampered by the pandemic which has seen the last two seasons curtailed. However, their results in those campaigns under Jon Lyons initially and then Matt Barnes have now been rewarded.

Matt said “I’m absolutely delighted on the promotion it represents lots of hard work put in by all involved. A mention has to go to Joffy ( Jon Lyons) who’s hard work also made this possible, we have got the club where we want to be! “

The players have been unbelievable and some fantastic memories have been made! Now it’s time to make new memories! Up the Heys! “

Heys can now look forward to playing at the highest level of football in their history. The most eye-catching fixtures will doubtless be against Macclesfield FC who have been placed into the Premier Division following many changes at the club since they were relegated from the Football League as Macclesfield Town a couple of seasons ago.

Fans can also look forward to some local derbies against AVRO, Irlam and Wythenshawe Town which will evoke memories of the meetings between the clubs in their Manchester League days.

The step up and restructure means less travelling for Heys. Although supporters will doubtless miss the days out at grounds like Holker Old Boys, nearly all Heys opponents are based in Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire making fixtures, particularly night games, more accessible for all. In addition, Premier Division status has historically guaranteed entry into the FA Cup.

The restructure confirmed that Bootle, 1874 Northwich and FA Vase Finalists Warrington Rylands have been promoted to the Northern Premier League West. Meanwhile, Congleton Town, Hanley Town and Whitchurch Alport have been moved into the Midlands Football League Premier Division.

Vauxhall Motors and Wythenshawe Town have also been promoted from Division One South although Stone Old Alleynians, although accepting promotion, have being placed in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

The Premier Division season starts on 31st July and will consist of the following clubs: AFC Liverpool, Ashton Athletic, Avro, Barnoldswick Town, Burscough, Charnock Richard, Irlam, Longridge Town, Litherland Remyca, Lower Breck, Macclesfield FC, Northwich Victoria, Padiham, Prestwich Heys, Runcorn Town, Skelmersdale United, Squires Gate, Vauxhall Motors, Winsford United, Wythenshawe Town.