Four clubs have applied to join the STL Northern League next season, and two of them have been members in the last decade.

Three clubs want to come up from the Wearside League. Two of the current top three are thinking about promotion – Easington and Ryhope CW – as well as Redcar Athletic, who are currently in seventh place.

And another former Northern League team, Alnwick, who are currently top of the Northern Alliance, have also signalled their intentions. No other Northern Alliance club has applied.

Only one club from each league can be promoted as long as they finish in the top two, plus they must also have a ground up to the required standard.

Three clubs have applied for the Evostik League -- Dunston, Bishop Auckland and Whitley Bay.