The FMNC board, following extensive discussions and on a recommendation from staff, has made this decision.

There are no changes for this year, which will continue as a nine club while season 2018 will also be contested by nine clubs. At the conclusion of the 2018 season, the competition will be reduced to eight clubs by relegation of the bottom placed team.

The 2019 competition will be contested by eight clubs in first and reserve grades, with ongoing promotion/relegation between premier league and clubs competing in the southern and northern men’s competition which meet premier league criteria.

“This decision has been made to improve the playing standards of our premier competition over the long term,’’ Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said.

“The commitment in both finance and resources is quite significant for clubs to compete at this level. With many thousands of local juniors about to kick off their footballing careers, the board has a responsibility to provide the highest level of football possible for our members and we have determined that an eight club competition with clubs competing to be promoted – will enhance the long term quality of our game in this region.

“Soccer/football is the world game and every mature competition has a vibrant culture of promotion and relegation, eight clubs with fierce competition for promotion spots can only enhance our local premier league – no club can afford to be complacent,” he added.

Mr Parsons revealed in the Times on Friday March 17 that the board would conduct a review of the premier league in terms of the number of clubs it could sustain.

Ten clubs nominated for this year’s competition, however, Port FC was forced to withdraw earlier this month citing a lack of players. Old Bar had to pull out in January 2016 for the same reason. Wauchope was re-admitted to the league for this year after a long absence.

Old Bar president Warren Steedman told the Times earlier this year his club would look to regain a spot in the league in 2018.