This follows the decision by the FMNC board to restrict the number of clubs in the league to eight from 2019, as announced last week. Nine clubs will play in the league for the next two seasons. The club finishing last in first grade in 2018 will be relegated for 2019. Teams playing in the northern and southern all age competitions will have the opportunity to gain a place in the league after 2019 through the promotion/relegation system, providing they meet strict criteria.

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

Old Bar dropped out of the premier league in January 2016 citing a lack of players for two grades. The Barbarians now play in the southern all age competition.

Mr Steedman revealed earlier this year it was the club’s intention to regain a place in the premier league next year.

To this end the club has entered two sides in this season’s all age premiership. Last year the  Barbarians had one team in the competition and bowed out in the semi-finals after completing the season-proper undefeated. Old Bar will also return to the men’s over 35s this season.

Mr Steedman maintains the premier league remains on the club’s radar, but concedes Old Bar will now have to wait until 2020 unless something untoward happens.

Mr Steedman said there has been a resurgence in senior numbers at Old Bar, while there are massive registrations in the junior grades.

"We’ll have two senior men’s sides, two women’s teams and over 35 men,’’ he said.

“But given the transient nature of youth these days that can change pretty quickly. Having big numbers in the younger age groups doesn’t always translate to the seniors.’’

Mr Steedman expects the club would consult with players before there’s any decision regarding the premier league in the future.

“There are some players who are happy to kick a ball around in the (southern) men’s competition,’’ he pointed out.

“And once players get over 30 they’re probably more interested in looking to the 35s than the premier league.’’

He backs the move for an eight club premier league, believing this is a sustainable figure for the Mid North Coast area.

Taree Wildcats are the only Manning club in the premier league that stretches from Forster-Tuncurry to Kempsey. 

The Football Mid North Coast Premier League will kick off on Saturday, April 22.