Newport Town denied promotion to West Midlands Premier Division

Adam Proudlock's men finished second in Division One last season, a position which normally secures promotion.

But they have been denied a step up, after an appeal to the Football Association, because of their new groundshare with Staffordshire outfit Eccleshall Town.

League rules state a club is not be permitted to groundshare to gain promotion or avoid relegation.

In a statement Newport, who played at Shuker Fields last season, said they were 'denied the opportunity to even be heard' and added that the 'farcical' matter had seen them being 'passed from pillar to post'.

They also alleged that the FA had ceased contact.

The statement read: "It is disappointing to announce that promotion has been denied without the opportunity to even be heard.

"We as a club have done absolutely everything yet have been passed from pillar to post. Even with our local FA supporting us the English FA have stopped replying to our messages and don't return our calls.

"The matter from start to finish has been farcical and we have been let down badly by a lack of credible information from the country's main governing body.

"We are looking into the possibility of legal action as we feel that strongly about it."

Newport claim they approached North West Counties club Eccleshall in January and notified the West Midlands league before the March 31 deadline.

They had been creating a 'water tight' appeal to lodge to the FA.

Meanwhile, the statement continued that the decision has made former Wolves man Proudlock's side more determined to secure their place in the Premier Division by winning promotion next season.

It read: "What we will say is that despite being disappointed this club goes on and Proudy, Bakes (assistant Mickey Baker), the coaching staff and this excellent group of players are even more determined to put things right and take their place in the West Mids Prem next season, where we belong."

The FA have been approached for a comment.