Telford promotion may hit City in the pocket

The Bucks, who edged out Guiseley 3-2 in the Blue Square Bet North play-off final, provided one of the biggest pay days for the St George’s Lane club because of their away support.

This season’s visit produced the second largest gate of 1,068 which helped swell City’s coffers and their absence next term means another local derby has been lost following the relegation of Redditch and Stafford.

However, vice-chairman Andrew Watson believes the blow will be tempered by Halifax’s promotion from the Evostik Northern Premier League, a team who regularly travel in their droves.

“Telford getting promoted is a blow but it’s sort of compensated for by the fact that Halifax coming up,” Watson said.

“There’s nothing earth-shattering about it but it would have been nice for them to stay.

“I don’t think it will have a huge impact.”

Meanwhile, City can expect to find out next month who their opponents will be for the 2011-12 campaign.

The make-up for Blue Square Bet North will be finalised at the Conference’s annual general meeting at Celtic Manor, in Newport, on Saturday, June 11.

Although there is no danger of City being switched to the southern section, as has happened in previous years, manager Carl Heeley will be keen to discover who his team will face.

In addition to Halifax, Colwyn Bay are certain to join the ranks after winning promotion from the Evostik Premier as play-off winners.

With promoted quartet Sutton, Tonbridge Angels, Truro and Salisbury all going south, along with Eastbourne, relegated from the Blue Square Bet Premier, it is possible Histon, also demoted, could be placed in the north.

Southport and Altrincham should also be joining them following their relegation from non-league’s top-flight.

However, fourth-from-bottom Southport could yet be reprieved because the future of cash-strapped Rushden and Diamonds, who finished 12th in the Conference, is in doubt.

Meanwhile, City’s season tickets go on sale from Monday, June 6.