The decision to stay in the Arngrove Northern League (ANL) came after the FA had agreed that on a one-off basis four of the top six clubs could be promoted at the end of the season.

But Whitley, along with Dunston Federation, withdrew interest.

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Arngrove Northern League

The decision means only current leaders Durham City maintain a possible interest in taking up the promotion offer.

Meanwhile Newcastle Blue Star are voluntarily agreeing to return to the Northern League after just one season in the Unibond.

Mr McIlduff said on the ANL website: "The Northern League is a very strong competition and there is a lot of emotional attachment to it."

ANL chairman Mike Amos said that the decisions were a reflection of financial and geographical reality.

"We have brought no pressure at all upon our clubs, but Newcastle Blue Star's decision spoke volumes," he said.

"Quite simply, they were no longer enjoying their football.

"The continued reluctance of our clubs to risk football suicide must surely now compel the FA to treat the north east as a special case, instead of trying to hammer the league and the region into the last piece of an ill-fitting jigsaw.

"It's time for some fresh thinking."