THACKLEY and Liversedge will be renewing old acquaintances in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division next season.

Former rivals Brigg Town and Rainworth MW will be visiting Dennyfield and Clayborn once again in the coming season after both clubs were relegated from Evo-Stik First Division South.

They will join Albion Sports in the top tier but Kulwinder Sandhu’s men had not reached the Premier Division last time Brigg or Rainworth were in it.

All three of the local clubs will be pleased that the division now has an even number – 22 clubs – as last term they were frustrated by blank Saturdays at crucial times.

Three clubs have departed – champions Shaw Lane Aquaforce (promoted to the Evo-Stik League), Glasshoughton Welfare (relegated to Division One) and Heanor Town (requested a lateral move into the Midland League).

However, there are four newcomers as Division One champions Clipstone and runners-up Pontefract Collieries join Brigg and Rainworth.

Retford United finished second from bottom but were spared, despite finishing in a relegation place, due to the restructuring.

Eccleshill United will face three fresh challenges in Division One, which will remain a 22-strong division.

Three clubs leave – the two promoted sides and Grimsby Borough, who drop out after finishing last – but three come in.

Relegated Glasshoughton will be joined by Hull United, from the Humber Premier League, and Westella VIP, who join from the Central Midlands League.

However, the Northern Counties East League constitution is provisional until the league’s annual meeting on Saturday, June 20.