BUTTERSHAW White Star, one of the most successful amateur clubs in the Bradford area, have shocked the Bradford Sunday Alliance League by resigning.

White Star, driven by long-serving duo James Bicknell (manager) and Dave Keegan (secretary), are Premier Division champions and Senior Cup holders but feel that they now have little to prove on the Sabbath.

With Bicknell and Keegan also at the helm for Saturday side Campion, who play at Scotchman Road as well, the pair are turning their attention to making the Manningham-based club a force in the West Riding County Amateur League and beyond.

Bicknell said of White Star: "We were formed in 1999 when I was 17 and used to go to Division Four away games on the bus.

"We have won the Premier Division title four times, the Senior Cup three times and the Bradford & District FA Sunday Senior Cup four times, so we haven't got a lot more to prove."

Turning to the County Amateur League, Bicknell explained: "We (Campion) finished third last season in the Premier Division, which was dominated by Ovenden West Riding and Bay Athletic.

"Ovenden were 22 points ahead of us at the end and Bay 16 points ahead. If we finish above those two, then we will win the league."

Longer-term, Campion would like to join the Northern Counties East League and become the Bradford district's sixth semi-professional club after Bradford Park Avenue, Thackley, Albion Sports (even though they play at Farsley), Liversedge and Eccleshill United.

Bicknell said: "If we win the West Riding County Amateur League next season, we could switch as early as the 2015-16 season, although it is more likely to take longer than that.

"Ground-wise, we wouldn't have a lot to do to be accepted on the Football League pyramid. We have a three-year plan and would need floodlights – but hopefully that will happen in the next 12 to 18 months

"Player-wise, we reckon we have a very strong squad. For example, we played against Ossett Town a few years ago when they were in the UniBond League Premier Division and drew 0-0.

"I reckon 90 per cent of our current players would be happy to switch to semi-professional level, while we would also like to sign a few new players."

The immediate knock-on effect of White Star's resignation from the Sunday Alliance League Premier Division means that Dudley Hill Rangers, who finished bottom, will stay in the top flight.