Despite rumours to the contrary amongst Harrogate Senior League clubs, Ilkley AFC has yet to make a decision on the offer to join the West Yorkshire League for the 2004-5 football season.

Discussions have taken place within the club and with senior players this week, after the club's senior team management met with West Yorkshire League officials.

Two critical factors have delayed the decision-making process. Firstly, the continuing search for a home-base for the club, although negotiations are progressing with Bradford MDC and Ilkley GS.

The need for a playing field with perimeter fencing and on-site changing facilities is a priority requirement of the West Yorkshire League.

Secondly, the Harrogate Senior League management committee have threatened to impose sanctions on clubs seeking to progress up the FA Non-League Pyramid by excluding all teams from a club whose first-team moves out of the League.

This sanction has also been threatened against Otley Town who are seeking to remove their Reserve team and play it in the West Riding County Amateur League alongside its first team.

Dave Houlston, the Ilkley Manager, said: "This sanction is completely against the spirit and objectives of the FAs National Game: Charter for Football. Yet if both Ilkley AFC senior teams remain in the Harrogate League, promotion and relegation becomes redundant as the teams buffer against each other in adjoining leagues.

"Meanwhile, better players will drift away from the club to seek higher quality football."

Negotiations are still taking place with the West Yorkshire League officials, and the expertise and momentum amongst the senior players supports making the jump to a higher quality league.

Facilities remain the only issue and it is once again a shame to report that the largest sport club in town, and the only FA Charter Standard Club in the area remains nomadic and existing on the goodwill of Ilkley GS, and of Ilkley RUFC and Ilkley Cricket Club who have been very supportive in providing facilities whenever possible.