KNUTSFORD FC are currently in limbo with regards to which division of the Cheshire Football League they will be playing in next season.

League chiefs have docked the club nine points, having drawn the conclusion that Reds manager Nick Ward fielded an ineligible player in three matches at the back end of the 2021-22 season.

This leaves them at the bottom of the Cheshire League Premier Division table and staring at relegation.

However, Reds bosses are not happy about the decision.

Jimmy Evans, Knutsford FC chairman, said: “We’ve had a meeting and spoken to our lawyer. We’re appealing to the Cheshire FA and that’s all I’m prepared to say at the minute. This is ongoing.”

No timescale of a hearing with the Cheshire FA is known at this time.

Reds were informed of the Cheshire Football League’s decision last Thursday night.

The Guardian understands that Reds were reported to the league by Egerton, Eagle Sports and Winstanley Warriors for allegedly fielding an unregistered player in games against them.

If the league’s decision is upheld, Daten Sports are the side to avoid the drop in place of Knutsford.

Reds were in a relegation dogfight for much of the campaign but after all the matches finished they were third from bottom, with basement team Billinge the other side set to go down to Division One.

All had looked lost for Knutsford until their third manager of the year, former player Nick Ward, was was put in charge in February.

Reds completed their campaign by winning six successive matches.