The Football Association has announced the non league club allocations for the 2026-27 season, and it sees the Northern League First Division returning to 22 clubs, following a reduction last season when the Division ended with just 19 clubs following the withdrawal of West Allotment Celtic mid season.
Returning to the League are Bishop Auckland, Blyth Town and Newton Aycliffe, all of whom were relegated from the Northern Premier League East Division. They replace the two promoted sides, champions Guisborough Town and play-off winners West Auckland Town.
Whitley will face two new sides next season, Redcar Town and Yarm & Eaglescliffe, who were promoted from the Second Division.
Northallerton Town, who finished 19th in the First Division, have been reprieved and will avoid relegation due to the withdrawal of clubs elsewhere in the football pyramid.
The Northern League has announced that next season will begin on Saturday 25th July.
