Holker Old Boys could be facing the club formed by supporters following the demise of Bury FC in the North West Counties League next season.

The league confirmed yesterday morning that Bury AFC, formed following the Shakers’ expulsion from the EFL last September, were one of 11 clubs to applied for membership for the 2020/21 campaign.

Along with FC Isle of Man, Bury AFC are one of two new clubs to have applied and if successful they will be placed into Level 6 in the football pyramid, the same level as Holker, who play in the First Division North of the NWCFL, the tenth tier of English football.

The other clubs to have applied play further down the non-League pyramid and they are Allscott, Ashville, Crewe, Egerton, Foley Meir, Ilkley Town, South Liverpool, Stockport Georgians and Wellington Amateurs.

The decision will be taken at the end of the season by the Football Association as to which teams are successful and it is understood the new team from Bury has agreed a groundshare that allows them to meet entry criteria.

Their Twitter account posted: “This confirms our belief that we are the only team currently with an application in to play football in Bury next season. BRING. IT. ON.”

The original Bury FC still exists as a company, although they defaulted on a plan to help settle their debts last week.