BURY manager David Flitcroft is the latest name to back Turton FC's bid to overturn a decision blocking their promotion to the West Lancashire League Premier Division.

League officials have ruled Turton would not be allowed to compete in the top flight next season after failing to meet a ground development deadline.

The blow for the Thomason Fold club was revealed to chairman Peter Gray earlier this week, when it was decided only Division One winners Fulwood Amateurs would be promoted and no teams would be relegated from the Premier Division after Norcross opted out of the league.

Since the news broke on Monday, local football clubs and officials have rallied behind the club a the Shakers boss is the latest to express his disappointment at the decision.

Flitcroft said: "It is an absolute travesty that the work that has gone into the promotion from some brilliant people who have tried to drive the club forward is not being rewarded.

"They deserve to be there (in the Premier Division).

"They have finished second in the table and I think they should be able to be to take their rightful place in the top tier.

"I am disappointed to the hear about the decision and hopefully someone might show some common sense and allow them the time to make the necessary improvements to their facilities.

"Their top scorer – Kieron Sisson – has had an excellent season scoring 35 goals and I think he deserves the chance to test himself at a higher level."

Turton have been penalised after failing to build a toilet block and facilities for female officials that are necessary to compete in the Premier Division.

All clubs were told at last year's league AGM that any improvements necessary for promotion should be completed by March 31. Turton have missed that deadline but claimed the works could not have been completed during the season due to the potential damage it would have caused to the pitch.

Meanwhile, former Premier League goalkeeper Mike Pollitt, who won the FA Cup with Wigan and lives in Egerton, has also pledged his support.

He said: "I know quite a lot of lads that play there and I know the manager Neil Johnson.

"I am so disappointed that after all the hard work they have put in to achieving promotion that it could be taken away from them so cruelly.

"I know the league told clubs it (ground improvement work) needed to be completed by a certain date but they could not have done it without affecting the pitches.

"If they can get it ready for the start of the season then they should be allowed to do it.

"I just want to support the lads because I know the hard work they put in."

Pollitt and Flitcroft are not the only football figures to have backed Turton's appeal to overturn the decision.

Former Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce joined almost 2,500 people in signing a petition calling for the league decision to be overturned.

Chairman Peter Gray said: "It is great to have so many people like Mike, Sam and David getting behind us.

"We are amazed by so many people supporting us but unfortunately we need to get the West Lancashire League to do it too."

If you want to see the petition visit: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/turton-fc-promotion-they-deserve/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=button