MERGER talks between the West Riding County Amateur League and the West Yorkshire League have broken down.

However, things are looking more optimistic for the County Amateurs regarding the Yorkshire Amateur League – but not for next season.

The West Riding County Amateur League, which was formed in 1922 and has served 294 clubs, will therefore have

what will probably be their last season in 2018-19 with a mere 15 clubs.

County Amateur League results secretary Philip Rhodes said: "The FA suggested last November that we talk with the West Yorkshire League about forming something like a West Yorkshire 'Super League'.

"But the West Yorkshire League refused to follow the FA proposal that the two leagues' (County Amateur and West Yorkshire) premier divisions, both of which are at Step Seven of the National League System, run side by side and allow the County Amateur Division One sides to merge into the West Yorkshire League's Division Two, and the reserve sides to play in the Alliance Division One.

"Instead the West Yorkshire League proposed to the County Amateur League that all their clubs move over and play in a new Division Three, with possibly some of the top teams, be that the top two three or four in the County Amateur League's Premier Division, playing in Division Two.

"Our clubs rejected this. Had the County Amateur accepted this proposal, and Steeton's bid to play at Step Six next season failed, they would have had to wait at least three more seasons before they could have submitted another application.

"Unfortunately, the West Yorkshire League let it be known that they would be open to applications from County Amateur League teams for next season, and five teams from four clubs – Campion Reserves, Salts, Salts Reserves, Tingley Athletic and Hunsworth – have been accepted by them for next season."

The West Riding County Amateur League, whose annual meeting is on Tuesday, June 26 when the line-up of clubs will be confirmed, will therefore operate just one division in 2018-19 with 15 clubs.

Rhodes added: "We could accept one more team to make it a maximum of 16 but we cannot operate with less than 14 and still be Step Seven."

As for the merger with the Yorkshire Amateur League, Rhodes said: "Talks started in February but neither league wanted to rush things through for next season, preferring to take our time and do it for the 2019-20 season."

The irony of the situation is that the West Riding County Amateur League in its heyday, when it had five divisions, was very strong without being a supply league, but now that it is a Step Seven league it is limping towards extinction.

Silsden, Campion, Brighouse Town, Hemsworth Miners' Welfare were the latest teams to take the step up to semi-professional status, and from next season they will be joined by Steeton, who will play in the newly-formed Hallmark Security League (North West Counties League) Division One North.

Rhodes added: "We wish Steeton all the best. I thought Brighouse Town were well organised, but Steeton are the most organised club I have met."