The 2019 competition will be reduced to just eight clubs.

And, the FMNC board will also now consider a proposed three-round Premier League format next year.

This could include playing some mid-week matches under lights.

Football Mid North Coast chairman Mike Parsons said such a decision would need to be agreed to by all clubs.

“We’ll be doing this in consultation with the clubs,’’ Parsons said.

Parsons said the mid-week games would be local derbies involving the Forster-Tuncurry, Port Macquarie or Kempsey clubs.

“We think this is a way we can promote our competition and also give those people who can’t get to a game on a Saturday afternoon the opportunity to attend a match,’’ he said.

“We haven’t worked the mechanics out yet, but this is something under consideration.’’

The Premier League has previously been run over two rounds involving 18 games, although this was with nine clubs.

From next season, the league will be restricted to eight clubs from next year.

This was announced in 2017 by the Football Mid North Coast board.

This year’s first grade wooden spooners, Wauchope, will drop out of the Premier League in 2019 and play in the Northern League.

Parsons confirmed the board won’t be revisiting the decision despite some indications from Wauchope they had support.

It was reported on Friday September 14 that Wauchope was seeking support from other Premier League clubs in a bid to stay in the competition.

Taree president Ben Sedlen said he backed Wauchope’s bid, although he added it hadn’t been discussed by his club at committee-level.

There is some concern among other clubs that such a decision would be to the detriment of the club relegated.

Wauchope stated they had concerns about their ability to rejoin the Premier League in coming years after several seasons of attempting to before the last two seasons.

Parsons said Wauchope has contacted the board.

“Wauchope say they have the support from other clubs, but it's anecdotal at best. There’s nothing in writing from any other club,’’ he said.

Parsons said the decision was announced two years ago and was made in consultation with clubs.

He said all were aware of the situation and the matter was discussed again towards the end of last season.

“I can understand Wauchope’s request, but there’s sound logic and reasoning behind the board’s decision to make the Premier League an eight club competition,’’ he said.

“The decision will stand.’’

Parsons added that the promotion/relegation system will come back into play from 2020.

This would give clubs from the southern and northern league competitions the opportunity to challenge for a place in the Premier League.​