Altrincham has been given a reprieve and taken the club's place in the Conference Premier League next season.

The decision is subject to confirmation and a possible appeal process.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding Halifax it hasn't been placed anywhere.

If the consortium funding the club decide to pursue their interest it is likely to be playing in the fourth tier of non-league football next season which is the Northern Premier League First Division (Unibond League).

Yesterday, the Conference board met as did the FA leagues committee.

Mike Appleby, league manager for the FA, said league placings were allocated on the assumption Halifax Town would be expelled from the Conference.

He said time was running out to form a new club for next season and with the consortium and Halifax Town Supporters' Trust both working separately to form a new club that didn't help matters.

"They should be working together," he said.

"I can't see the point of tearing the club apart following its rocky road over the last few years."

He said the consortium's plans to reform the club with the same management structure and playing rights at the Shay were more likely to gain access to the NPL and be in a position to fund and fulfil fixtures.

If the consortium doesn't pursue its interest and the trust does then a new club is likely to start further down the football pyramid.

"We can't gamble that a group of guys can run a senior non-league club," said Mr Appleby.