CHORLEY are set to be saved from relegation after Hucknall Town have all but admitted defeat in their quest for promotion.

The Magpies were set to drop into the UniBond First Division if the Nottinghamshire side got their ground up to scratch in time for the May 31 deadline.

But the Watnall Road club have now shelved plans to build a new changing room complex, which was one of the requirements set out by the ground-grading committee.

And, as a consequence, league officials are almost certain to reject their application at an inspection at the end of the month.

"It's all but done and dusted," admitted Martin Hutton, a reporter for the Hucknall and Bulwell Dispatch, who ran a campaign to upgrade the ground.

"They are carrying out work on the stand and the other improvements but they've taken the decision not to go ahead with the changing room complex so it's looking very bleak."

UniBond League secretary Duncan Bayley confirmed that the complex was an integral part of the criteria laid down by the league.

"Building a changing room complex is part of the requirements so if they haven't done that then it doesn't look promising." Meanwhile, the Magpies are expected to appoint a new manager next week following the shock departure of Dalton Steele.

And one of the leading contenders could be Graham Barrow, who was axed by Nationwide Third Division outfit Rochdale two weeks ago.

Barrow, who has also managed Wigan and Chester, is a former Chorley player and still lives in the town.

And though he would prefer to remain involved in the professional game, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a return to Victory Park.

"I haven't really given my future much thought although I'm going on holiday for a week next week when I'll then take stock," said Barrow.

"I'm looking to stay in the league if I can because I've been involved in professional football for a long time.

"But you can't rule anything out in football."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.