Nostell Miners Welfare are looking for help if they are to continue their stay in the Premier League of the Toolstation NCEL and enter prestigious competitions such as the FA Cup.

After recently returning to their home at the Welfare Ground at Crofton Community Centre following extensive drainage work on the two senior pitches costing in excess of ?90,000, they hope results will improve to move them away from the foot of the table.

Nostell have some of the best facilities in the area as any money the club has made has been put back into developing their ground and they have always used their facilities to try and attract players.

But, life in the Premier Division of the NCEL has proved difficult in recent seasons following the meteoric success of the team built by Alan Colquhoun which won everything in the West Yorkshire League and was promoted into the NCEL Premier Division after only one season in Division One.

Moreover, the President's Cup was also won in 2009, a truly remarkable achievement.

A club spokesperson said: "Under the present structure we have reached as far as we can go and may be punching above our weight.

"The side that got us into the NCEL won a lot of trophies and were a match for any team in the league but they got older and eventually left the club.

"We are trying to develop our own young players and we have some showing great potential but it is difficult to throw them into a struggling team at this level.

"Recently, any good youngsters we have are continuously being approached by other clubs. A lot of the teams are paying money to players and it is difficult to hold on to your better ones especially when the team is not doing well."

The club have, therefore, sent out a plea for help off-the-field.

A statement said: "There are only half-a-dozen ageing committee men with similar skills. To run a football club at this level there are many varied tasks that need attention.

"If Nostell are to compete at NCEL level, the 'off-the-field' structure needs to dramatically improve which will eventually improve the strength of the team on the pitch.

"Volunteers, businessmen and sponsors are needed urgently to move the club in the right direction."

Anyone interested in offering help of any kind is asked to contact the club on 01924 866010 or by emailing nostellmwfc@hotmail.com.