The New Saints’ plans to groundshare with Chester City next season will not materialise.

Frustrated at failing to land grant backing from the FA of Wales to improve the ground at Oswestry’s Park Hall, managing director Mike Harris admitted he had enquired about the possibility of sharing with the former Blue Square Premier club.

He said the move was “was one of several options” being explored by the Welsh premier club who face a race against time to ensure their ground reaches the criteria to stage European football and be able to play in next season’s Super 12.

More permanent seating is required, and Harris said that if the club were unable to meet the league’s deadline, they could move elsewhere.

However, it emerged today that they would not be ground-sharing with Chester next season after failing to supply a draft agreement before the FAW’s March 1 deadline.

The Saints were unable to hold discussions with the local council over the use of the Deva Stadium because of the uncertainty over Chester City’s future.

After their expulsion from the Blue Square Premier, Chester are understood to have now enquired about joining the Welsh Premier League.

A spokesman for the league confirmed there had been interest from owner Stephen Vaughan, although it is highly unlikely that Chester could even comply with the deadlines for the FAW domestic licence.

City were due back in the High Court today to face a winding-up order over £26,125 owed to HM Revenue and Customs.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER