A rule change ahead of the new Playr-Fit Championship campaign will ensure no repeat of last season’s confusion.
Last term, Dundela were title contenders until the penultimate game, however it was not possible for the east Belfast club to gain promotion as their Wilgar Park pitch was four-and-a-half metres too narrow to meet top flight requirements.
For the 2024/25 season, clubs that do not meet promotion requirements will be barred from competing in the top six after the division splits in two.
In theory, this means that the League leaders could find themselves demoted to the bottom half of the Championship after 33 games.
Rule 5c reads: “Following the completion of 33 matches all clubs in a top 6 position (Section A) must have applied for and be in a position to be awarded an IFA Promotion Licence. Any club deemed not in a position to be awarded an IFA Promotion Licence will automatically be placed in bottom 6 (Section B) once all clubs have played 33 matches.”
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The rule is unlikely to affect Dundela, however. Chairman Mark Snodden confirmed in May that they club would seek a groundshare agreement to allow the club to challenge for promotion.
The new campaign kicks off on Friday night with promotion favourites Bangor welcoming Harland and Wolff Welders to Clandeboye Park.
All eyes will be on star striker Matthew Ferguson, who moved from the Welders to the Seasiders during the summer.
Ferguson said: “I’m positive ahead of the new season. I want do to my best for myself and my team-mates and help Bangor finish as high as possible.”
On Saturday, new boys Armagh City and Limavady United start with home games. The Eagles host Institute, while the Roesiders welcome Ards to The Showgrounds. The Duns face recently relegated Newry City, Ballinamallard United are at home to Ballyclare Comrades and Newington play Annagh United at Inver Park.