The EIHA have confirmed they are against creating a new Midlands Conference for the NIHL. Rumours have surfaced in recent weeks that a number of Midlands teams were unhappy at the rising cost of travel in NIHL North, but EIHA Chairman Ken Taggart dismissed the idea.

“This appears to be a discussion by these teams alone,” said Taggart. “I’m not in favour of this suggested format and have not been approached by anyone. This format does not benefit development. Until an approach is made to the League Management Committee, this is just a rumour and not supported by us.”

C2C understands the proposal is for Telford, Coventry, Nottingham, Solihull, Sutton, Deeside, Trafford and the two Sheffield teams to form the new Conference. It’s believed a number of clubs are already on board, with just a couple yet to decide their position.

This would leave Solway, Billingham, Whitley and Blackburn ‘A’ left to form a new Northern section, with the bottom three from Division Two – Blackburn ‘B’, Fylde and Hull.

While there are possible new teams from Widnes and Bispham who could also be in the mix, C2C understands rumours of an influx of teams from Scotland to be wide of the mark.

Sources north of the border confirmed North Ayrshire Wild had no plans to join the NIHL, while Dundee Tigers and Dundee Comets are thought unlikely due to their location. Paisley Pirates are believed to be one who could consider a move south, but this is yet to be confirmed either way.