EX-Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce has supported Turton FC's bid to get promoted to the West Lancashire League Premier Division.

Thomason Fold officials have been rocked since league bosses said they would not return to the top-flight after failing to meet a ground improvement deadline.

Committee members of the league told clubs at their annual general meeting last June that essential ground developments to go up to Step Seven (Premier Division) had to be made by March 31.

But Turton have received £87,000 in grants to improve their facilities and club officials could not start work until the end of the season because heavy machinery could damage the pitches and games could have been called off.

A petition was set up on May 11 and so far more than 2,000 people have supported them – including former Wanderers player and manager Allardyce who posted a message on the petition.

He wrote: "Turton FC deserve to be promoted after all the hard work they have done on and off the field."

Sam's son Craig Allardyce has links with Turton and confirmed his dad was getting behind their cause.

He said: "I made him aware of the situation and he wanted to support us.

"I have played there as an ageing footballer and my nephew plays for one of the junior teams.

"It is such a massive shame as there has been a lot of hard work has been put in."

Lancashire FA officials admit they have been contacted about the situation.

Dave Burgess, chief executive, said: "I have spoken to Turton who asked about ground-grading but it is the FA that deal with that.

"I have sent an email to ask for clarification on the situation and what happens next."

Meanwhile it was full-steam ahead for the work on site as diggers were working on the foundations of the changing rooms as the club posted photos on twitter.