RELIEVED Ian Robinson joked that he still has "no idea" which division Lymington and New Milton will be playing in next season despite a successful appeal to the FA.

The Linnets boss, who steered his men to the Wessex League title a fortnight ago, saw the club's celebrations cut short after they were informed they had subsequently failed a ground inspection for Fawcett's Field - after originally being told it had passed - thus ruling them out of possible promotion.

But a hearing at Soho Square yesterday has now finally ruled that the ground is of the required standard to move up to Step Four of the National League system.

That should mean Linnets crossing swords with neighbours Bashley in Ryman League Division One next season.

Robinson said: "It is excellent news. It is a big sense of relief because it would have been so cruel to have it taken away from us.

"Everybody worked extremely hard this season and it would have been a terrible blow - especially in the circumstances."

But a spanner has been thrown into the works as Combined Counties champions Walton Casuals have also been successful with a similar appeal meaning nine clubs are now vying for eight spots in the next step of the non-league pyramid.

Robinson said: "I honestly don't know where we go from here. Whether we have to go into a play-off or not, I don't know. With Walton Casuals winning their appeal as well, it will complicate things even further. As yet, I have absolutely no idea what division we will be playing next season!"

The news of Linnets' successful appeal will be further disappointment to Wessex League runners-up Winchester City who were originally set to compete with Isthmian runners-up Enfield for the right to meet Didcot Town for the eighth promotion place.

City won last year's Wessex League but were denied promotion after failing their own ground inspection.

Linnets' fate will be decided in the next couple of days but the most likely outcome is that the nine eligible clubs will be placed into a draw with two of those clubs forced to meet in a play-off, while the other lucky seven will gain automatic promotion.

But it appears the Football Association are still attempting to work out the repercussions themselves.

A spokesperson from The FA's press office was unable to shed any further light on the hearing or the format for possible play-offs and could only confirm that the appeal had been upheld.

She said: "Lymington and New Milton's appeal was successful but there has been no decision on play-offs yet. That should happen in the next day or two."

Linnets chairman John Mills said: "We're delighted at the outcome of the appeal. But now everybody is wondering what happens next. At this rate, we'll be ready to start next season by about September!"