The Merry-go-Round starts here ...

... yes the provisional listings for "who plays in what league" have now been published - note the use of the word 'provisional' though, as everything needs to be ratified at the various league AGMs ...

Our three Conference North teams will be getting a 'new' local derby as Altrincham (after several previous unsuccessful attempts !!!) were finally relegated from the Conference National. There's also a 'day at the seaside' at Colwyn Bay (promoted from the Evo-Stik North), a tasty trip 'over the hill' to FC Halifax Town (similarly promoted) and trips to such "Northern Delights" as Histon (near Cambridge !) and Gloucester City (who play at Cheltenham !!!) ... why oh why do they not set up a Conference North, a Conference South and a Conference Middle ?? Just imagine - Blyth Spartans vs Histon on a Tuesday night !

As regards "moneyspinners" I guess Ashton United have the best deal on that. FC United of Manchester didn't manage promotion so they remain in the Evo-Stik Premier, and joining them both will be Chester FC and their excellent fanbase. Other new "Northern" clubs are Rushall Olympic, Hednesford Town - and Stafford Rangers (so I'll only get to see them once next season instead of the usual three times - hey ho !).

Meanwhile in the Evo-Stik 1st North Curzon Ashton and Mossley still get to go to Ossett - but next season it will Town rather than Albion as Town came down and Albion went further down ! New Mills brings another local-ish derby as well and the reformed Farsley FC have started their long march back up the leagues ...

One "quickie" from the Unibond 1st South - it's good to see that Ilkeston FC (reformed from the ashes of "Ilkeston Taaarn" !) have been allocated a spot here - really pleased for some of my mates down in Ilson, and I'll be hoping to get a game or two down there next season. Seems that some people aren't too happy about this, but it's the same every year - look at Telford, Halifax, Farsley to name but three - when these "reformed" clubs are allocated spots they normally do prove the FA decision to be correct by climbing the tree pretty quickly - and with the Youth/Academy setup at Ilson flourishing last season, despite the "mother club" going under, it does bode well for the future there.

As I said - it's all "provisional" because - as usual - there's a few "what if's" regarding the status of some of the clubs. Rushden and Diamonds are in the Conference National - but they still need to raise £250,000 to stave off winding-up orders. Burscough (Evo-Stik Premier) are another club that may or may not get through the close season in one piece (read this heartfelt plea from one of their fans about the state of play there) ... so who knows ? Reprieves for some clubs ?? Leagues starting the season "one team short" ??

The close season can be a wonderful soap opera at times ...

By the way - a quick "well done" to AFC Wimbledon who are now back (?) in the Football League after their penalty shoot-out defeat of Luton Town yesterday ... "AFC Crazy Gang" ? Oh - and Marsden drew 1-1 against Ovenden (apologies for absence !!!).

Weather not looking too brilliant for a bit of cricket today (Saddleworth CC v Droylsden CC would be the local game of choice for an hour or three) - got some shopping and "housey things" to do anyway - we'll see ... and then it's "Where will they put me next week ?" at work (will probably get a phone call at daft o'clock tomorrow morning telling me !).
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