The Crewe Regional League season kicks off on Sunday following one of the most anxious build-ups in its history.
League secretary Jeff Minshall said: 'The close season saw several clubs losing their grounds as publicans decided that caravan rallies are more lucrative than Sunday League football, or hotels were sold and the new owners declared that they needed the football pitch for their own use. All this is perfectly legal and understandable but certainly adds to the problems of administrators.'
Two new teams have entered the competition - Clay Lane and Crewe Corinthians - and others have assumed a new identity. Cotton Arms are now Ancient Briton, Three Pigeons Rangers have become the Frog and Ferret, Rolls Bentley will play as Bentley Motors and The George will now be known as The Express.
The League Cup competition will now go under the banner of the WC Barker Memorial Trophy.
Minshall added: 'After all this, I'm praying for a winter of mild weather and impeccable behaviour from players and officials.'
