THESE are strange times at Hartsfield as New Brighton go into March 2004, because for the first time in 12 years the Blues are not in the top three or in with a promotion shout.

After last season's great disappointment with the near miss of promotion to National 2, New Brighton went into this season cautiously optimistic.

However several of last season's regulars moved on for various personal reasons, notably Riaz Fredericks who, having been courted by Leicester, eventually found full employment in London.

Geraldt Evans went to Northern Ireland to take up a new job and Phil Gazola returned to Italy, while the 'Wirral Wizard' Ian Kennedy returned to Birkenhead Park.

Last, but not least, Christian Saverimutto went into premature retirement while his brother Alastair Saverimutto was appointed as full-time marketing manager for the other Blues on Merseyside, Everton Football Club.

An era had ended, youth was given its head and Steve Griffiths and Ian Wynn took over the coaching duties to try and weld a new team together, but what has followed was not foreseen in the pre-season plans.

Plagued by injuries, New Brighton have battled on with a strange mix of results which have left them at the time of writing in fifth spot.

The season started with captain Jon Sewell recovering from a shoulder operation as did Dan Naylor, and both were to suffer further injuries that have limited their appearances.

Paul Brett was still suffering from his head injury and didn't play his first game until mid-February, Steve Kelly has been plagued with back problems and vice captain Tom Mapp seemed to court injuries as did Steve O'Connor. Effervescent Chris Naylor has damaged his knee and the flying winger James Edwards a foot.

Considering all those problems the team has done remarkably well. Plans for next season are in hand and with bodies repaired plus a few important big signings and a rub of the green, it all points to normal service being resumed. Watch this space.