Leagues pull together with the future in mind

CENTRAL Lancashire and Saddleworth and District Cricket League officials are continuing to explore all options for a new Greater Manchester pyramid system.

Two officials from both leagues joined those from five others at a steering committee meeting held at Bolton League club Bradshaw CC.

The other leagues involved were the North Manchester League, Bolton League, Bolton And District Association, Lancashire County League and Greater Manchester Amateur League.

CLL chairman Neville Fletcher, who was joined by vice-chairman Colin Jackson, said: “It is very much for the leagues to decide which route they want to pursue.

“It’s quite clear some leagues are more for it (the pyramid system) than others.”

A timescale for implementing the changes across Greater Manchester, which would include an elite division and others based on club strength and geographical factors, is not set in stone.

It is believed some pro-pyramid negotiators would like the new format to be in place for 2016, but a more realistic target for lift-off might be 2017.

Further steering committee meetings will be held on the last Thursdays of January, February and March, after which a framework for moving forward could be in place.

Martin Kay, chairman of the steering group, said: “The meeting was very positive and everyone understands that some things need to change within our structures, but it is still early to say what change will look like.

“All the leagues are working together in an honest fashion and we will be working towards terms of reference that all leagues can sign up to.

“No-one underestimates the size of the task ahead, but we have some very skilled people within all our structures.

“With their support, we think we can move through quite quickly.

“The work is just starting.”

Despite the ongoing Greater Manchester talks, the CLL are continuing to pursue a possible merger with the Lancashire League.

The Lancashire League have agreed to talks following a CLL approach, and a meeting of three officials from each body will meet at Norden CC on January 14.