Sunday League worries sounded

JACK BAMFORD: Concerns

THE Oldham Sunday League is 50 years old ­- but there are strong concerns for its long-term future, writes JOHN GILDER.

The league programme got under way last weekend with 22 teams split into two divisions ­- the lowest number of participants in its illustrious history.

League chairman Jack Bamford says rising costs is one reason for the fall in numbers.

He said: "This has been a worry for a few years now.

"There were 42 teams when I joined the league 11 years ago.

"It isn't just us, it's a downward spiral that has affected many other leagues.

"Sunday football can be quite expensive these days and sponsorship for teams is hard to come by."

A 50th anniversary celebration evening now hangs in the balance, but league fixtures secretary Keith Dennis said: "I would like to see something go ahead, but how do you do it with just 20 or so teams?

'INVOLVED'

"I am hopeful, always have been, that we can continue as a league, but in the 30-plus years that I have been involved with the competition, this is the lowest number of teams we've ever had."

There are only two newcomers to the league, with Casim of Manchester starting out in the Jack Abbott Premier Division and Gardener's Arms making their debut in David Giblin Division One.

SEE Friday's Chronicle for a round-up of the opening day's action.