Link-up the answer to a drop in the number of clubs

Member clubs at the Carnival Hall were told by Saturday League secretary Jim Johnston that three clubs - Three Barrels, Hillborne and Drakes - had pulled out next season.

"Drakes have left having debts to the league of £300, so if you were a playing member of this club last season, you will be called upon for your share should the debts remain unpaid," he said.

He then warned of the drop in membership of Saturday leagues across the north of the county.

"With the North Hants League struggling to survive and our brothers in Andover and Winchester having similar problems as our own, perhaps the time has come for serious consideration to be given to the future of Saturday football in the North Hants area.

"Would it be beneficial to amalgamate the existing Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester leagues into one league with, perhaps, an intermediate division which would meet the requirements of a feeder league within the pyramid system? It's just food for thought at this point of time, but in the not too distant future it could well be the only solution to a problem that may not go away," he concluded.

His annual report offered advice to clubs for improvement. There were an abundance of courses organised by the Hampshire FA and he hoped all clubs would take advantage of these.

Johnston also spoke of the help on offer from the Football Foundation for clubs with their own facilities who may wish to upgrade them.

"There is loads of money available and some clubs in our area have already been successful in obtaining substantial amounts to improve themselves," he said.

Ray Barnes, at the Hants FA, was the facilities manager and, although a great deal of patience and perseverance was needed with a lot of forms to be completed, he encouraged clubs to give it a try.

On behalf of the management committee, he congratulated the majority of clubs who had managed their affairs - both on and off the field.

In regard to sponsorship, the league were grateful for support through adverts in the handbook and cup final programmes from Sun Life Financial of Camada, Jeanettes Engravers, Action Trophies, Nine Saxons, DED Pest Control, Wings Chinese Food, Ace Awards, Print Wise and Knightsbridge Garage of Headley, who are sponsoring the All Champions Cup for three years.

Details of sponsorship could be obtained from general secretary Peter Raynbird, on 01256 464621.

On discipline, Johnston was concerned that there was far to much "industrial language" being used on the field of play and reminded clubs it was a sending-off offence.

David Nichols, the Sunday League secretary, said disciplinary figures received from the Hampshire FA showed a one per cent decrease on the previous season but one year ago poor weather had delayed the season which resulted in a drop in completed cases.

The small side misconduct system had resulted in a loss of 700 cases. The total was 15,173 - a drop of 193. This was made up of 11,923 cautions - down 310, 1,632 sendings-off - down 98, 1,219 disrepute cases - up 164, and 401 five or more cautions - up 53.

Nichols reported on the meetings held with Basingstoke and Deane Council and one of the topics discussed was the spate of thefts from changing rooms. Players were urged to take only the bare essentials to games.

The council were keen to continue the customer opinion cards scheme and were looking at ways of revamping the clubs' involvement in what they see as a valuable communication tool.

A large number of clubs still owed the council pitch fees with Sunday clubs having more than £2,000 unpaid.

He said part of the blame lay with the council for allowing some clubs to run up vast bills without losing their pitches.

On fines, Nichols said his warning to clubs at last season's AGM had fallen on deaf ears, as fines sent out on behalf of the Sunday section were approaching the £2,000 mark.

"Clubs found the going tough on the financial front during the season. Is this the reason why," he asked.