Federation Special Durham Senior League

The league can face the coming season with much optimism after increasing to 12 clubs.

The departure of Philadelphia has been offset by the admission of two new teams, Marsden and South Hetton.

Champions Horden will be out to make it three successive titles but their squad is without fast bowler Andrew Robson. The paceman, who ended with 44 wickets, has moved to Blaydon.

There have been considerable changes in both directions for Eppleton.

Last season's professional Sean Birbeck has moved to Chester-le-Street and Glen Froud has gone to South Hetton. They lost Andrew Roseberry last summer and Andy Walker has returned to North Yorkshire.

Replacements see Jonathon Benkes taking on the professional's role and hard-hitting Neil McKinney joins from Seaham Harbour. In addition, wicketkeeper David Borthwick (Sedgefield), Matthew Jane (Philadelphia) and Nathan Wilson (Hetton Lyons) will strengthen the squad.

South Shields proved the shock side of last summer.

Having ended second from the bottom in 2000, their young players elevated the club to runners-up spot. Ashok Patel remains, but John Dunn has moved on.

Pace bowler David Coulson, now playing football at Barnsley, and wicketkeeper Paul Craig will be greatly missed. Fifteen-year old Craig's rich potential has been recognised by Durham County and he will play for the Academy.

Craig's replacement will be 19-year old Sean Harris, who comes with experience in South Africa. Another new face is slow bowler David Craig, who joins from Philadelphia.

Marsden's new professional John Dunn and Gary Lancaster (ex-Burnmoor) will help galvanise them in their inaugural season. Dunn takes over as captain and will have former Shields colleague Owen Peterson with him.

Last season's professional Philip Shakespeare remains with Marsden and gives Dunn options in his attack.

Hetton Lyons have New Zealand fast bowler Lance Hamilton to boost their attack following the departure of Ashley Day. His move to Chester-le-Street is a blow to Lyons' hopes but will provide opportunities for the likes of Steve Errington.

Whitburn have acquired the services of former Philadelphia captain Andrew Robinson. They are hoping that Tony Greaves will be available but work commitments will again restrict the appearances of all-rounder Paul Cook.

Boldon have a professional for the first time since 1966 with Rhodesian-born Gary Gilder joining.

South Hetton have reinforced their bowling with the signing of Glen Froud. He will have support from seasoned campaigners John Pendlington, Bob Steel and Dean Burrows.

Seaham Harbour have lost two established players in Neil McKinney and Shaun McKenna, who has retired. David Thompson takes over the captain's role.

After a brief absence, Neil Young returns to Burnmoor. He will be a direct replacement for Gary Lancaster, who moved to Marsden.

A blow to Durham City's playing strength is the exit by Jim Allenby to Philadelphia.

The Australian played a major part last season, but on a brighter note they have signed Joel Hughes from the Durham Academy.

Felling have benefited from players moving into the area. Batsmen Charlie Wilson and Simon Curtis have arrived from Harrogate and Lincoln respectively.

In addition, all-rounder Dave McCaffery (from London) and bowler Graham Wright from Seaton Burn join up.