Wolviston have paid the price of success. Five of last season's side have left and manager Graham Howard has brought in only three newcomers.

"We enjoyed the last campaign when we finished third in the table and won the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup but it has been at a cost," said Wolviston secretary Keith Simpson.

"Obviously sides from other leagues eyed up the talent in our team and four lads have moved into the Northern League while one is opting to play for Durham University.

"It's disappointing when you have built up a strong team but there is nothing we can do about it. We will just have to get on with it and I am still confident that we will again enjoy a successful campaign," added Simpson.

The League will operate with 17 clubs, three fewer than last time and until midweek there was a danger that only 16 would be in membership.

Nissan left for The Northern League while Whitburn CA, Simonside SC and Thornaby on Tees resigned. The only new club is Darlington RA.

Ferryhill Athletic chairman and secretary Norman Bellwood was fearful that his club would not start the season because of a lack of help with administration but following a public meeting, a committee of ten has been formed.

"We have lost a few players because of the uncertainty but so long as we put a team on the field against Jarrow, I will be very happy at this stage.

"Thereafter, we will just have to try and build up our strength and I would not be surprised if one or two lads returned to us once they find out that we are up and running," said Bellwood.

North Shields, who ended runners-up to Nissan and were disappointed at not getting into the Northern League, have Terry Paddison back as manager for a third season.

The Robins, who have carried out considerable improvements to their Ralph Gardner Park in the last year, will be the only side in the League to be involved in the FA Vase. They play their first fixture against Winterton Rangers at Scunthorpe on September 8.

Gordon Green has had to relinquish the manager's post with Birtley Town because of business commitments. The role will now be shared by David Smith and Paul Foster.

Boldon CA also have a new boss in Graeme Bond with Dennis Massingham as his assistant. David Jones recently left the club to take over at Harton and Westoe. Ronnie Crosby has been promoted to manager with Ryhope CA and former boss Chris Wilson will be his deputy allowing him to also play for the club. Mark Ratcliffe, has returned and will be involved with coaching and training. One of the best known names in the league continues with Stanley United. Vince Kirkup starts his 25th year in charge and has been connected with the club for 27 years. The Hill Top club have been busy during the summer, carrying out improvements to the ground and Kirkup - ever optimistic - believes his side will be good enough to improve on last season's middle-table finish