The season commences tomorrow with the first round of the Villa Real Cup, comprising of teams from Division two, three and four, the second round August 23 sees the teams from Division One enter and the third round sees the inclusion of the Premier sides.

Tthe Over-40s league now consists of 69 clubs. Oddies, last season's division four champions have resigned, but there are five new clubs, Grindon Veterans, Pennywell Comrades, Horden Conservative Club, Peterlee FC ran by Tony Mooney never forgotten for his cup-winning goal scored with a shot from the half-way line and the Hartlepool Warrior.

The Premiership Championships could prove very interesting. There are the champions, Steels Social Club. The runners up Killingworth Arms and Norton Stockton (Billingham CGS) as well as Ferryhill Greyhound who are all real liver challengers. Newly promoted Blackhall Hardwick are an interesting proposition. they are a more stabilised and settled side and with their new signing would do more than just consolidate their league position. The other Premier teams cannot be written off and the opening weeks will reveal just how good they are and there is always the possibility of an un-tipped champion.

Division One sees the quick return of Sunderland Catholic Club, Grindon Broadway and the masons Arms who are all hoping to bounce back. the two Wallsend teams are there with a good chance and the newly promoted sides also have their hopes. the Touchdown, having signed the great Jimmy Costello from Owton Manor promised so much but have often just failed to deliver, but this could be their year. No team can be discounted. Every side has a chance.

Division Two is very open. Langley Park Rams Head who were relegated look good for a quick return. Hebburn, Spring Gardens and Red House are old favourites, newly promoted Hylton Castle, Billingham Town and Wynyard Veterans are very hopeful. One of the favourites are Gateshead Greencroft (formerly Ex-Servicemen) with Jimmy Saxley now back in the fold and remembering last season's winning when they had to play two and three gams a week to clear up a back log of fixtures. They must have an outstanding chance of promotion.

Division Three is also interesting. The three relegated sides from Division Two, Boldon Black Bull, British Telecom and Houghton Cricket Club have excellent chances of promotion. Houghton Swifts, Hedworthfield Deneside and the Toll Bar also look good, but there are two or three dark horses, Crook Town who had a very disappointing finish to their season and now with a little bit of luck could be up among the challengers and the escape artists Hartlepool RNC, who only had eight points at the turn of the year but finished with 31, fourth from the bottom. They have made five excellent signings to date, Milo Maguire from the Touchdown, Tedd Dowson from Owton Manor, "Woof Woof" Barker, a very versatile player in local football. Davy Marsh and Robbie Matthews both outstanding in the Hartlepool area. Great things are hoped for across this display of talent.

Division Four is where we see just how good the five new clubs are and if they are promotion material. Darsley Park look good for promotion and should regain their Division Three status. Steels FC must also have a chance if they strengthen their defensive weaknesses. Marsden Veterans if they stay consistent also have a chance. Roker Queen Vic have possibilities they are a much better side than being relegated last season suggests. The Sportsmans Arms were in and out and consequently blew their chances but still have a chance. Then there are the Old Faithfuls who just enjoy playing football, to them winning and drawing are bonuses. To the Halfway House with their Flying Window Cleaner and Wynyard Old Boys, we wish them all the best for they are the life-blood of the over-40s league.