IT'S Hello & Goodbye as the new season moves into gear with Leigh & District Amateur Football League.

Last weekend's blank Saturday, with matches called off as a mark of respect on the day of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, gives us the chance to look back at a summer of change.

The town's major league lost a quartet of teams through the summer.

Leigh Eagles resigned their reserves although they continue with the senior side which in the last campaign secured the Coronation Cup and Carl Brown Memorial Trophy.

Westleigh Village Club are now concentrating their efforts in Division One of the Wigan Amateur League.

Three Crowns have moved to the Warrington Amateur League, now renamed as Leigh Albion Reserves.

And, sadly, St Gabriel's have folded.

But the league numbers remain the same with four new clubs now off and running. Replacing the lost foursome are Atherton C&N, Leigh Phoenix B, Sir Charles Napier (Golborne) and The Ellesmere.

Another league exit was that by referees appointments secretary Duncan Calland, forced to resign because of other commitments.

"We thank him for his marvellous efforts last season," said secretary Steve Speakman. "Especially for taking over the position at such short notice at the beginning of the year."

The Inter-League team will compete in the North West Inter-League Alliance, hoping to build on last season's success when Ernie Shaw and Tony Hogan steered them through a super campaign which culminated in victory in the Farrimond Trophy - for the first time in league history.

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