4NCL North 2014-15

[Mick Norris]

We have about 8 new Manticores joining the team (mostly Lancs players ), but I think we will stick with 2 teams, although we aren't a very long way from managing 3

[Michael Farthing]

I'd stick with 2 Mick. After all, it's only for half a season isn't it?

[Mick Norris]

I'd stick with 2 Mick. After all, it's only for half a season isn't it?

Just shows how tired I am from listening to all the rubbish from the county of my birth

[Michael Farthing]

Ehhh. Now you've changed the thread title no one will understand my comment!!!!!!

[MartinCarpenter]

Happily the point has survived in some of the reply headers At this rate you'll have to rename one team Lancashire forever

[Mick Norris]

Well, we now have 32 players in the Manticores provisional squad, 19 of which are available to play at Redworth, so it is now looking like there will be 3 Manticores teams

More opportunities for the controllers to pair our teams together

Any news from elsewhere on teams for 2014-15? (see, I can type the year correctly )

[David Robertson]

Well, we now have 32 players in the Manticores provisional squad, 19 of which are available to play at Redworth

Make sure you phone ahead so they can lay on extra black pudding

[Peter D Williams]

Make sure you phone ahead so they can lay on extra black pudding

I would play for black pudding

[Mick Norris]

Well, we now have 32 players in the Manticores provisional squad, 19 of which are available to play at Redworth

Make sure you phone ahead so they can lay on extra black pudding

Hadn't thought of that

Are your B team staying in Div 3 North?

[MartinCarpenter]

I'm wondering how many teams Bradford are going to try and run Their C team did struggle a bit for numbers last year though so maybe they'll stick with three but four can't be ruled out.

No idea about Jorvik but suspect might well stay as one team with random personel for each round.... York were of course supplying half of Bradford DCA B for much of last season

[Mick Norris]

Yes, with Bradford A being relegated, they need only 6 rather than 8 for that team, so that might give them more scope

Would be good just to see all last year's teams return, I can't see much scope for brand new teams, given where we are recruiting players now - hopefully, Ferry, Cheddleton & NE England will maintain or increase the number of their teams

I would be surprised if any teams moved up from Div 3 South

[David Robertson]

Are your B team staying in Div 3 North?

Yes, of course. It's our policy to support Div 3N. And that is unlikely ever to change because our players prefer the variety of the all-round experience on offer.

Obviously Div 2 is where we want to be for chess alone. But Hinckley Island is a drab dump compared with northern options. It baffles me why some teams in Div 3S haven't switched already. I guess they fear being eaten by dragons. On a personal note, I'm down for the 'Bs' and Redworth Hall for the first weekend; but for the 'As' and Hinckley Island thereafter.

This coming season will present a novel challenge to our squad. Organisationally, it will be awkward managing teams at different venues. But I suspect the split will have a bigger impact on our 'culture'. One good point though is that we may introduce some promising juniors to the 4NCL

[Mick Norris]

Are your B team staying in Div 3 North?

Yes, of course. It's our policy to support Div 3N. And that is unlikely ever to change because our players prefer the variety of the all-round experience on offer.

Obviously Div 2 is where we want to be for chess alone. But Hinckley Island is a drab dump compared with northern options. It baffles me why some teams in Div 3S haven't switched already. I guess they fear being eaten by dragons. On a personal note, I'm down for the 'Bs' and Redworth Hall for the first weekend; but for the 'As' and Hinckley Island thereafter.

This coming season will present a novel challenge to our squad. Organisationally, it will be awkward managing teams at different venues. But I suspect the split will have a bigger impact on our 'culture'. One good point though is that we may introduce some promising juniors to the 4NCL

That sounds very promising, so good luck

[David Robertson]

'Ferry cross the Whatever' have dropped both teams. No surprise, frankly

What a rabble! Useless

[David Pardoe]

Disappointing to hear of the demise of Ferry....do we know why they have dropped out with both teams...?

I see Steve Kee was captain/manager of both teams last year.... so I`m guessing he felt unable to continue this year....and getting volunteers is always a tricky job.
I advocate that these teams should try to run with joint captain/vice captain, so that some of the load can be spread around...
Not sure how many players that Ferry had in there squad last year... with two teams this would need to be at least 16 players to be viable... If so, that might suggest there are about 15 floaters who might be seeking a team to play for..
If so, could `Spirit` (or someone....) create an extra team from the group who have disbanded...?