THE West Midlands League, in which a number of county clubs compete, is set for a shake-up for next season.

While the Premier Division, which includes Bromyard Town, Kington Town, Ledbury Town and Wellington will remain unaffected, the two divisions below the top flight are to be re-aligned.

Below premier level, the league is currently split into Division 1 (North) and Division 1 (South) with three Herefordshire teams, Leominster, Hinton and Ledbury Town Reserves, competing in the southern section.

But as from the 2004-5 season, the league will reform into Divisions 1 and 2 with the top clubs from each of the existing regional sections moving into Division 1, subject to ground ratification, with the remainder going into Division 2.

On their playing records this season, Hinton and Leominster, who are both comfortably placed in the middle of Division 1 (South), would have a good chance of moving into the new Division 1. Ledbury Town Reserves, however, who have struggled so far this season and are currently at the foot of the table, would be likely to be members of the new Division 2.

"We believe it is a positive move forward," said West Midlands League secretary Neil Juggins, who confirmed that the new structure had been agreed upon at the league's annual general meeting last summer. "It's a more logical structure.

"We had a meeting with the clubs last Thursday and there was not much in the way of adverse reaction. There will be further discussions but hopefully things will move forward.

"Theoretically, the lower standards which will be required in Division 2 may also persuade other clubs to join the league."

Hinton have strongly welcomed the move which they believe will improve standards.

"We were one of the teams who pushed for this when it was talked about last year," said Hinton's assistant manager Steve Griffiths. "There will be more travelling but it will be a better standard.

"Now we've just got to pull our fingers out to make sure we'll be in Division 1 next season!"

Leominster secretary Bill Bloxsome said: "It's obviously something we shall have to look at to decide whether we can compete within that structure.

"I'm sure it will improve the league but there will be a lot of clubs doing a lot of soul-searching before the date comes for reconfirming league membership for next season.

"Our management committee, and the team managers, will certainly be discussing it over the next two meetings."