Sunday champions are Athletic

The outcome of the Division One title was decided at the league management committee’s monthly meeting on Monday night which tackled nine rules breaches, all relating to unfulfilled fixtures.

League secretary Alan Green is working hard to ensure there is no repeat of a “terrible” season which had to be restarted in the latter part of 2010 after club withdrawals jeopardised the competition’s future.

He said: “I know it’s been a struggle for them this year, we appreciate that, but we’re going to try and make it easier for clubs next year and I want a lot more commitment from them.”

The league is offering a host of incentives to new and existing teams for next term, including free entry into the league and its cups, reduced pitch fees and cup finals at The Pilot Field, home of Hastings United.

“We’re trying to save the Sunday League,” added Green. “I’ve sent out the applications for next season, and I’ve had some quite good feedback and a couple of responses to the (newspaper) adverts.”

Green is hoping to retain the existing two-division format in order to preserve the top flight’s intermediate status and to that end would like a minimum of 16 teams.

Among the other things being considered is moving the traditional 10.30am kick-off time back slightly, but Green stressed “we’re looking at every avenue” ahead of the league’s AGM on Sunday June 26.

Anyone interested in fielding a team next season should contact Green on 07919 048191 or email [email protected]