CORBRIDGE are preparing for what is expected to be a tough season.

Losing key players in recent weeks has hindered preparations, and the first team are uncertain about what the 2017 campaign will have in store.

Ross Atkinson, one of the team’s key players in recent seasons, has announced he is moving on, while Jack Garrett, who was earmarked as opening bowler, has headed to West Tyne League side Humshaugh.

Mattie Thompson will miss parts of the season due to his commitments as manager of Prudhoe Town Football Club, and former captain Chris Fowler may not be able to commit each week.

Corbridge will look to promote within, with teenagers Marcus Sewell and 13-year-old Corey Dover, who impressed in his first team outings last season, tipped to feature heavily.

However, there are fears another tough season is ahead, with only a strong end to the year seeing them beat the drop from the Northumberland Premier Division.

Captain Andy Dover said: “A month ago, I would have said we had a chance of being in the top three but, losing all those players, it is going to be a hard season. But we’ll struggle on.

“We’ll get a first team out but we may need to lend from the second and third teams to help out.”

The new state-of-the-art, flood proof clubhouse won’t be ready for the opening day of the season, although it is expected to house visiting teams towards the end of May. The club is holding a registration evening for juniors on Friday, April 21, at 6pm.