Jamie Warner believes tougher challenger lie ahead for MJSL champions Leeds Maccabi this season.

The Yorkshire side won an unprecedented treble under Daniel Kristall.

But Kristall has moved on to London to take charge of Oakwood A and has passed the baton on to Jamie Warner.

Warner's task has not been helped by the loss of star striker Jordan Marks ahead of Sunday's MJSL Shield final against South Manchester Sports 2nd.

Warner said: "You expect teams to be more competitive this season.

"We also haven't got the pool of players to call upon as some of the Manchester teams.

"But that's the challenge. It's about reproducing the kind of form that ensured we were so successful last term.

"I think it will take a little bit of time to get new ideas over. But we don't need to change too much as if it's not broken why fix it."

Warner knows he has big boots to fill and said: "I've been involved with Leeds for a few years now.

"I was offered the chance and I thought why not. We want to have some fun and win games."

Opposite number Mark Magid will use the curtain-raiser to blood the club’s new young players.

The league will boast a ninth and extra team with South Manchester 3rds joining for this year.

Magid said: “We want to challenge and make it hard for Leeds, who will be strong favourites.

"But we will also use this opportunity to test out some of our new and younger players.

"It gives them a chance to get used to the speed and standard required in this league."