We are now nearing the end of October and the leagues are beginning to take shape.

I have now seen all the new teams and am impressed by the quality that each has to offer. They all need time for their players to familiarise themselves with each other to cement their individual identities.

The Premier Division is progressing much as expected with those out in front last term starting to open gaps even at this early stage, but no-one should ever lose heart.

The leading three teams in Division One are beginning to race ahead but gaps can easily be closed at this early stage of the season.

The Second Division has some formidable early leaders and it’s good to see teams that may easily have fallen by the wayside in previous seasons have a new lease of life. This is down to the tireless efforts of Managers, Secretaries, Coaches and the recruitment of new players.

I have noticed down the years that clubs are hiring better facilities and this will undoubtedly help to increase skills and participation.

I think that the Roll-on Roll-Off substitution is working well and teams and players seem to like it. It is there to be used if you want to use it.

We are lucky to have 100% coverage of match officials and we should strive at all times to make their job easier by not disputing decisions.

The leading three teams in Division One are beginning to race ahead but gaps can easily be closed at this early stage of the season.

The Second Division has some formidable early leaders and it’s good to see teams that may easily have fallen by the wayside in previous seasons have a new lease of life. This is down to the tireless efforts of Managers, Secretaries, Coaches and the recruitment of new players.

I have noticed down the years that clubs are hiring better facilities and this will undoubtedly help to increase skills and participation.

I think that the Roll-on Roll-Off substitution is working well and teams and players seem to like it. It is there to be used if you want to use it.

We are lucky to have 100% coverage of match officials and we should strive at all times to make their job easier by not disputing decisions.

We have already had two rounds of the Cyril Anekstein Cup and the Peter Morrison Trophy commences this weekend.

North London Raiders A easily won their match in the London Sunday Challenge Cup and we hope that Hendon United Sports can do the same in their tie this Sunday.

It’s been a difficult and very disappointing start for the Hammers. Without trying to make excuses we have been plagued by injuries and the team do not seem to be gelling together properly. Some of the buys are really questionable. If we can build on our result at Crystal Palace last weekend against Sunderland tomorrow then we will start to climb the table.

It is a completely new ‘culture’ at Stratford. For Karen Brady to say we never had a culture in the past is rude and demeaning. Upton Park WAS our home and with all the memories it’s hard to forget. I would go back there tomorrow if I could and I know many West Ham supporters share that sentiment.

I been a season ticket holder for well over 50 years and now to have so called ‘supporters’ fighting each other in the stands in front of me (in the best seats) leads me to re-assess whether I want to continue to go to Stratford. Newham Council really needs to get its act together. I really don’t want to be a TV supporter.

Continue to enjoy the season and I will write again in early December.

David Wolff

Chairman

Maccabi GB Southern Football League