LANCASHIRE League chairman Mike Bibby says the historic 2017 season will ‘freshen things up’ for the competition.

Clitheroe and Great Harwood arrive from the Ribblesdale League, with Darwen making the move from the Northern Premier, to alter the make-up for the first time in 114 years.

And Bibby insists their introduction could see gates swell, while the destination of the title come September is tougher to predict than ever.

“I’m looking forward to it very much,” Bibby told the Lancashire Telegraph when asked for his expectations of the new campaign.

“There are big changes with the introduction of three new clubs and the hope is that they stimulate the league – that’s what everybody wants.

“The new clubs are there to stimulate interest.

“The same 14 clubs have contested the Lancashire League all these years, and so this will freshen things up.”

The format this season will flummox a few, but Bibby says it is necessary in establishing a two-division structure.

He added: “I don’t think it’s an ideal situation in the sense of the way in which we have to play the league this year, but it is the first step towards a new format.

“Seventeen clubs play each other once to start with, then after that form two divisions – the top nine and the bottom eight.

“They they play those teams from the same division again.

“At the end of the season there will a play-off, but the exact details of that are up in the air at the moment.

“Next year, with five more new clubs coming in, they will again play each other once and then split into two divisions, with 2019 the first full season with two divisions.”

Ramsbottom will be out to defend their title, but Bibby says they will have to get used to life without former pro Daryn Smit, who joined Derby-shire after three years at Acre Bottom,

He said: “Smit was the best professional in the league for the last two to three years and Ramsbottom will miss him because he was not just a good professional but a good captain as well.”

Bibby added: “It’s difficult to know what will happen this season with the new clubs coming in, but you would imagine the usual suspects will be involved at the top.

“Clitheroe have been a strong side in the Ribblesdale League, winning the title four seasons in a row, and they have a new professional in Fawad Alam. Much will depend on how he performs.

“Darwen have been sat on the boundary of our league for many years. They are finally here and I understand they may have attracted a few players back.

“But until these clubs have played a few games, it’s anybody’s guess how they will fare.”

Bibby’s main hopes are healthy crowds and fine weather, after last season’s rain-ravaged campaign.

“It can’t be any worse than last year,” he said of the elements. “Ramsbottom played fewer games than anybody else and won the league.”

He added: “Clitheroe, Darwen and Great Harwood will hopefully help stimulate the gates.

“Clitheroe have a good following for away games, and some good crowds at home, and Lowerhouse always have a decent support and a noisy one at that.

“All three clubs have put in a lot of work and spent quite a lot of money on their grounds and facilities.”