Wad about some footy?
THE BLOOD, the guts, the mud, the goal-gluts - just some of the features football fans will enjoy over the next two terms following the big kick-off of the college season this week.
Players have had over six months to come to terms with the upheaval caused by the re-structuring of the league to incorporate an extra division.
No fewer than 14 teams suffered relegation from just two divisions, with the likes of Wolfson and Keble going down despite finishing mid-table in divisions one and two respectively.
Teams will now play each other both home and away, but only time will tell how big an impact home advantage will have in the climate of college football.
The question on everybody's lips is whether anyone can seriously challenge Wadham, who completed an impressive league and cup double last time around.
The men from Marston Ferry Road have lost only keeper Mark Gawley and striker Matt Davies since last season, and so long as others are not called up to join Deji Davies and Mark Addley playing at university level, I can see them being serious league and cup contenders again
Captain Laurence Clarke is confident he can lead the team to glory once more. He said: "There will be extra pressure on us to succeed after last season's exploits, but I'm confident we will cope with this."
Last season's runners-up Somerville could again be their nearest rivals, but watch out too for Magdalen and Balliol.
Both won promotion from Division Two at a canter, scoring bucket-loads of goals in the process.
Balliol in particular, will have the back-bone of their team still intact, although the loss of inspirational midfielder Rick Bones will be a blow
They highlighted their potential this week with an impressive 4-1 opening win over Lincoln.
It could well be a season of transition for New College, who finished third last time around. New have been hit by the loss of five important players, and their hopes will depend on the intake of freshers.
Top goal scorer Alex Gifford, and experienced defender Graham Francis, have both departed, along with the American contingent of keeper Tyler Nottberg, and skilful wingers Luis Aragon and Thomas Peterson.
At the other end, St.Edmund Hall, Lincoln and Worcester may be dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Worcester have lost centre-backs Mark Smith, John MacDougal and Tom Bailey to the world of employment, not to mention top striker James Taylor.
Captain Dave Robinson underlined the stark reality of the situation, admitting: "Our first aim is to be playing in the Premier Division again next season."
Brasenose, who narrowly missed out on promotion in March, look the strongest candidates for promotion from Division One.
The majority of their first team remains intact, and captain Dave Webster is hoping university stars Thierry Richards and Neil Evans will again shine.
Of the teams relegated from the top league last season, beaten cuppers finalists St.Catz should be there or thereabouts, along with Wolfson, who only narrowly missed out on survival.
Exeter may also push for promotion if they can replace captain Jon Devaney and wing-back Tim Lloyd, and will be looking to striker Fred Gjertsen for the goals.
St.Anne's may miss former Blues stars Tom Cairnes and Tim Souster, but will still be a threat, while the loss of influential captain and playmaker Olly Syrus, will do nothing to help St.John's bounce back.
Hertford's hopes will be hit by the loss of hard-man George Burns, striker Steve Kynaston and winger Loz Rikard, and they will be relying more than ever on goal-machine Alex Robinson.
Keble start as favourites for the Division Two title, boasting five University 3rd team players, and having only just failed to avoid thedrop last season, after recovering from a dreadful start.
The loss of striker Simon Atter, who scored 40 goals last last year, will obviously be a major blow, but Keble can still call on the quality of left winger Lewis Vaughn-Jones, and midfield work-horse Andy Tingle.
Of their rivals, Linacre were relegated two divisions after finishing bottom of the old first division, and will be a threat, while Pembroke will be looking to build on a storming finish last season, when five wins on the trot were not enough to stave off relegation.
Predictions:
Premier League - Wadham
Division One - Brasenose
Division Two - Keble
Cuppers - Wadham
12th Oct 2000