As local football teams are well into their pre-season friendlies, rumours abound about the number of clubs struggling for players.

 East Devon football enthusiasts were surprised to learn this week that Honiton Town had pulled their Reserve side from the Premier division due to a lack of players.

 A statement in the club's website confirmed this. The statement said: "As confirmed by the Devon and Exeter Football League's website, we have had to take the regrettable decision to withdraw our second team from their league.  The first team will remain in the Southwest Peninsula and are unaffected.

 "This decision was not made lightly, and the management team was in place with the desire, backing and attitude to take the second team higher in the league.  However, a number of players decided that they wanted to move to other clubs in the vicinity.  

 "Despite valiant efforts, it became clear that it could be a struggle to be able to put a team out each week.  So a deadline had to put in place to allow the players that stayed an opportunity to find other clubs if they so wished.  That deadline was Monday night."

 Last year's Premier champions Lapford are also appealing for more players and a new manager. It is thought that a number of players were disappointed that Lapford  were not accepted into the Devon League because their facilities did not meet the criteria necessary and have gone to other clubs that play at a higher standard.

 There were also rumours floating around this week that Alphington might have to pull their first team which play in the Devon League due to a lack of players.

 Last season Lyme Regis pulled their third eleven, Lyme Rovers, from the Perry Street League due to the difficulties in fielding three senior sides every week. The Seasiders will continue with two teams for the time being with the Reserves playing in Devon and Exeter Division Three.