THE possibility of Ramsbottom joining the Greater Manchester League raises an interesting question about how the GMCL will manage expansion over the next few years.

My dad played at Rammy and I learned the game there as a junior before moving to Greenmount.

It is a great club with great players and some of the best facilities in the country for this level of cricket.

On a personal note, I would love them to join the league as I want to compete against the best.

Rammy would certainly strengthen the GMCL, but what I would be interested to know is if they do join, which division will they be placed in.

How are the league going to go about this, not just with Rammy but any other clubs that want to join in the future?

You don't want new clubs being drafted into the top tier at the expense of Division One clubs that have worked hard to earn promotion.

Clubs who are vying for the top four spots in Division One this season need to know that if they are successful they will earn a rightful place in the Premier Division.

It is not just about the kudos of playing in the top tier, sensible clubs will be drawing up a possible budget for next season now.

You don't want those plans being thrown into flux if teams are then invited into the league above them.

There has to be a way of doing this that is fair and keeps everybody happy, but I imagine it is going to be a delicate process.

The interesting thing for me is whether a club, such as Rammy, would be happy playing a season in Division One and earning the right to play in the top tier.

Bamford Fieldhouse, for example, are a big club that accepted that challenge when they joined the GMCL and it will be interesting to see how Ramsbottom's possible inclusion, and the arrival of other clubs in the future, will be handled.