The current Ribblesdale Wanderers skipper has been upset by comments from an anonymous contributor, appearing under the pseudonym Ragy Thun, an anagram of Gary Hunt.

The comments criticised Colne's recruitment policy, as well as suggesting the club, who finished bottom last year, "have made the wooden spoon there (sic) own for years to come with the help of there (sic) old school committee".

Hunt said: "I want to put the record straight, I am a loyal ex-player, who captained the club, and am still heavily involved in helping out.

"I'm particularly fed up that someone has gone on a respected website and been devious and underhand about how they signed off.

"I don't want my name associated with those views, I've got nothing but respect for the club and the people there, who are doing a sterling job to keep Colne on an even keel."

Meanwhile, Colne and Nelson are ready for the start of the new Lancashire League season on Sunday.

Colne finished bottom last time out, having spent the previous couple of years in the lower reaches, and they will look to rebuild with some talented youngsters.

The club have suffered the loss of Chris Holt and Matt Wilson, who have both joined Ribblesdale League Read – with Holt taking 5-39 on his bow against Whalley on Saturday.

But on the plus side, Jeff Ellis has returned after a brief spell with Settle, and he will captain the side.

Pakistani Ali Anwar is the new professional, although he is unavailable for Sunday's trip to Haslingden.

The 21-year-old paceman helped his country win the Under 19 World Cup Final against India three years ago with a destructive spell which reaped figures of 5-35.

Anwar is also handy with the bat, boasting an unbeaten century in first-class cricket.

Nelson will also have a new skipper, with Khurrum Nazir taking over from the long-serving Michael Bradley – the Lancashire League record holder for most victims behind the stumps.

Bradley has certainly earned his retirement after a distinguished career, having made his debut as an 18-year-old in 1981, while the club have also lost the services of Farooq Bukhari, and Max and Benno Schlicker.

But the Bradley name continues at Seedhill, with sons Lewis and Russell both part of the squad, although Russell, on his return from Ribblesdale Wanderers, has to settle for a place in the seconds this weekend.

Richard Meade, who left Nelson for Church Meadow with Russell, also makes the return journey, while Billy Jamil joins from Burnley, and another familiar face, Stuart Lemon, is back after a spell in the Bradford League.

Nelson are one of the more fancied sides, showing great consistency over the last few years, finishing in the top four in three of the last four seasons, and they will be a decent bet to maintain, or better, that standard.

Robin Peterson is back as professional, with the South African having played in the first half of the 2006 season, returning impressive figures with bat and ball before being recalled back home, having guided Nelson to the Worsley Cup Final – a final where replacement Craig McMillan helped secure the trophy.

The attacking left-handed batsman made 367 runs at 52.4 in 10 Lancashire League matches, including three half-centuries, and his slow left arm spin claimed 37 wickets at an average of just under 12, with a best of 7-41.

He has recently been in Test action with his country, touring Australia, while he was involved against Bangladesh in February.