By Tommy Nethery

TO the uninformed, the overriding perception that no doubt exists ahead of the new Ladbrokes.com Championship season is that division one will be of a higher standard than the second tier. In normal circumstances that would certainly ring true but it doesn't necessarily stack up as the final phases of the IFA's restructuring process kicks into gear on Saturday.

As a means of upgrading playing and spectator facilities, the Irish Football Association instigated a process to encourage clubs to meet stringent new ground criteria and last season that culminated in a 12-team Premiership and Championship that boasted 17 teams.

Teams who didn't make the cut where given a second chance. An Interim Intermediate League was put in place for one season only to accommodate those that missed out, among them HW Welders, Dundela. Moyola and Lurgan Celtic, and now these established household names along with relegated teams Tobermore United, Dergview and Killymoon Rangers will make up the backbone of the newly-formed Championship Two.

Also competing in the 15-team division is Annagh United, Chimney Corner, Knockbreda, Portstewart, PSNI, Queens University, Sport and Leisure and Wakehurst.

It all points to a highly competitive campaign and new Dergview boss Adrian Forbes is all too aware of the inevitable challenges that lie in wait for his new-look side.

Following Dergview's relegation in May, Forbes and Sion Mills man Tommy Canning were installed as the new management team on a permanent basis and have recruited heavily in preparation for an important season for the West Tyrone club.

"Last season is over and done with and we look forward with renewed optimism and confidence," said an upbeat Forbes.

"All of last year's squad have remained and we have added a raft of new signings which will intensify competition for places, something that had been sadly lacking."

Among the new signings are attackers Ryan Campbell, Gary McHugh and Andrew Sproule, defender Gareth Gallagher, midfielder Gerard Donaghey and goalkeeper Tim Harney. It is also hoped that permanent moves for the Strabane pair of Aaron Walsh and Warner Mullen will be sorted out this week as well as completing the signing of Aaron McElwee from Dungannon Swifts.

James O'Reilly, who played in goal against Irvinestown Wanderers and Dungannon Swifts at the weekend, looks set for a dramatic return and it is believed that Forbes is keen on bringing left-sided defender Ashley Lowry on board, Tyrone's player of the tournament at the 2009 Milk Cup.

Given that a number of younger players at the club are progressing through the ranks, Forbes is satisfied with his lot as he and Canning set out their strategy for the season.

And it seems that any strength in depth will be tested for the opening game against the highly-fancied Knockbreda at Darragh Park on Saturday.

"John Carlin is out with a broken nose, Colin Robinson has a fractured arm, injuries that were sustained against Dungannon Swifts, while Aaron Walsh and Adam Lecky are both suspended," said the Derg supremo.

"Not having the services of players of this quality highlights the need for real competition at this level and no doubt every player will be needed during the course of the year."

Looking ahead to the season in general terms, the team manager is in no doubt who will be the main contenders for honours.

"It's hard to look past the likes of HW Welders and Dundela, teams that I suspect had they been in Championship One would have been right up there. Others to consider would be Moyola Park, Lurgan Celtic and Knockbreda, who remember defeated a number of top sides including Portadown to win the WKD Intermediate Cup.

"I would like to think that we will be competitive but it all remains to come on trial.

"I have been happy with the pre-season training programme and our showing in a number of friendlies.

"Obviously it's hugely disappointing that everything ran smoothly in pre-season and then when the real action is about to get underway that we have a number of key players missing. But we have to deal with each situation as it arises.

"It's certainly not going to be an easy season by any means."