IT was supposed to herald the dawn of a new era but the revamped non-league structure has given county clubs a travelling nightmare.

While it was thumbs up from Worcester City, who were happy with a place in Conference North, rivals Bromsgrove Rovers, Evesham United and Stourport Swifts face many extra hours on the road after being placed in Southern League Division One.

Ashford in Kent, Bracknell (Berkshire), Egham (Surrey) and Marlow (Buckingham-shire) are among the destinations now on their footballing map. And the increased travelling distances is going to hit player budgets and increase the burden on already tight resources, warn the clubs.

Swifts chairman Chris Rey-nolds admits the re-organisation has done them few favours.

"We're disappointed bec-ause it means more travelling plus I think we've only got three local games - Sutton, Evesham and Bromsgrove - so we'll lose out on crowds as well. It hasn't done us any favours and will inevitably have some impact on us.

"We'll be looking to consolidate and feed younger players through as opposed to getting experienced players that are more expensive.

"It's going to be difficult and a lot of clubs are going to feel the pinch. Even Redditch United, who've won promotion to the Conference North, how are they going to get on?

"We'll have to grin and bear it to a certain extent but it's not the best league for us at all, however I suppose everyone is in the same boat.

"We haven't got a massive fan base either, like Bromsgrove for instance, so that makes it all the more difficult. If we had another 100 fans it would make a difference."

Bromsgrove chairman Tom Herbert also criticised the new set-up.

"We're not impressed at all because the amount of travelling you've got to do is out of this world," he said.

"The travelling is going to be extortionate for this standard of football but what can you do. We've just got to bite the bullet and get on with it."

At Evesham chairman Jim Cockerton said it "couldn't be worse".

"We're not happy but what can we do, if you want to go places you have to expect to travel."

Cockerton also revealed the club were join to sign contracts with Bloor Homes for development of their Com-mon Road ground, pav-ing the way for a new stadium in the town, set to be ready for 2005-06 season.

Meanwhile Steve Pope, who was in caretaker charge at Bromsgrove Rovers, has left the club by mutual consent.

The Victoria Ground skipper is being linked with a move to Halesowen Town.