Ian Ferguson will be back in his coveted No 1 spot, as Birmingham start their campaign for a first Midland League title in a decade.   "We have a tremendous squad of players, with a blend of youth and experience", enthused the legendary attacking star.  "All the teams will be a tough test, but Leamington are the ones to beat and we are certainly capable of that," he added.  'Fergie' was a member of the last team from the city to win the league, in a squad that also included Mark Read, Michael Browne and Peter Waite.
There was a long absence from the competition, until a return in 2006/7, which ended in a creditable third place.  This time round, the optimism amongst the table tennis fraternity in the city is very evident, especially with 'Fergie' back in the fold. Ferguson will be joined by his Curdworth team-mate Sasha Groghotov and Edward Lynn of Colebridge, for the opening fixture against Nuneaton, at the Colebridge club in Shirley on Sunday October 14 (2pm).

 
It is a big season for Lynn, arguably the quickest player in the West Midlands.  His third season back in the sport after a long break will show whether he has the ability to transfer his outstanding record in the Premier Division in Birmingham, to Warwickshire and Midland League status.

Current Birmingham and Warwickshire champion Scott Prime (Kingshurst Bribar), who is unavailable for the first match, the experienced Browne, also from Kingshurst, Navinder Matharu (Colebridge) and youngster Nabil Khalfey (Sutton) complete the squad.

Ferguson is back to his brilliant best after a break from the sport, helping Curdworth to the Birmingham Summer league title, in an unbeaten season.  "We have four of our first five games at home, so hopefully we can fill the Colebridge club to the rafters with support and make it an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition," said Ferguson.  "Sasha has improved dramatically in recent months, with his current rate of progress suggesting that he will rocket up the England ranking list.  "We are pushing each other to the limit in practice, which is helping us both, as personally I feel I am almost back to my best."

 
Browne is set to be a very important member of the team, with his vast experience.

The veteran attacker is still a regular player on the English tournament scene and looks a strong bet to be included, for the second match of the season at champions Leamington, on November 11.  Khalfey joined the squad, as part of his reward for gaining support from the Mark Read Foundation.  "It will be a big learning curve for Nabil," insisted Ferguson.  "He can look at Sasha for inspiration and see that talent has to be allied to hard work, to gain improvement in your game," added Ferguson.

Leicester, Stafford, Gloucester and the RAF complete s strong section.

Birmingham once again has five veteran teams in the Midland League.  Steve Bertie (Kingshurst) will be a key member of the Division One squad, with England veteran Ray Dixon set to miss the whole campaign, due to a knee operation.
Association chairman Dean Hicks will be hoping his side in Division Three gain a second successive promotion, although Birmingham C with John Taylor, Alan Hall and Brian Morris included, will have something to say about that.Birmingham D and E both play in Division Four.