Non league football is struggling generally partly due to urbanisation, the impact of TV, and a number of social factors. Fans in Chester are more likely to support the Liverpool or Manchester teams rather than their local club. if I have not mentioned it before, 'On the Brink' A Journey through English Football's North West is worth a read. Written by Simon Hughes of the Guardian, it includes in depth look at many clubs in the region including Rovers. The North East is no different. Hartlepool are struggling, I see today a prospective investor has pulled out, Darlington failed a few years ago and the exploits of teams like Bishop Auckland, Blyth Spartans and Spennymore Utd are history. To compound things the local fans do not have much to shout about at senior level with only Newcastle in the Premier League and whether they will avoid relegation is open to question.