NORTHWOOD'S former Ryman Premier League rivals Wealdstone will be sharing their Chestnut Avenue Ground next season.

Wealdstone have been based at Edgware Town's White Lion Ground for ten years but have signed a three-year deal to play at Woods.

The deal includes break clauses that can be activated when Wealdstone's Prince Edward Playing Field development is completed.

Woods manager Mick Harvey thinks that it's good news for the club.

He said: "We need to generate some more money and we came to a groundshare agreement with Wealdstone which is very positive."

Woods have moved into the Southern Premier League next season and Harvey knows that he needs more money to cover the extra expenses.

He said: "I think we will make up for the costs of travelling, which might allow me to keep the budget I had last year."

Harvey is meeting with directors this week and hopes that he can save the reserve side who last season played at Chestnut Avenue on alternate Saturdays.

Harvey has lost Mark Dennison to Hayes but is confident that he can keep most of his squad for next season.

He said: "I've had a lot of positive vibes. It's very encouraging."

Bookmakers have installed Northwood as favourites for relegation in their division but Harvey isn't complaining.

He said: "There's no pressure on us. Hopefully we'll prove them wrong."

The manager knows that his side must adapt if they are to meet the demands of Southern League football.

He said: "I've talked to a few contacts. It's a more physical league for some reason and there's a lot of ex-pros.

"But I'm looking forward to it. I've got to look at it positively because it's not going to change."

Woods and Wealdstone are due to meet in a pre-season friendly on August 9.