AUGUST may prove a pivotal month in deciding the destination of the Cheshire League’s Premier Division title this season, according to Knutsford chairman Jimmy Evans.

Reds were due to host defending champions Linotype last night, Tuesday – the first fixture in a busy sequence of eight crammed into 25 days.

And Evans believes the next three weeks could be make or break for the men from Manchester Road, who finished as runners-up last term.

“Nearly a third of the total games are played in August,” he said.

“You need a bit of good fortune, and to be at your best, otherwise you’ll be playing catch-up.

“A good start is vital, but some teams will have problems because of players being on holiday.

“We’ll be without Tom Rutter and Josh Waites, but that’s how it is; it’s hard to tell how many other clubs are in a position where they’re not at full-strength until September.

“It can work out as a positive if you have a decent run of results and can start September close to the top end of the table.”

However, Evans insists Knutsford will have no excuses for not occupying first place come next May.

The chairman has spent countless hours working on the pitch at Manchester Road this summer.

“When we play to our level we are the best team in the league - there’s nobody to fear,” he added.

“We should have won the league last season; it was nobody’s fault but our own.

“We’re working our trap off away from the pitch, so it’s over to the players now. The pitch is in fantastic shape for them.

“We’ve provided a platform, and it’s up to them to deliver. 

“Half are former semi-professional players and have bought into playing our brand of football, which is controlling possession and using width – especially at home.”

Reds have been boosted by the return of Ebby Rezayan, back from a spell coaching in America, and Mike Cartner following his recovery from a long-term injury.

Meanwhile front man Liam Myers has turned down offers from higher-ranked teams to stay at Knutsford.

Evans told the Guardian he hoped to learn a lot from Reds’ opener against Linotype.

He added: “Losing to them cost us the title. Had we beaten them, they would have needed a six-point swing.

“You can never be sure who is in good shape until you play them. 

“Lino are on the crest of a wave, but Eagle, Crewe and Denton will be up there again too if they keep together the same squads.”

Reds visit Rylands this Saturday, kick off 3pm, before hosting Crewe next Tuesday from 6.30pm.