Rishton are the hunt for a new professional after releasing Will Driver from his contract.
The Blackburn Road club had snapped up the former Accrington paid man in August after he had enjoyed a good season in the Ribblesdale League with Read.
Rishton had South African Cameron Delport last season as their paid man but he left in May with an injury and they had to use sub pros for the rest of the league campaign.
Rishton were pleased to snap up Burnley-based Driver, a former Lancashire seconds player, but he has been given an opportunity to play for Staffordshire in the Minor Counties.
"This would mean he was unavailable for 12 Sundays and he may also play for Worcester seconds," said captain Jimmy Bibby.
"We are obviously disappointed but do respect his decision and the opportunity to progress his own career.
"It does mean we have to find another professional which is never easy.
"The financial considerations are a massive factor these days and you cannot even guarantee that the professional of choosing will complete the season, or even come right up to the start of the season.
"We have had some bad luck with professionals in the past few years going home injured and we would just like a professional who will contribute to the overall success of the club, not just on the pitch but off it as well."
The three other Hyndburn clubs have their professionals sorted out – Accrington, in Ashar Zaidi, Enfield, with Werner Coetsee, and Church, with Saeed Anwar. Rawtenstall have signed Jandre Coetzee, who plays for Griqualand West alongside Werner Coetsee.
ACCRINGTON will play Gujrat at Thorneyholme Road in the first round of the LCB Cup.
THE draw for the Worsley Cup first round has been made. Ties to be played on Sunday May 20.
- Accrington v Colne
- Lowerhouse v Rawtenstall
- Nelson v Burnley
- Ramsbottom v East Lancs
- Rishton v Bacup
- Todmorden v Haslingden
- Byes: Church and Enfield
