Firstly I hope that we're all looking forward to the 24/25 season.
Instead of predictions I've decided to do a bit more of a preview. Looking at each step from 2 to 7 where I think the stories throughout the season will come from, who will do well, who could cause a few shocks and much more.
If your team isn't mentioned, I apologise. I'm just a fan of local football and don't mean to miss clubs out. This is just on what business clubs have done in the off season and how as a fan I see the season going for some of our clubs. If you don't agree please give you opinions on the tweets/posts I put out, id love to hear some of your opinions.
Lets start at the highest step shall we and work our way down. Alphabetically Alfreton Town come first and I'm sure they won't mind me saying their normally predicted a bottom half finish but always over perform. Last 2 seasons in the playoffs The Reds from North Street will be looking to upset some of the big boys again and push for the playoffs in a league that goes more full time by the season. Speaking of full time.
That takes us to Buxton FC in appointing a new manager in John McGrath and going full time, its a familiar league but a whole new world of full time football for The Bucks. Full time football has included the summer signing of True Grant on loan from Manchester City. Top half feels like a must for Buxton this season.
Ilkeston Town is our first stop in step 3. Ian Deakin having his first pre season at The Robins in my humble opinion will be looking to better their finish of 11th last season. With James Perch named as captain, key additions while retaining the majority of last seasons squad. They be tough to beat and good to watch. You know exactly what you're going to get from a Deaks side, 100% effort and a never say die attitude. Come May I think they'll be in the playoffs minimum.
Worksop are next on our step 3 journey, playoffs last season losing out to Macclesfield. It'll be Robbie Savage's Macclesfield The Tigers will be aiming for again. Every summer addition looks to have improved Craig Parry's squad. Another playoff finish looks bare minimum.
A quick look to Greenwich Avenue with Martin Carruthers now back in the dugout at Basford United after coming in and keeping their step 3 status last season. Everyone at Basford will be hoping for a more comfortable season with the signing of Kacy Milan Butterfield looks to have given them some steel in the middle of the park.
Onto step 4 and were going to start with a team that didn't have the best 23/24 season in Long Eaton United. After double promotion seasons turmoil kicked in and were relegated back to step 4. With a raft of new and familiar faces returning to the newly named Family Only Stadium at Grange Park. Brad Munn will be looking to turn the fortunes around in the NPL Midlands league with my personal thinking playoffs should be the minimum aim and the chance of another league title for The Blues if everything comes together.
Carlton Town will be looking to carry on from last season. Playoffs for The Millers. Brookbanks' men look to have not lost many while fan favourite Nat Watson returns to give them more of an attacking threat.
NPL East now with Belper Town. Fell away near the end of the last season with terrible luck and some poor form. The Nailers will be hoping lightening doesn't strike twice as they will look at the 2nd time of asking to bounce back into step 3.
To round off step 4. We go to Debdale Park via Kirklington Road. Sherwood Colliery will play at the highest level in the clubs history this season and land in the NPL east with lots of trips up to Newcastle. With the first part of the season played at Rainworth while Debdale has a 3G pitch installed. How will they cope with the travel? A team I've not watched yet but had plenty of change during the off season. For the majority of the league they'll be an unknown but Sav's men have history of scalps in the cups so I wouldn't put it The Wood having a good season, having some cracking games and making plenty of friends along the way in their new league. Can see a top half finish.
At step 5 the United Counties League Premier North looks wide open this season with the biggest squad additions happening at Coronation Park. Eastwood CFC have kept the core of last season squad DT & Martin Ball have added a spine to their squad with Phil Watt & Jake Wright at centre half while Rob Norris comes into centre midfield with 2 from step 4 and Wright part of Sherwood's league winning side last season should give The Red Badgers a side that's tough to beat while having a front line that on their day can be ruthless.
Latecomers to the league Newark Town will certainly be one to keep an eye on especially when its the Newark Derby against Newark & Sherwood, those will be 2 fixtures to if you can, you attend.
Carl Abbott is back in the dugout at Gresley Rovers. Last time Abbott was at The Moat Ground and in step 5 he took them up with a 2nd placed finish behind Long Eaton United, The Moatmen will be hoping Carl can take them back up to step 5 with a fresh new squad from last seasons.
Another returning face to local football and a man who needs no introduction is Rudy Funk who's took over at Shirebrook Town. Shirebrook look to be a total unknown for most, promoted from Step 6 and a whole new squad for a side that is normally in the NCEL.
My dark horses for step 5 this season are Belper United, a team without a home and sharing with Eastwood. They look to have had a shrewd summer followed up without reading into pre season too much performances to go with it. Without huge names coming it the squad looks well balanced and you know Steadman & Hayer will have a system and style of play to build on.
Big changes in step 6 as United Counties League Division 1 welcome some new sides over from NCEL.
Clay Cross Town making the biggest moves on and off the pitch with lots being done to improve the matchday experience while on the pitch they add vast experience in Brad McGowan, Josh Waldrum, Craig Westcarr & Nathan Tyson. Some real quality for step 6 and Clay Cross will be one of the fancied sides.
Another new side to UCL D1 and that will be fancied are Retford United, lost in NCEL playoffs last season but Hindley's men will be looking to go one better this season and finish as champions. Managing to keep the majority of last seasons squad despite the league move while adding Mr Matlock Town Adam Yates, the Kieran's Harrison, Knight & Watson. If your not Retford United or Clay Cross Town and you finish above them both. Personally I think you'll be champions. With Retford FC also added to UCL D1. The Retford Derby will be one of the stand out fixtures of the season.
Clifton All Whites look to also be an interesting prospect with Greg Tempest taking over as manager and with an obvious connection to Notts County they could be one that could upset a few. As with all young sides consistency might just not be enough but they'll defiantly play football in the right way.
Finally at step 6 both Pinxton and Stapleford Town are new into the pyramid. Stapleford playing at Radford but after 2 NSL league wins will be looking to make their mark on step 6. While Pinxton again will be an unknown to a few in the league but the experience they have signed on will make a visit to The Welfare Ground tough for anyone.
Dipping into Step 7 with both Central Midlands Alliance & Notts Senior League both looking wide open for any side who has the ambition (& ground grading) to get into the pyramid. In CMAL South, South Normanton will be looking to go one better this season after pushing local rivals Pinxton all the way last season and get back into the pyramid with some good looking improvements off the pitch too.
In CMAL North and maybe not where they expected to be are Blidworth promoted and back on the upward trajectory after a chaotic few seasons. It will take something special to out do Doncaster City but Blid will do well for me.
NSL looks even more wide open. Going on not much at all Borrowash Vics could be the ones. They have a ground that's already been in the pyramid and a whole new fresh look about them this season. They could be the ones that go up this season from NSL while I also do expect Wollaton to be as good as ever building on from their top 4 finish and a cup win.
Again, nothing but a humble personal opinion. But I'm looking forward to how this coming season pans out with lots of football to play.
Until the next one and coming to a ground near you...
Peace
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