MFL Division One (Season Preview)

​AFC Bridgnorth

Last Season

League: 20th (MFL Division One) 

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

​Season Preview

AFC Bridgnorth are looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last season where they finished bottom of division one with 21 points. The Shropshire side will be looking to make the most of a reprieve and have appointed Jasper Jones and Carlo Bandiera as their new management team. Goalscoring might be an issue following the departures of Luke Morris and Chris Sterling.   

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Birstall United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Gornal Athletic (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Cradley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Sutton United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: Bewdley Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Vase, First Qualifying Round)

Allexton and New Parks

Last Season

League: 1st (Leicester Senior League, Premier Division)

FA Vase: N/A

Season Preview

Allexton and New Parks will be looking to continue the momentum they had last season where they won the LSL Premier Division title with 67 points and lost just 3 out of 28 league matches. They have managed to retain prolific striker Ryan Charles who scored 31 goals for them last season. The Leicester side have also entered the FA Vase and should be an interesting side to follow at step six.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Gornal Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Heather St John’s (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Sutton United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Stapenhill (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Bilston Town

Last Season

League: 9th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

The main theme for Bilston going into this season has been continuity with a lot of key players from last season staying on for another push for the play offs. Despite the league finish, there was a lot to be positive about last season with Sam Yankson excellent in front of goal and committing for the new season. There’s also been some notable additions with the likes of Chris Bladen joining from Cradley.   

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (A) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Cradley Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Heather St John’s (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Gornal Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (A) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Birstall United

Last Season

League: 10th (UCL, Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for Birstall United who joined the MFL from UCL Division One and appointed Paul Pallett as their new manager. Key players from last season have stayed on such as Charlie Doherty who made 44 starts for them last season. The big departure was Josh Crossley leaving to join fellow MFL side Leicester St Andrews who scored 22 goals last season. They have a good track record at step six with their lowest finish being 12th since the start of 21/22.   

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: AFC Bridgnorth (H) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Chelmsley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Coton Green (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Chelmsley Town

Last Season

League: 17th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Chelmsley Town will be looking to build on the positives of last season. Key players such as Corey Soloman and Adam Woods have stayed on for the upcoming season. The club have also been excellent at developing players over recent years with MFL promotion winning goalkeeper Tom Allsopp playing for the club. Alfie Chatwin might play more of a part this season up front.     

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/24: Nuneaton Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Gornal Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/24: Wednesfield (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Birstall United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Cradley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Coton Green

Last Season

League: 15th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been an excellent summer for Coton Green who have made a string of moves to challenge this season in division one. The Green Army have added the likes of Cameron Lee and Tom Weale over the last few months to offer the squad experience and leadership. They have also re-signed key players such as Matt Gardner who has scored 41 goals for them over the last two seasons.   

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (A) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Sutton United (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Stapenhill (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (H) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Birstall United (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Coventry Copsewood

Last season

League: 11th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Coventry Copsewood will be looking to continue the success of last season where they finished comfortably in mid table. They have retained prolific striker Sean Kavanagh who was excellent for them last season with 19 goals. They have also kept the likes of Charlie Gordon who was an ever present for them with 37 starts in 23/24. That continuity and experience should serve them well.   

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Stapenhill (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Ingles (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Birstall United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Heather St John’s (A) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Bilston Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Cradley Town

Last Season

League: 7th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for Cradley Town since coming close to the play offs last season. There’s been a change in manager with former Tividale manager Stuart How coming in following the departure of Aaron Morris. There’s also been a few eye-catching signings with the likes of Ryan Snape and Jack Til coming in who played at step five last season. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (H) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Bilston Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Stapenhill (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: AFC Bridgnorth (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Wednesfield (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Chelmsley Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Gornal Athletic

Last Season

League: 2nd (WMRL, Premier Division)

FA Vase: N/A

Season Preview

Gornal Athletic will be looking to establish themselves at step six following promotion from the WMRL (Premier Division) last season. They look well equipped for a top half finish based on the signings made which include the likes of Louis Connor, Joe Burroughs and Curtis Cocking. This will be their final season at the Garden Walk Stadium, and they have a good manager in Dave King.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Chelmsley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Bilston Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Heather St John’s

Last Season

League: 8th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round 

Season Preview

Heather will be looking to build on the promise of last season where they come close to challenging for the play offs. There’s a lot to be positive about with Kyle Jardine being retained who was excellent last season with 45 goals in all competitions. The Leicester side will be looking to challenge for the play offs in their second season at step six and look well placed to be near the top of the table. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Sutton United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Bilston Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Paget Rangers (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Nuneaton Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Ingles

Last season

League: 4th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First Round Proper

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for Ingles following the play off success of last season with Adam Boulter appointed as their new manager. To get in the play offs was an excellent achievement for the Leicester side and key players such as Jack Allen have been retained. There’s also been a few notable additions with De-Quarnai Williams joining who impressed at Paget Rangers last season.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Nuneaton Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: Melton Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase, First Qualifying Round)

Kirby Muxloe

Last Season

League: 6th (UCL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Kirby Muxloe narrowly missed out on the play offs in UCL Division One last season by two points and were competing near the top of the table. Key players from last season’s success have been retained including Charlie Andrews, Adam Parry and Mark Foster who made a combined 116 starts throughout 23/24. They have the potential to cause a few shocks under manager Rob Middleton.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Cradley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Ingles (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (A) (7:30pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Coton Green (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Leicester St Andrews

Last Season

League: 11th (UCL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Leicester St Andrews will be looking to build on the positives of last season where they finished comfortably in mid table in UCL Division One. Key players such as Tom Hill has been retained and they have got some momentum under manager Ross Perkins. There’s also been an eye-catching signing with striker Josh Crossley joining from Birstall United who was excellent last season.  

​Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Bilston Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Stapenhill (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Paget Rangers (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Ingles (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Gornal Athletic (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Lutterworth Athletic

Last Season

League: 17th (UCL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Lutterworth Athletic will be looking to build this season under new manager Ben Steane since joining the MFL from UCL Division One. The Leicester side avoided finishing in the bottom three by three points and will be looking to push on into mid table this season. Key attacking threats from last season have been retained such as Brandon Beardmore who scored nine goals. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Chelmsley town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Coton Green (A) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Nuneaton Griff

Last Season

League: 14th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round 

Season Preview

Nuneaton Griff will be looking to build on the positives of last season where they comfortably finished in mid table. Dale O’Donnell and Daniel Edmonds have stayed on for another season who were ever present for them throughout 23/24 with a combined 75 starts. Josh Baloucoune could be an excellent signing in midfield who has recent experience with Wolves Sporting and Paget Rangers.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Ingles (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/24: Paget Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Birstall United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (H) (7:30pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (H) (7:30pm KO) (League)

Nuneaton Town  

Season Preview

It’s been an eye-catching summer for Nuneaton Town who have formed following the unfortunate collapse of Nuneaton Borough last season at step three. They have responded well and bought in club legend Darren Acton as part of their new management team alongside bringing in a wealth of experience. Key signings include the likes of Liam Daly, Kyle Batchelor and Chandler Pegg.    

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Paget Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/24: Chelmsley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Wednesfield (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Sutton United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Ingles (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Heather St John’s (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Paget Rangers

Last Season

League: 19th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been a summer of change for Paget who are entering a new era following the struggles of previous seasons. Mike Pitt has been appointed as their new manager and there going to be building for the future this season. The aim will be to finish above the bottom three. Key players such as Ryan Butler have been retained to provide experience and leadership to a young squad.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Nuneaton Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Heather St Johns (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Sutton United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Saffron Dynamo

Last Season

League: 9th (UCL Division One)

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been a story of progression at step six for Saffron Dynamo over the last few seasons at step six. Following an 18th place finish (22/23) the Leicester side were excellent last season under manager Jacob Straw and finished in 9th in UCL Division One. Key players from last season such as MacKenzie Armstrong and Jack Scott have been retained and it feels like there building something.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Wednesfield (H) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Birstall united (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Lutterworth Athletic (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Bilston Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

21/8/24: Nuneaton Griff (A) (7:30pm KO) (League)

Smethwick Rangers

Last Season

League: 18th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round 

Season Preview

Despite finishing in the bottom three last season, there was a lot to be positive about for Smethwick Rangers who looked to be building something under manager Sam Heath. The link up with Boldmere St Michaels U21s made them a lot more competitive in the second half of last season. Key players such as Jake Lamb and Jake Wilkes have been retained.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Coton Green (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Wednesfield (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Kirby Muxloe (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Paget Rangers (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Gornal Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Stapenhill

Last Season

League: 13th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: N/A

Season Preview

Stapenhill finished comfortably in mid table last season and have been competitive at step six over the last few seasons. They were in the play off final against Darlaston Town a few years ago and came in 7th in 22/23. There capable of challenging for a top half finish and could be a dark horse for the play offs if it all clicks. Key players such as Paul Hollis and Lewis Campbell have been retained.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Leicester St Andrews (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Cradley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Coton Green (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Wednesfield (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Sutton United

Last Season

League: 12th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: N/A

Season Preview

Sutton United will be looking to build on the success of last season where they established themselves at step six and comfortably finished above the bottom three. There capable of pushing for the top half this season and have also entered the FA Vase which should be interesting. Top scorer Joe Gildea has been retained for another season who scored 33 goals throughout 23/24.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Heather St John’s (H) (3pm KO) (League)

7/8/24: Coton Green (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Allexton and New Parks (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Nuneaton Town (H) (7:45 KO) (League)

17/8/24: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

20/8/24: Paget Rangers (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Wednesfield

Last Season

League: 6th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for Wednesfield who have appointed Sean Geddes as their new manager following the departure of John Griffiths to AFC Wulfrunians. They came close to the play offs and narrowly missed out on goal difference last time out. It’s going to be a struggle to hit the heights of last season and the supporters might need a bit of patience with the club going through a rebuild at this level with one eye on the future. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Saffron Dynamo (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/24: Smethwick Rangers (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

10/8/24: Nuneaton Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/24: Chelmsley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

17/8/24: Cradley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

20/7/24: Stapenhill (H) (7:45pm KO) (League) 

Preview feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League