MFL Division One (Season Preview)

​AFC Bridgnorth

Last season

League finish: 17th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

AFC Bridgnorth are looking to push on in division one following an encouraging end to last season under manager Jack Griffiths. The Shropshire side finished 25/26 on a nine-match unbeaten run in division one and will be looking to build on that momentum this season. Notable signings include former Bilston midfielder Mitch Evans joining the squad over the summer. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Cradley Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Stapenhill (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Ingles (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Birmingham OJM (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

AFC North Kilworth

Last season

League finish: 3rd (Leicester Senior League, Premier Division) (promoted to step six)

League cup: First round

Season preview

AFC North Kilworth will be embracing the challenge of step six football following promotion from the Leicester Senior League. Key players from last season have been retained including striker Jake Smith who scored 17 goals at step seven and will be looking to make the step up. It’s an exciting time for the club with players such as Domenico Lanni committing for the new season who made 27 starts last season.     

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Birmingham OJM (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Stapenhill (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Wednesfield (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Birstall United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Allexton and New Parks

Last season

League finish: 20th (MFL Division One)

FA Vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

It’s been a busy few months for Allexton and New Parks with a change of manager over the summer. Dan George has been appointed as their new manager to guide them through division one following a challenging debut campaign at this level in 24/25. A lot of key players have been retained for the upcoming season such as striker Ryan Charles who scored nine goals last season.     

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Gornal Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Stapenhill (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Ingles (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Bilston Town

Last season

League finish: 9th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for the Steelmen with Mike Dunn resigning following a three-year spell at the club. He’s been replaced by former Tividale manager Dave King alongside a new look coaching staff for the upcoming season. Notable signings include midfielder Luke Carter joining the squad and being appointed captain for this season who impressed for Gornal Athletic and Cradley Town last year.  

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/25: Birmingham OJM (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (A) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/25: Sutton United (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Gornal Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Birmingham OJM

Last season

League finish: 8th (MFL Premier Division) (relegated due to ground issues)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Birmingham OJM will be aiming to bounce back following an unfortunate relegation from the premier division due to ground problems. Key players from the squad that secured a top half finish at step five have stayed on such as defender Callum Nimmo. Notable signings include midfielder Jordon Sangha and experienced striker Matty Gardner to strengthen the squad over the summer.

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/25: Bilston Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Knowle (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Wednesfield (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Birstall United

Last season

League finish: 14th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Birstall United will be looking to build on last season’s momentum building Leicester Senior Cup win against Heather St John’s in the final. The Leicester club have been patient and stuck with manager Paul Pallett for the upcoming season who guided them to a comfortable mid table finish in 24/25. That sense of continuity could pay off this season with key players being retained such as attacking midfielder Ryan Seal who scored 26 goals last season. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Chelmsley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Gornal Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Chelmsley Town

Last season

League finish: 19th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Chelmsley Town will be looking to make Pack Meadow a fortress in division one which served them well last season. Eight of their nine wins in 24/25 came at home on their way to finishing above the bottom three. There’s a lot of experience and know how in the squad with the likes of defenders Corey Solomon and Henry Walker making 74 starts combined last season and staying on for 25/26.

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

4/8/25: Knowle (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Birstall United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Cradley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

18/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Coventry Copsewood

Last season

League finish: 11th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

It’s been a summer of change for Coventry Copsewood with Carl Nolan and Ryan Baldwin coming in as their new management team. It could be a transitional season from the Coventry Telegraph Challenge Cup winners with a lot of last season’s squad moving on to new challenges. Goalkeeper Olly Manuel returns to offer some experience and leadership to the new look squad this season.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Stapenhill (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Cradley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Heather St John’s (A) (3pm KO) (League)

18/8/25: Chelmsley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

23/8/25: Knowle (A) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

Cradley Town

Last season

League finish: 4th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

It’s been an eventful couple of months for Cradley Town following the success of last season’s play-off run. Matt Clark and Jamie Oliver have been announced as their new management team to guide the Hammers in division one. Notable signings include striker Rahiem Faulder who has previously impressed for AFC Birmingham in division three and could make an impact this season.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Heather St John’s (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Gornal Athletic (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Chelmsley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Wednesfield (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Gornal Athletic

Last season

League finish: 16th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: N/A

Season preview

Gornal Athletic will be looking to challenge in division one this season following an eye-catching summer. The Peacocks have bought in Stuart How as their new manager following a challenging campaign at this level last time out. There’s been numerous statement signings with midfielder Ryan Winwood and defender Ben Podmore joining the squad to offer experience and leadership.     

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Wednesfield (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Cradley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Birstall United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Bilston Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Heather St John’s

Last season

League finish: 2nd (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First round proper

Season preview

Heather will be looking to challenge for the title following a brilliant campaign at this level last season. The Saints were impressive in division one throughout 24/25 and finished on 95 points as runners up. The Leicester side have added striker Sam Grouse to boost their attacking options up front following the departure of Kyle Jardine to Nuneaton Town over the summer.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Cradley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Sutton United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Wednesfield (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Ingles (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)  

Ingles

Last season

League finish: 8th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Ingles had an encouraging season in division one under new manager Adam Boulter who secured a top half finish in 24/25. There’s been a lot of continuity to build on that momentum going into the new season with players such as midfielder Billy Blackshaw and defender Daniel Chapman committing to the club. Winger Jack Allen has also committed to the Leicester side for 25/26.      

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Stapenhill (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Sutton United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Heather St John’s (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Kirby Muxloe

Last season

League finish: 6th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: Second round proper

Season preview

Kirby Muxloe will be looking to bounce back from missing out on the play offs near the end of last season. A lot of last season’s squad have joined the likes of Leicester St Andrews and Heather St Johns, and it could be a rebuild this season. There’s some continuity in the squad with midfielder Tom Carroll and defender Daryl Russell staying on for the new campaign which should help them.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Sutton United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Birstall United (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Bilston Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Knowle

Last season

League finish: 2nd (MFL Division Two) (Promoted to step six)

LJ Cup: Runners up

Season preview

Knowle will be looking to embrace the challenge of step six football following promotion from division two in 24/25. The Robins were one of the standout sides at step seven over the last three seasons under manager Matt Seeley. Joining Division One is a brilliant opportunity for the squad to test themselves at a higher level with midfielder Connor Mort being bought in to offer leadership.

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Wednesfield (H) (3pm KO) (League)

4/8/25: Chelmsley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Birmingham OJM (H) (3pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Sutton United (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

23/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

Leicester St Andrews

Last season

League finish: 3rd (MFL Division One) (Reached the play off final)

FA Vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

Leicester St Andrews are looking to go again following a tough loss to Coton Green on penalties in the play off final last season. The Drews have made some astute signings and will be looking to challenge at the top of the league. Notable signings include winger Zakari Adams who impressed for Kirby Muxloe last season with 28 goals scored in all competitions. Striker Greg Mills has also been retained for the new season.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Gornal Athletic (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Bilston Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Lutterworth Athletic

Last season

League finish: 18th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

Lutterworth will be aiming to build on their 18th place finish under manager Ben Steane at the end of last season. There’s a sense of continuity for the Leicester side with Callum Pinto and Sebastian Sam committing to the new season who started 68 games combined in 24/25. Notable signings include defender Brandon Williams and midfielder Leo Kelly joining the squad.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Chelmsley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Knowle (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Nuneaton Griff

Last season

League finish: 12th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Nuneaton Griff had an underrated season in division one under manager Aaron Cheshire who guided them to a comfortable mid table finish. They lost attacker Daniel Edmonds to Atherstone Town earlier in the summer who scored 24 goals last season. He’s been replaced by former Coventry Copsewood striker Sean Kavanagh to strengthen the squad who has a proven track record at this level.  

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Birstall United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Lutterworth Athletic (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Leicester St Andrews (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Heather St John’s (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Saffron Dynamo

Last season

League finish: 15th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Saffron Dynamo are aiming for a top half finish in Tony Maisto’s first full season in charge who was appointed at the back end of last season. Notable signings include striker Aaron Preston who impressed for Birstall United in 24/25 with 10 goals in all competitions. Key players such as Mackenzie Armstrong and Ryan Butler have also been retained for the new campaign.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Bilston Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Birstall United (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Nuneaton Griff (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Birmingham OJM (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Smethwick Rangers

Last season

League finish: 7th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: N/A

Season preview

Smethwick have had an impressive summer following an eye-catching 7th place finish in division one. Midfielder Kye Billingham-Belle has been retained and appointed captain for the upcoming season. Notable signings include Josh Whitehouse and Callum Thorpe joining from league champions Nuneaton Town. Defender Nathan Allison has also committed for the upcoming season.  

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Ingles (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Saffron Dynamo (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Chelmsley Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Sutton United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Stapenhill (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Stapenhill

Last season

League finish: 13th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First round proper

Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for Stapenhill with the Burton side freshening up their badge and appointing Jim Connell as their new chairman. They have stuck with manager Louis Briscoe who guided them to the final of the MFL league cup alongside a comfortable mid table finish in division one. Notable signings include George Teeney returning to the club following a successful spell at Ingles where he scored 16 goals last season.  

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Coventry Copsewood (H) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Ingles (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Allexton and New Parks (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Sutton United

Last season

League finish: 10th (MFL Division One)

FA vase: Fourth round proper

Season preview

Sutton United are looking to build on the success of last season’s historic run in the FA vase where they reached the fourth-round proper before bowing out to Bourne Town. The management team of Richard Heath and Liam Burke achieved a top half finish in division one and have made some statement signings over the summer. This includes bringing in forward Oliver Burgundy who impressed for Chelmsley Town and former Smethwick defender Jake Lamb.

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Kirby Muxloe (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Heather St John’s (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Ingles (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/25: Bilston Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Smethwick Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Knowle (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Wednesfield

Last season

League finish: 21st (MFL Division One)

FA vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Wednesfield are looking to bounce back from a challenging season in division one where they got a reprieve from relegation to step seven. One of the players who stood out for the club in a tough season was winger Dilpreet Sandhu who scored eleven goals and has been retained for the upcoming campaign. Former Solihull Sporting manager Gavin Heath has also joined the coaching set up.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Knowle (A) (3pm KO) (League)

5/8/25: Gornal Athletic (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Heather St John’s (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Birmingham OJM (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: AFC North Kilworth (A) (3pm KO) (League)

19/8/25: Cradley Town (A) (7:45pm KO) (League) 

Preview feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League