MFL Division Two (Season Preview)

AFC Solihull

Last season

League finish: 6th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: First round

Season preview

AFC Solihull had an encouraging debut season in division two following promotion from division three as league champions. They were competitive throughout 24/25 and secured a top six finish thanks to an eye catching seven match unbeaten run. Key additions over the summer include striker Jahvan Howell rejoining the squad who impressed for Birmingham United with 22 goals last season.    

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Birmingham United (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Inkberrow (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Paget Rangers (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Bolehall Swifts (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Birmingham United

Last season

League finish: 3rd (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Quarter finals

Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for the Blinders with Joe Sims leaving the club and being replaced by former Coventrians manager Matt Breeze in the dugout. The club have also changed their home ground to the Studley Sports Centre following a few seasons at the Trico. Key additions include striker Romano Graham joining who scored 29 goals for Coventrians last season.   

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: AFC Solihull (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

13/8/25: Lane Head (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Coventrians (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Cadbury Athletic (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons

Last season

League finish: 1st (MFL Division Three) (Promoted as league champions)

LJ cup: First round

Season preview:

Boldmere are looking to keep their momentum going from last season where they finished as league champions of division three with 156 goals scored and only 31 goals conceded. Key players including strikers Lamin Barrow and Liam Draper have been retained who scored a combined 50 goals on their way to winning the league. Midfielder Shaun Reid and defender Ben Rea have also committed to the Falcons.

Upcoming fixtures

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

6/8/25: Bolehall Swifts (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

16/8/25: Northfield Town (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Central Ajax (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

Bolehall Swifts

Last season

League finish: 9th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Second round

Season preview:

It’s been another busy summer for Bolehall swifts with a change of manager over the summer. Jon Huckfield has left to join the coaching staff at Sutton United and has been replaced by former Coleshill goalkeeper Paul Hathaway in the dugout. Striker Ben Lloyd has committed to the new season who emerged as a real attacking threat with fourteen goals for the Swifts last season.

Upcoming fixtures

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

6/8/25: Boldmere Sport and Social Falcons (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

13/8/25: Paget Rangers (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Coventry Alvis (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: AFC Solihull (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Cadbury Athletic

Last season

League finish: 8th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: First round

Season preview:

Cadbury have been busy over the last couple of months. Former Hampton manager Dean Guest was appointed first team manager with the club also moving to Moseley Rugby club as their new home ground. Key players including goalkeeper Fraser Oliver and striker Wade Malley have committed to the Chocolate men for 25/26. Tom Craine and Jack McGinn have also rejoined the club to add depth.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons (H) (3pm KO) (League)

6/8/25: Lane Head (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

16/8/25: Solihull Sporting (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Birmingham United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

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

Central Ajax

Last season

League finish: 4th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Quarter finals

Season preview

Central Ajax went a bit under the radar last season in division two but had a brilliant campaign at step seven with a top four finish under manager Tom Coles. The Warwickshire club finished the season strongly with six wins from their last eight matches to finish in 4th. Key players have been retained such as striker Shaye Eden who has scored 38 goals over the last two seasons at this level.

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Coventrians (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

12/8/25: Coventry Alvis (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Gornal (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Coventrians

Last season

League finish: 7th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: First round

Season preview

It’s been a busy few months for Coventrians who appointed Lee Walkinshaw and Lee Petch as their new management team. There’s a bit of a rebuild going on with players from last season’s squad departing for other clubs. None the less, Edward Brogden has stood out for Leamington Hibs in division three and could make the step up. There’s also some continuity with Lewis Barrett and Liam Connolly staying on to guide the new look squad.   

​Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Central Ajax (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

12/8/25: Earlswood Town (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Birmingham United (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Coventry Alvis (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Coventry Alvis

Last season

League finish: 12th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Second round

Season preview

Coventry Alvis will be looking to challenge for a top half finish in division two following a comfortable lower mid table finish last season. There’s been a lot of continuity in the squad with attacking threats Jagit Aujla and David Buckley committing for another season. The Tankmen have also signed striker Merdi Mukaba to boost their attacking options up front.  

Upcoming fixtures

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

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

​12/8/25: Central Ajax (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Bolehall Swifts (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Coventrians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

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

Earlswood Town

Last season

League finish: 13th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Second round

Season preview

It’s been a summer of change at Earlswood Town with Tom Reynolds coming in as their new manager following a challenging season in division two. The Earls have signed numerous players including former Birmingham United midfielder Ellis Vaux and experienced striker Daniel Elwell to strengthen the squad. They have also signed goalkeeper Scott Cashmore who was at Wolves Cassies last season.

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Inkberrow (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

9/8/25: Wake Green Amateur (H) (3pm KO) (League)

12/8/25: Coventrians (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Coventry Dunlop (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Fairfield Villa (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Fairfield Villa

Last season

League finish: 14th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Quarter finals

Season preview

Fairfield have been preparing for their new season in division two with a couple of statement signings. The Swans notably added former Birmingham United manager Joe Sims to the coaching set up alongside GJ Singh. Notable signings include midfielder Kartel O’Neill-Martin joining the squad who has played for Birmingham United and Knowle in the past. Striker Brett Fellows has also signed to boost their attacking options up front. 

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Northfield Town (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

13/8/25: Hampton (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Solihull Youth Academy (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Earlswood Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Hampton

Last season

League finish: 5th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Winners

Season preview:

It’s been a busy summer for the LJ cup winners with Dean Guest leaving to join Cadbury Athletic and being replaced by Kev Kingham in the dugout. There’s been a range of eye-catching signings such as former AFC Coventry Rangers goalkeeper Jack Hartopp joining the squad who impressed at step six for Coventry Copsewood last season. Striker Callum Devlin joining also looks an astute signing.  

Upcoming fixtures

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

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

13/8/25: Fairfield Villa (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Leamington Hibernian (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Inkberrow (H) (3pm KO) (League)

25/8/25: Bolehall Swifts (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Inkberrow

Last season

League finish: 11th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Second round

Season preview:

Compared to a lot of clubs in division two, Inkberrow have been relatively quiet this summer in preparation for the new season. Player manager Ceri Thomas has stayed on for the new campaign which offers continuity from last season. Key players such as wing back Sahad Amir and goalkeeper Louis Beresford have been retained who started a combined 42 games in 24/25.

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Earlswood Town (A) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

12/8/25: AFC Solihull (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Wake Green Amateur (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Hampton (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Lane Head

Last season

League finish: 15th (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: First round

Season preview:

Lane Head will be looking to bounce back this season following a challenging campaign in 24/25 where they finished bottom of the division with fifteen points. Aaron Allcock and Andrew Lee have stayed on for the new season with Adam Shorto a source of goals for the Walsall side. None the less, It’s a tough looking start with home fixtures against Northfield Town and Cadbury Athletic.

Upcoming fixtures

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

6/8/25: Cadbury Athletic (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

13/8/25: Birmingham United (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: AFC Birmingham (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Wake Green Amateur (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Northfield Town

Last season

League finish: 1st (MFL Division Two)

LJ cup: Semi finals

Season preview:

Northfield will be looking to defend their league title this season following an eventful couple of months. The club could not get promoted to step six due to planning permission issues for their floodlights. Harris Jackson has also left the coaching staff for challenges new. None the less, it’s still a strong squad with Tom Walker, Josh Westwood, Rhys Forbes and Jimmy Ward all staying on. 

Upcoming fixtures

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

5/8/25: Fairfield Villa (H) (6:35pm KO) (League)

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

12/8/25: Wake Green Amateur (H) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons (A) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Paget Rangers (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Paget Rangers

Last season

League finish: 22nd (MFL Division One)

FA vase:  Second qualifying round

Season preview:

Paget are looking to bounce back following a tough season at step six which resulted in relegation from division one in 24/25. Defender Dominic Ellington has committed to the club to guide the squad through the challenge of step seven football. Goalkeeper Ashkon Larmour has also joined from division three side Gornal who started 21 games last season and will be looking to make the step up.    

Upcoming fixtures

4/8/25: Wake Green Amateur (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

13/8/25: Bolehall Swifts (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: AFC Solihull (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Northfield Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

Wake Green Amateurs

Last season

League finish: 2nd (MFL Division Three) (Promoted to step seven)

LJ cup: Second round

Season preview:

Wake Green will be looking to keep their momentum going from last season where they finished on a real high. The Solihull side won seven of their last eight matches to seal promotion to division two as runners up. Key players such as striker Damian Kelly have been retained who scored 45 goals in 24/25. Goalkeeper Joe Beale and defender Nathaniel Percival have also stayed on to offer experience and leadership to the squad at step seven. 

Upcoming fixtures

4/8/25: Paget Rangers (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

12/8/25: Northfield Town (A) (6:25pm KO) (League)

16/8/25: Inkberrow (H) (3pm KO) (LJ Cup)

23/8/25: Lane Head (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

Preview feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League