MFL Premier (Season Preview)

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1874 Northwich

Last season

League: 20th (NPL, Division One West)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Trophy: First Round Qualifying

​Season Preview

1874 Northwich will be looking to bounce back from relegation from the NPL and challenge in the MFL Premier Division this season. The Cheshire club have made a host of encouraging signings over the summer with the aim of competing near the top of the table under manager Chris Herbert. They have bought in their record goal scorer Scott McGowan to provide some leadership up front.

Upcoming fixtures:

3/8/24: Stockport Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: Lichfield City (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

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

26/8/24: Northwich Victoria (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Romulus (H) (3pm KO) (League)

AFC Wulfrunians

Last Season

League: 11th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup:  Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for AFC Wulfrunians who have changed their manager following a mid-table finish last season. They have appointed John Griffiths as their new manager who had success at step six with Wednesfield over the last few seasons. The squad is made up of players who were excellent at step six last season for the likes of Wolves Sporting and Wednesfield such as Kie Houlihan.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Atherstone Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

13/8/24: OJM Black Country (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

26/8/24: Brocton (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Stone Old Alleynians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Atherstone Town

Last Season

League: 8th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: First Qualifying Round

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Atherstone Town are building something under manager Mitch Thomson and will be looking to push for the play offs this season. They notably signed prolific striker Ryan Harkin from Highgate United earlier in the summer to strengthen their attacking options. Key attacking threats such as Lewis Collins and Tom Smith have been retained for the upcoming season.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: AFC Wulfrunians (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: AFC Wulfrunians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

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

26/8/24: Lichfield City (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Brocton (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Brocton

Last Season

League: 1st (NWCL, Division One South)

FA Cup: N/A

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Brocton will be looking to continue the momentum of last season where they won the NWCL Division South title with 78 points and 25 wins from 34 matches. The Staffordshire will be looking to establish themselves at step five this season and finish above the bottom two. They had the best defensive record in the league last season with just 30 goals conceded which is encouraging.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Tividale (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

13/8/24: 1874 Northwich (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: OJM Black Country (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase, First Qualifying Round)

26/8/24: AFC Wulfrunians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Atherstone Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Dudley Town

Last Season

League: 7th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Dudley Town will be looking to build on the success of last season under manager Matty Lovett where they secured a top half finish at this level following promotion from step six. They made the Guardian Warehousing Arena a fortress which contributed to their success with seven wins and five draws from 17 matches. The Robins will be looking to continue that form and push for the play offs.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Sporting Club Inkberrow (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra preliminary round)

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

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

26/8/24: OJM Black Country (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Uttoxeter Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

4/9/24: Lichfield City (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

Highgate United

Last Season

League: 5th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Third Round Proper

Season Preview

It’s been a summer of change at Highgate United with Alfie Marsden appointed as their new manager following the departure of Terry Anderson at the end of last season. There’s been a few departures with James Wilcock and Ryan Harkin leaving and it might be a bit of a transitional season for the Gate this time out. They will be looking to finish in mid table with one eye on the future. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Hinckley AFC (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

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

26/8/24: Tividale (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Northwich Victoria (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Lichfield City

Last Season

League: 2nd (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Fourth Round Proper

Season Preview

Lichfield City will be looking to challenge for promotion this season following play off heartache to Darlaston Town last season. The Staffordshire side went unbeaten at home throughout the whole league season in 23/24. Key players such as James Beeson, Joe Haines and Dan Lomas have stayed on. It’s a strong squad with the only question mark up being up front with the loss of Dan Smith.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Gresley Rovers (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: 1874 Northwich (A) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Uttoxeter Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: Stone Old Alleynians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

26/8/24: Atherstone Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Stourport Swifts (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Northwich Victoria

Last Season

League: 13th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: First Round Proper

Season Preview

Northwich Victoria will be looking to build on the momentum they had in the final months of last season and use it as inspiration to push for the play offs. The Cheshire side looked good under manager Matt Barnes and have kept hold of key players such as striker Samuel Connor Unwin who scored 21 goals last season. Mackenzie Faulkner has also joined from Congleton Town. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Squires Gate (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

14/8/24: Whitchurch Alport (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

26/8/24: 1874 Northwich (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Highgate United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

OJM Black Country

Last Season

League: 3rd (MFL Division One, Promoted through the play offs)

FA Cup: N/A

FA Vase: N/A

Season Preview

OJM will be looking to establish themselves at step five following the success of last season at step six. They went up through the play offs and notably beat Droitwich Spa in the final to seal promotion to the MFL Premier. Key players from their promotion success such as Callum Nimmo and Stefan Cameron have been retained. Jordan Sangha has also stayed on who was excellent last season. 

Upcoming Fixtures:  

3/8/24: Chasetown (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

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

26/8/24: Dudley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Tividale (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Romulus

Last Season

League: 14th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: First Round Proper

Season Preview

Romulus will be looking to build on the promise of last season under manager Neil Tooth as they return to Coles Lane. The main optimism comes from players such as Finn Douglas and Mason Stevens who showed potential throughout 23/24. There’s also been some good additions with Dominic Dell and Jakob Burroughs joining from Tividale who should give leadership to the squad.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Sutton Coldfield Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: Stone Old Alleynians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

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

26/8/24: Wolverhampton Casuals (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: 1874 Northwich (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Shifnal Town

Last Season

League: 9th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: First Qualifying Round

FA Vase: Second Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Shifnal Town will be looking to build on the potential showed last season where they secured a top half finish. The Shropshire side showed glimpses under manager Connor Patterson and have kept hold of key players such as striker Joe Ellis Cuff who scored 27 goals last season. They will be looking to push for the play offs and have made some interesting signings such as Bradley Maslen-Jones.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Belper Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

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

26/8/24: Whitchurch Alport (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Studley (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Stone Old Alleynians

Last Season

League: 15th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Stone Old Alleynians did an admirable job last season and finished above the bottom two by nine points. The Stoke side have been competitive at step five over the last few years and have caused a few shocks along the way. They will be looking to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle this season. They have kept key attacking threats such as Sam Wilson who scored 10 goals last season.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Bedworth United (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

13/8/24: Wolverhampton Casuals (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: Lichfield City (H) (3pm KO) (League)

26/8/24: Uttoxeter Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: AFC Wulfrunians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Stourport Swifts

Last Season

League: 4th (MFL Premier) 

FA Cup: Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Fifth Round Proper

Season Preview

Stourport Swifts will be looking to challenge for the play offs this season under manager Quentin Townsend. Key players from last season’s play-off run have been retained such as Ethan Hanson to provide the squad with some continuity. They have also made some eye-catching signings with Darryl Knights joining over the summer to provide attacking depth.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Worcester Raiders (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

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

26/8/24: Studley (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Lichfield City (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Studley

Last Season

League: 6th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Preliminary Round

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Studley will be looking to challenge for the play offs this season following last season where they just missed out. It’s been a busy summer for the Bees with a lot of players coming and going. The main positive is manager Mike Fowler staying on for another season. There’s also been a few additions such as Jamie Spiers joining who impressed for Atherstone Town last season. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Lutterworth Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

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

26/8/24: Stourport Swifts (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Shifnal Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Tividale

Last Season

League: 17th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Third Round Proper

Season Preview

It’s been a busy summer for Tividale with Stuart How resigning and the club appointing Phil Rann as their new manager.  They will be looking be to finish above the bottom two and push for a mid-table position this season. A lot of players from last season have departed for the likes of Gornal and Romulus. Goal scoring might also be an issue with the departures of Ryan Snape and Ewan Edwards.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Brocton (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

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

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

24/8/24: Whitchurch Alport (H) (3pm KO) (League)

26/8/24: Highgate United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: OJM Black Country (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Uttoxeter Town

Last Season

League: 12th (MFL Premier) 

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

Season Preview

Uttoxeter Town will want to continue the success they had last season where they comfortably finished in mid table under manager Phil Adams. Key players from last season such as Charlie Wood and Mikey Conlon have been retained for the upcoming season. The Staffordshire side will be looking to finish in mid table and go on a run in one of the cup competitions this season.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Heanor Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: Northwich Victoria (H) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Lichfield City (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

24/8/24: Stourport Swifts (A) (3pm KO) (League)

26/8/24: Stone Old Alleynians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Dudley Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Whitchurch Alport

Last Season

League: 10th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Fourth Round Proper

Season Preview

Whitchurch Alport are building something under manager Adam Shillcock and impressed in the second half of last season. The Shropshire side finished comfortably in mid table alongside going on a notable run in the FA Vase where they beat the likes of Biggleswade United. Key players from last season such as goalkeeper Jack Sheward have stayed on for another season.

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Irlam (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: Stourport Swifts (H) (3pm KO) (League)

14/8/24: Northwich Victoria (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

26/8/24: Shifnal Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Wolverhampton Casuals (A) (3pm KO) (League)  

Wolverhampton Casuals

Last Season

League: 16th (MFL Premier)

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: Second Round Proper

Season Preview

Wolverhampton Casuals have appointed Chris Hipkin as their new manager going into this season. They will be looking to finish above the bottom two and have made some encouraging signings from the lower divisions that could work in the MFL Premier. The Cassies have bought in Charlie Swingwood and Urio Hijambazapo alongside retaining Tom Cottam to strengthen the squad.  

Upcoming Fixtures:

3/8/24: Rugby Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round)

10/8/24: OJM Black Country (H) (3pm KO) (League)

13/8/24: Stone Old Alleynians (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

26/8/24: Romulus (A) (3pm KO) (League)

31/8/24: Whitchurch Alport (H) (3pm KO) (League) 

Preview feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League