MFL Weekly Round Up (Premier and Division One)

Premier Division

Tividale

Tividale have been busy preparing for the new season and have made some notable moves over the last few days.

One of the more eye-catching signings is former Shifnal defender Bradley Maslen-Jones joining the squad who has a lot of experience at this level. He’s been brilliant at the back over the last two seasons for the likes of AFC Wulfrunians and Shifnal Town with 71 starts in all competitions at step five.

​He’s got a track record of success in the premier division and was a key part of Shifnal’s promotion to step four in the play offs last season. He also guided AFC Wulfrunians to a comfortable mid table finish back in 23-24 and impressed at centre back.

It feels like a big signing for Tividale going into this season and he should give the squad that know how and leadership at the back.

Other key players from last season’s squad have been retained for the new season to offer some continuity going into 25/26.

Goalkeeper Ethan Hawkes has committed to Tividale who was an ever present for them last season with 40 starts in all competitions at step five. He recorded eye-catching clean sheets against AFC Wulfrunians and Stourport Swifts away from home and emerged as a real fans’ favourite last time out.   

Striker Alfie Higgs has also committed to the club who scored 11 goals from 30 starts last season. He’s another player who helped them finish above the bottom two with important goals in wins against Studley, Highgate United and Wolverhampton Casuals at the back end of 24/25.    

Tividale have also signed Shakeel Brown to boost their attacking options down the wings which could make the difference in tight matches this season.            

Winsford United

Winsford United are looking to keep their momentum going from winning the first division south of the North-West Counties League and have quietly been building for the MFL Premier over the last few months.

The management team of Dom Johnson and Dean Jones have committed for the upcoming season and a lot of the promotion winning squad have stayed on at the Cheshire club going into step five.

Goalkeeper Jacob Kirwan has committed for the new season who won NWCL goalkeeper of the year for 24/25. He recorded eighteen clean sheets for Winsford United last season on their way to winning the league championship at step six. It’ll be intriguing to see how he gets on this season in the MFL Premier.   

Last season’s top scorer Matty Birchall has also committed to the club for the upcoming campaign. 

Winsford have also kept hold of Ollie Pope who scored 21 goals for them last season which should boost their attacking options up front.

Key midfielders from last season’s championship winning squad have also stayed on board such as Blake Robinson and Leo Tanswell which is encouraging for the upcoming season.

It genuinely feels optimistic and exciting for Winsford supporters with the club looking to carry on their momentum going into the MFL Premier.       

Division One

Bilston Town

Bilston have been building for their new season in division one with Dave King coming as their new manager over the summer. He’s joined by Steve Fellows, Kieran Bustin, Wayne Shakespeare, Eleanor Higginson and Sharn Singh as part of the coaching staff. 

The Steelmen have been a brilliant side to watch over the last few years at step six with consecutive top half finishes in division one since the beginning of the 21/22 season. The supporters have loyally stuck with the team over the years with Queen Street a ground full of character and atmosphere.    

There’s been a mixture of continuity and new signings for the upcoming season. Key players such as goalkeeper Dom Cooper, midfielders Joe Scriven and Jake Short and defenders Haydn Hall and Ben Priest have committed for 25/26.   

Midfielder Luke Carter joining the squad is an eye-catching signing and should provide some leadership on the pitch. He’s got plenty of experience at this level and featured for the likes of Gornal Athletic and Cradley Town last season with 29 starts in all competitions at step six.

There’s a lot of former Gornal Athletic players who have joined the squad such as Josh Godwin, Nathan Guest and Will Rawlins who featured a lot during Dave King’s time at the Peacocks.

It feels encouraging from Bilston and there’s a lot of experience and know how in the squad to be competitive and push for the play offs this season.

Smethwick Rangers

Smethwick Rangers had one of the best defensive records in division one last season with only 51 goals conceded from 42 league matches which was the third best in the league.

It was a successful season for the club last time out who comfortably finished in the top half of the table aided by an incredible run of home form under manager Sam Heath.

In a crowded local non-league scene Smethwick have developed a reputation for developing and improving players at step six and giving them valuable game time to move up the pyramid.

There looking to keep that momentum going for the upcoming season and have made some encouraging moves over the last couple of weeks.

A key signing is midfielder Kye Billingham-Belle staying at the club who played a key part in their success last season with 27 starts in all competitions. He’s been appointed as the captain for the upcoming campaign and feels like a key player for Smethwick in 25/26.

There’s also been a lot of eye-catching additions to the squad such as Josh Whitehouse and Callum Thorpe joining from division one title winners Nuneaton Town. Both players have quality and should boost Smethwick’s attacking options up front and in midfield.

Ronnie Holt has also joined from Lichfield City who featured as a substitute over the last two seasons and has experience playing at step five to draw on.    

A lot of players from last season’s squad have also stayed on board for the new season such as defenders Joel Newman and Nathan Allison and attackers Alfie Chatwin and Liam Wilson to boost the current squad. 

It feels positive for Smethwick, and they will be hoping to kick on this season and make another push for a top half finish in division one.   

Round up feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League