Premier Division (Season Preview)

​1874 Northwich

Last season

League finish: 4th (MFL Premier Division) (Reached play off final)

FA Cup: Second Qualifying Round

FA Vase: First Qualifying Round

​Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for 1874 Northwich following their play-off final loss to Shifnal. Key players such as defenders Mark Jones and Tom Morris have been retained. Goalkeeper Jack Atkinson has also committed for the new season who could play more of a role following the departure of Michael Shorthouse. Notable additions include striker Jack Woolley joining from Winsford United to boost their attacking options up front.   

Upcoming fixtures

1/8/25: Bootle (A) (7:45pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

23/8/25: Prestwich Heys (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

25/8/25: Stone Old Alleynians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Lye Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

AFC Wolverhampton City

Last season

League finish: 14th (MFL Premier Division) 

FA Cup: Extra preliminary round

FA Vase: First round proper

Season preview

AFC Wolverhampton City will be looking to build on last season’s league cup win against Stapenhill and use it to push on at step five. Key players have been retained such as midfielder Jake Lloyd who made 40 starts in all competitions for the club in 24/25. Right back Tommy Poole has also committed who impressed at this level last season and emerged as a fan favourite.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Shepshed Dynamo (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

12/8/25: Whitchurch Alport (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

23/8/25: AFC Bridgnorth (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

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

30/8/25: Studley (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Abbey Hulton United

Last season

League finish: 2nd (NWCL, Division One South) (Promoted through the play offs)

FA Cup: N/A

FA Vase: Fourth round proper

Season preview

Abbey Hulton will be embracing the challenge of step five football following promotion from Division One South of the NWCL in 24/25. The Abbey beat Stafford Town on penalties to secure promotion and have kept hold of key players such as striker Kieran Brown who will be looking to make the step up. Notable additions include defender Carl Dickinson who has experience winning the league with Hanley and Congleton to draw on.  

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Boldmere St Michaels (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

25/8/25: Northwich Victoria (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Whitchurch Alport (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Brocton

Last season

League finish: 5th (MFL Premier Division)

FA Cup: Preliminary round

FA Vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

Brocton will be looking to keep their momentum going at step five following a remarkable season in 24/25. The Badgers secured a play off spot under manager Alex Curtis following promotion from step six. They had the second-best goals scored record in the division with only Lichfield City bettering it. Key players have been retained such as strikers Regan Smith and Will Whieldon who scored 60 goals combined last season.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Bedworth United (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

12/8/25: Stone Old Alleynians (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

25/8/25: Tividale (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Uttoxeter Town (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Coton Green

Last season

League finish: 5th (MFL Division One) (Promoted through the play offs)

FA cup: N/A

FA Vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

Coton Green will be looking to build on last season’s promotion from division one where they beat Leicester St Andrews on penalties to secure step five football. The Green Army have retained the majority of last season’s squad under manager Nic Oakley. The likes of defender Cameron Lee and midfielder Dean Morris have experience playing in the premier division to draw on which should serve them well this season.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Rugby Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

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

30/8/25: Tividale (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Dudley Town

Last season

League finish: 7th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: First qualifying round

FA vase: First round proper

Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for Dudley Town in preparation for the new season. The Robins are coming off consecutive 7th place finishes since joining the premier division back in 2023. Manager Matty Lovatt has done a brilliant job of getting the club competing near the top of the division and they could push for the play offs this season. Notable signings include attacking midfielder Ryan Snape who has impressed at this level in the past for the likes of Tividale.    

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Heanor Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

25/8/25: Romulus (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Northwich Victoria (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Hanley Town

Last season

League finish: 21st (NPL, Division One West)

FA cup:  Preliminary round

FA trophy: Third round qualifying

Season preview

Hanley Town are looking to bounce back from a challenging season at step four which resulted in relegation from NPL Division One West. The Stoke side have made some quality signings with goalkeeper Michael Shorthouse and striker Eden Bailey joining from 1874 Northwich. Kacper Mikulski and Jack Van der Lann have also joined from Stone Old Alleynians.

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Lichfield City (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

12/8/25: 1874 Northwich (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

25/8/25: Whitchurch Alport (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Highgate United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Highgate United

Last season

League finish: 17th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: First round proper

Season preview

Highgate are looking to build some momentum at step five following a challenging season for the Solihull side in 24/25. It was a struggle for the Gate with five wins from 34 matches. None the less, last season had its moments such as the eye-catching comeback win against Shifnal. If they can pick up a result in one of their first few matches it could give them the belief and momentum to push on.      

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Hinckley AFC (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

23/8/25: Nuneaton Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

25/8/25: Coton Green (H) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Hanley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Lye Town

Last season

League finish: 20th (NPL, Division One Midlands)

FA cup: Preliminary round

FA Trophy: Preliminary round

Season preview

It’s been a busy summer for Lye Town following relegation from step four at the end of last season. Richard Ball has been appointed as their new manager alongside a new look coaching staff for the challenge of step five football. Notable signings include striker Luke Sidaway who impressed for Gornal Athletic in division one last season and could make the step up in front of goal. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Hereford Pegasus (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

25/8/25: Studley (A) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: 1874 Northwich (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Northwich Victoria

Last season

League finish: 11th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Preliminary round

FA Vase: First qualifying round

Season preview

Northwich Victoria have been busy this summer in preparation for the new season. The Cheshire side have made some eye-catching signings to boost the squad. This includes defender Harry Davis joining who has featured for the likes of Crewe Alexandra in the past. Other notable signings include former Port Vale striker AJ Leitch-Smith joining the squad. Key players such as Will Lloyd have also been retained.     

Upcoming fixtures

3/8/25: Campion (H) (4pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

23/8/25: Winterton Rangers (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

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

30/8/25: Dudley Town (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Romulus

Last season

League finish: 13th (MFL Premier Division) 

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: First round proper

Season preview

Romulus have been building for the new season and have gone a bit under the radar. The management team of Joe Ballinger and George Evans were appointed in the middle of last season and guided them to a comfortable mid table finish. Key players such as full back Jordan Francis and goalkeeper Lewis Gwilliams have been retained who started a combined 69 games in 24/25. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Coventry Sphinx (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

9/8/25: 1874 Northwich (H) (3pm KO) (League)

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

23/8/25: Lye Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Vase)

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

30/8/25: Winsford United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Stone Old Alleynians

Last season

League finish: 9th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Preliminary round

FA vase: Second qualifying round 

Season preview

Stone Old Alleynians will be looking to keep their momentum going from last season where they secured a top half finish. The Stoke side were a tough side to break down in 24/25 and offered an attacking threat on the break. Key players such as defender Luke Askey, midfielder Matt Thomas and striker Jack Tomlinson have all stayed on for the new season.   

Upcoming fixtures

1/8/25: Sutton Coldfield Town (H) (7:45pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

25/8/25: 1874 Northwich (H) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Stourport Swifts (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Stourport Swifts

Last season

League finish: 10th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: Second round proper 

Season preview

It’s been a summer of change at Stourport Swifts with Ben Jevons resigning at the end of last season and being replaced by Craig Gregg in the dugout. Key players such as James Hanson have committed for the new season. He’s been an ever present for the Swifts with 101 combined starts over the last three seasons. Notable signings include striker Leslie Omorodion who has impressed at step six and will be looking to make the step up.      

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Newcastle Town (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

11/8/25: Studley (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

23/8/25: Abbey Hulton United (H) (3pm KO) (League)

25/8/25: AFC Wolverhampton City (H) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Stone Old Alleynians (H) (3pm KO) (League)

Studley

Last season

League finish: 12th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: First qualifying round 

Season preview

Studley will be looking to build some momentum in manager Danny Brain’s first full season in charge of the Bees. The former Chelmsley Town player joined in the middle of last season and guided them to a comfortable mid table finish. Key players such as striker Kyle Moseley have been retained who scored nine goals last season. Notable signings include forward Chris Uwabor joining from Romulus.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Sporting Club Inkberrow (A) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

9/8/25: Stone Old Alleynians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

11/8/25: Stourport Swifts (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

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

30/8/25: AFC Wolverhampton City (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Tividale

Last season

League finish: 16th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: Second round proper

Season preview

Tividale have been making eye catching signings over the summer to boost their squad for the new season. Defender Bradley Maslen-Jones has joined from Shifnal where he guided them to promotion alongside having the best defensive record in the division with only 27 goals conceded. Other notable additions include striker Callum North joining who impressed for the likes of Smethwick and Cradley Town last season.   

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Clay Cross Town (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

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

25/8/25: Brocton (H) (3pm KO) (League)

30/8/25: Coton Green (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Uttoxeter Town

Last season

League finish: 15th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: Extra preliminary round

FA vase: Second qualifying round

Season preview

Uttoxeter have made some encouraging signings going into the new season. The Staffordshire side have bought back goalkeeper Charlie Wood who impressed at this level back in 23/24. Key players have been retained such as Lewis Dawson who emerged as a real attacking threat with 18 goals in all competitions last season. Midfielder Mikey Conlon has also been retained for the new season.  

Upcoming fixtures

1/8/25: Belper United (A) (8pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

12/8/25: Northwich Victoria (H) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

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

30/8/25: Brocton (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Whitchurch Alport

Last season

League finish: 6th (MFL Premier Division)

FA cup: First qualifying round

FA Vase: Quarter finals

Season preview

Whitchurch will be looking to build on last season’s brilliant run in the FA Vase where they reached the quarter finals before bowing out to eventual winners Whitstable Town. It was a positive first full season in charge for manager Adam Shillcock who guided the Shropshire side to a top six finish. Key players such as goalkeeper Jack Sheward and defender Freddie Bishton have been retained for 25/26. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: Litherland REMYCA (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

12/8/25: AFC Wolverhampton City (A) (7:45pm KO) (League)

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

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

30/8/25: Abbey Hulton United (A) (3pm KO) (League)

Winsford United

Last season

League finish: 1st (NWCL Division one south) (Promoted as league champions)

FA cup: N/A

FA Vase: Third round proper

Season preview

Winsford United will be embracing the challenge of step five football following promotion from division one south of the NWCL. The Cheshire side have momentum under the management team of Dom Johnson and Dean Jones and will be looking to make an impact at this level. Key players such as goalkeeper Jacob Kirwan and strikers Matty Birchall and Ollie Pope have all been retained for the upcoming season. 

Upcoming fixtures

2/8/25: West Didsbury and Chorlton (H) (3pm KO) (FA Cup)

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

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

23/8/25: Stone Old Alleynians (A) (3pm KO) (League)

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

30/8/25: Romulus (H) (3pm KO) (League) 

Preview feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League