One of our Media Team, Sam Donovan previews the forthcoming Northern Premier League Premier Division by looking at the clubs in the league.
In Part 3, we look at our very own Morpeth Town, Nantwich Town, Radcliffe, Scarborough Athletic, South Shields and Stafford Rangers.
Morpeth Town – The Highwaymen
Without a hint of bias, Town will be looking to make Craik Park a fortress this season and will want to be up at the top of the table come the end of the season. The Highwaymen will be looking to the goals from Liam Henderson and Jack Foalle amongst others to spearhead their title challenge.
Key Signing – Ryan Donaldson
The former Newcastle United and Hartlepool United player will bring a wealth of experience with him and be the driving force in midfield for Town to be up at the top end of the table at the end of the season.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
Nantwich Town – The Dabbers
Nantwich will be hoping to be a bit more consistent with their form this season. Before the season was curtailed, they were sat in 15th position, having scored 10 and conceded 10 in that time.
Key Player – Shaun Miller
With over 450 football league appearances, the striker joins the Dabbers from Bolton Wanderers.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable
Radcliffe FC- The Boro
Supporters of Radcliffe will hope that they have been able to shore up their defence from last season having conceded 23 goals in their opening 9 games. However, they did manage to score 15 goals in those games after only scoring 34 in the previous campaign.
Key Signing – Courtney Meppen-Walter
The experienced defender joins the Boro having been on the books of Manchester City and Carlisle United before joining this summer from AFC Telford.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Scarborough Athletic – The Seadogs
A mixed start to the 2020/21 season, saw Athletic sitting in midtable with 3 wins in their opening 8 games. Their fans will be hoping for a better start to the season to stay in the upper reaches of the table.
Key Signing – Simon Heslop
A versatile player who will add a wealth of experience to the Seadogs. Previously at York City, Heslop could the decisive factor in helping Scarborough push for the playoffs.
Season Prediction – Upper Midtable.
South Shields – The Mariners
The Mariners will be gunning for promotion this time round after seeing their previous chances ended due to the seasons being curtailed. The Mariners have become a full time operation and should be title favourites.
Key Signing – Jack Bodenham
The defender joins the club after leaving hometown side Cardiff City in the summer. He has been capped by Wales at junior level and had previously captained Cardiff’s U23 side.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
Stafford Rangers – Rangers
Languishing at the bottom of the table when the league was abandoned, Rangers will be hoping to have a better season this time round. With 1 point from their opening 8 games, it would have taken a huge turnaround to change their fortunes.
Key Signing – Michael Lennon
The talented 18 year old left sided defender joins the club following his release by Port Vale. He will a one to keep a close eye to see if he reaches his potential with Rangers.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
