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 1, we look at Ashton United, Atherton Collieries, Bamber Bridge, Basford United, Buxton and FC United of Manchester.
(Before you ask, all opinions are the individual’s and do not reflect the thoughts of the club as a whole!)
Ashton United – The Robins
The Robins will look to start the new season with a bang following a disappointing campaign before the league was cancelled last season. Their lack of goals may be a concern to some fans.
Key Signing – Nicky Hunt
The experienced defender joins the club from Darlington and with a wealth of experience in the Premier League and Championship with Bolton Wanderers, Derby County and Birmingham City.
Season Prediction – Lower Midtable.
Atherton Collieries – The Colls
The Colls made a good start to last season and were sitting in 9th place with 4 wins from their opening 8 games before the league was cancelled. The fans will be hoping to make a similar start to this season.
Key Signing – Luke Hutchinson
The goalkeeper has put in some impressive performances for Bolton Wanderers in pre-season this summer and will look to establish himself as the number one at the club.
Season Prediction – Midtable
Bamber Bridge – The Brig
It could be a season of suffering for Bamber Bridge with the loss of Alistair Waddecar who has joined FC United. Last season was disappointing with the Brig languishing near the bottom of the table with one win in nine games.
Key Signing – Cameron Gourley
The talented young defender joins Bamber Bridge from Squires Gate and will be keen to make a positive impression.
Season Prediction – Relegation Battle.
Basford United – The Lions
Basford were off to a flying start last season and were sitting in 2nd position before the season was ended. Their supporters will be keen to see them start the season well again this term and mount a promotion challenge.
Key Signing – Aaron O’Connor
The Basford native joins his hometown club and will look to fire in the goals. Most recently, he was at Tamworth but has had spells in the football league with Newport County and Forest Green Rovers amongst others.
Season Prediction – Promotion Hopefuls
Buxton – The Bucks
Buxton started the season with an impressive return of 22 goals in 8 games as they got 5 wins in the opening part of the season. An impressive pre-season has seen the Bucks record 8 victories from 8 games.
Key Player – Ash Chambers
The striker joined the club from Brackley Town this summer. Coming through the Leicester City youth system, he made his debut for the Foxes aged 15 years and 203 days. Capped at England from U16 level through to U19 and for the England ‘C’ team.
Season Prediction – Playoff Spots.
FC United of Manchester
United made a hesitant start to the 2020/21 season as they hovered around midtable when the season was cancelled. Despite only 1 defeat in 7 games, too many draws cost them the chance to be higher up the table.
Key Player – Alistair Waddecar
The former Bamber Bridge player will look to take his form for the Brig into the colours of United and help fire them to the National League North.
Season Prediction – Title Challengers.
