The new Toolstation Northern Counties East season starts on Saturday
Just like 12 months ago, the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division is too close to call.
Several sides, including Cleethorpes Town and Worksop Town have genuine ambitions to reach the Evo Stik League so the potential for a fantastic campaign is high.
Albion Sports
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Mid-table
Last season’s position: 10th
Marcus Edwards instantly makes Albion a strong team as he will score lots of goals for them. The side has changed to a slight degree, but as always Albion will be win more than they lose.
Armthorpe Welfare
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Mid-table
Last season’s position: 17th
Apart from losing Jay Rollins, Armthorpe chief Brian Johnston has kept his side together for yet another campaign, whilst also adding experienced players. Armthorpe finished last season well and they have take the momentum into the new campaign.
Athersley Recreation
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Bottom half
Last season’s position: 13th
Athersley have signed some good players such as former Worsbrough winger Chris White. But, they still need a prolific goal-scorer like in previous seasons when Lee Bennett and Joe Thornton ruled the roost for them.
Dave Anderson needs his Barton side to get off to a good start
Barton Town Old Boys
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Title challengers
Last season’s position: 5th
Losing all four of their opening games cost Barton their place in the title race last season. Dave Anderson has retained nearly all his squad from their fifth place finish so Barton are likely to be capable of mounting a real bid for top spot.
Bridlington Town
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Top ten challengers
Last season’s position: 8th
Considering how young the squad was, Bridlington did really well last season. Gary Allanson and his team have to build on that and there’s no doubt that with Joel Sutton, Chris Adams and Lewis Clarkson in their side, there will be plenty of goals at Queensgate.
Garforth Town
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Top Ten challengers
Last season’s position: 14th
After two consecutive 14th placed finishes, tactician Graham Nicholas is determined to take his Garforth team further up the table. Having retained the bulk of the team that also reached the West Riding County Cup final, Nicholas should do quite well this season. As always, his team will be very organised and difficult to beat.
Handsworth Parramore
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Title contenders
Last season’s position: 7th
Handsworth have been preparing for this coming weekend since last October when Peter Duffield was appointed as their manager. By the sensational League Cup final victory in May, Handsworth were 95% there with their squad for the new season. Four quality signings have followed so they’re going to take some stopping.
Liversedge
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Bottom Six
Last season’s position: 18th
Liversedge are still in the Premier Division after 18 months of struggle and there are plenty of reasons for optimism at Clayborn. New manager Jonathan Rimmington takes a young side into the season and patience is required as they acclimatise to the league. But, the appointment of Leigh Bromby as chairman is the most eye-opening news and a positive development.
Maltby Main
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Mid-table
Last season’s position: 19th
The landscape has changed at Muglet Lane. A new management team and squad are in place, bar the old custodians like Brian Cusworth who remain. Containing many from the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League side Joker, Maltby clearly have a stronger side this season.
Nostell Miners Welfare
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Mid-table
Last season’s position: 15th
Despite losing key striker Rob Bordman, Paul Lines still has a lot of good players at this disposal. Building on their spectacular finish to last season is the aim. In previous years, other teams will have looked at Nostell and thought ‘ we’ll win easily today’. In 2015, Nostell are no longer a banker for six points.
Parkgate manager Steve Adams faces his toughest season yet
Parkgate
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Bottom six
Last season’s position: 16th
Steve Adams enters his third season at the helm of Parkgate and he faces arguably his toughest. Adams has lost a shed-load of players along with his assistant manager. He has replaced them, but it will take time to gel them together.
Pickering Town
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Top ten challengers
Last season’s position: 11th
Pickering have failed to hit their targets in the last few seasons so Paul Marshall is tasked with making them a force to be reckoned with. He has the experience and so do many of his players to achieve their goals.
Pontefract Collieries
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Top ten challengers
Last season’s position: Newly-promoted
With most of the Division One promotion-winning squad still around, Pontefract have no worries about adapting to their new surroundings.
Tadcaster Albion
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Title contenders
Last season’s position: 3rd
Tadcaster’s inability to beat any of their title rivals cost them the title last season. That is something new manager Billy Miller has to rectify.
Thackley
Non League Yorkshire’s prediction: Top ten
Last season’s position: 12th
Chris Reape has an experienced team, containing people who have played at a high level so Thackley will be a tough nut to crack for sides.