After years and years of unrest with the Pyramid in its current and somewhat outdated format. The powers that be finally set about the unenviable task of re-shaping the whole non-league structure; not without a fair amount of unexpected disruption thrown in for good measure too. The outcome, a plethora of lateral movement, unexpected promotions, a couple of new leagues and the form-book well and truly cast out the window.
So with much anticipation as to what the 2018/19 season will unravel for all involved, your guess is as good as mine; but here goes.
Evo-Stik Premier Division
With Shaw Lane no longer in existence, the high-flying, high-spending newbies really have my attention coming into this season. Both South Shields and Scarborough Athletic really do look poised for greater things, massive crowds and squads to befit leagues a couple of steps higher. Warrington Town along with last years play-off runners, Grantham and newly promoted Basford United will also be fancied to be up and around the top spots, whilst Gainborough Trinity`s fall from grace will surely inspire them to stem the flow. On a personal note, despite the departure of two of my favourite local lads in Hoppo and Kirky, I`d love to see Matlock Town making waves at Causeway Lane once again.
Evo-Stik West
Muddy water is this one for me this season, nevertheless, I`m giving Prescott Cables, Atherton Collieries, Trafford and Colne the nod.
Evo-Stik East
"What a diverse league this has now become"; bringing the best clubs from the North East and as far adrift as the Norfolk and Cambridge Border. This is really raw speculation on my part, mixed in with a bit of knowledge about a few of the clubs involved in this inaugural season. Lots of unknown permutations and possibilities riddle this newly formed league and it really is exciting stuff for me this one.
Based on what I had seen last season, for me, Frickley Athletic have to be in and around come next May. My next throw of the dice is for the newly merged sides from Ossett, two decent sides now amalgamated to bring together the best of what is a great footballing town in the guise of Ossett United.
One side really interesting me is Gary Setchell`s Wisbech Town. Setch has been a legend, both on and off the pitch for King Lynn, a much respected lad who has been there and done it, his connections are endless and has a wealth of talent to call upon from that neck of the woods and after a steamroller of a 2017/18 season, It`ll be intriguing to see how they fair.
With three sides promoted from the Ncel Prem, of these, Afc Mansfield have invested in some really talented lads to strenghten what was already a decent outfit. Marske United and Morpeth Town promoted as 1st and 2nd respectively from the Northern League are for me are a somewhat unknown entity, but given the league`s history of being a strong division, I wouldn`t be too surprised to see one of these new sides fighting for promotion.
Ncel Premier Division
I`m not going to beat about the bush with this one, "if Handsworth Parramore don`t do it this season they probably never will". With all the other big financial players now out of this bottleneck of a league, surely it has to be Jas Colliver`s perfect chance to take Pete Whitehead`s club up.
Having watched Ian Richard`s, Penistone Church secure the Toolstation Charity Cup last Saturday, the squad now at Teddy`s disposal is a force to be reckoned with, and I honestly think, along with Worksop Town, Bridlington and Maltby Main it`s looking like a very competitive season ahead for the chasing pack.
Ncel Division 1
What a heart-breaker of a close season it`s been for Duds. After seasons of waiting to see Shirebrook Town rise back to the fore, the events over the summer month`s have well and truly thrown a shiny great spanner in the works once again. Cammy and Jamie resigned, leading to the eventual departure of the Chairman and the inevitable loss of their 50 goal talisman...Keiran Watson.
Thankfully, Cammy is back at the helm, but with another rebuild and the loss of a 50 goal a season striker, it`s going to be a hard slog to replicate last seasons achievements, so for me,its fingers crossed.
Hallam looked to re-gaining some momentum towards the back of last seasons campaign. Surely last seasons play-off sides Glasshoughton and Grimsby Borough will be looking to go one better and you`d honestly expect to see one, if not both of these sides battling it out once again.
Enjoy your season, "I know i will!!
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