Nelson Football Club will compete in Step 5 of the English football pyramid next season after being reprieved from relegation in recent years and securing promotion through on-field success. The East Lancashire club’s return to this level marks a significant turnaround following a period of uncertainty and restructuring.

Manager Arron Ripley, who initially guided the team two years ago when they avoided relegation on a points-per-game calculation, described the reprieve as a pivotal moment that allowed the club to regroup and plan for the future. After narrowly escaping the drop, Nelson considered temporarily stepping away from the competition to rebuild but instead committed to staying, a decision that has since paid dividends.

Ripley, a native of Clitheroe, was dismissed in November during his first spell despite the club sitting second in the North West Counties League (NWCFL) First Division North. However, he returned at the beginning of the current campaign following the departure of Gerry Harrison, who left after a poor start that included two heavy defeats in the first three fixtures.

Reflecting on his two tenures, Ripley expressed confidence in his initial work and viewed his reinstatement as an opportunity to complete "unfinished business." Under his leadership, Nelson captured the league title, achieving a 16-game unbeaten streak in the latter part of the season, which included 13 victories. This run played a crucial role in their promotion to Step 5.

In addition to their league success, Nelson made notable progress in cup competitions, advancing to the later stages of the FA Vase and reaching semi-finals in two other knockout tournaments. These commitments led to a congested fixture list, with the team entering March still needing to play 14 league games.

One defining moment during the campaign came late in a match against Thornton Cleveleys, where trailing with 20 minutes remaining and with their nearest challengers Droylsden leading elsewhere, Nelson turned the game around. Their eventual four-goal surge, coupled with a penalty conceded by Squires Gate, boosted Nelson four points clear at the top with five games remaining. Ripley credited this turnaround as a confidence catalyst that helped his squad believe the title was theirs.

The team’s resilience was demonstrated on multiple occasions, including recovering from a three-game losing streak that dropped them to ninth place in mid-February. Veteran players such as captain Billy Priestley, goalkeeper Chris Thompson, and defender Daz Holden were instrumental in maintaining the club’s composure and consistency during this period.

Looking ahead, Nelson aim for successive promotions as they prepare to compete in the NWCFL Premier Division. The club’s ambitions are supported by owner Stewart Fort and chairman Chris Price, who have invested over £500,000 since their 2023 takeover to upgrade the playing surface and spectator facilities at Victoria Park, known locally as Little Wembley.

Ripley emphasized the importance of the club’s return to Step 5, noting that when Fort and Price took charge, Nelson had been struggling with dwindling volunteer support and attendance figures below 50 on match days. The current optimism and improved infrastructure have set the club on a new trajectory, with plans to establish themselves firmly at the higher level.