Nuneaton Town and Coventry United, both recently promoted, are preparing to make a strong impression in the upcoming season after significant squad reinforcements. Nuneaton Town, champions of the United Counties Premier South, have bolstered their core by securing the return of club stalwart Jimmy Armson. In addition, they have added defensive strength by signing centre-halves Aaron Roberts and Luke Softley from Step 3 side Bromsgrove Sporting.
Coventry United, who came close to catching Nuneaton last season under manager Terry Anderson, have maintained momentum by retaining key playmaker Cameron Dunn, who has impressively scored over 50 goals across two seasons. They have also strengthened their attack with the arrival of Reece Blackmore from Racing Club Warwick, a player instrumental in his former club’s Step 4 promotion.
Relegated St Ives Town have made high-profile additions to signal their ambition to bounce back immediately. Veteran forward Michael Gash, midfielder Dan Lawlor, and striker Mark Jones from Stafford Rangers have joined the club, despite the team finishing 45 points behind the leaders last season. Manager Graham Deakin has undertaken a substantial rebuild at Nuneaton Town, replacing more than a dozen players with seasoned recruits to improve a squad that narrowly avoided relegation last term.
Stalybridge Celtic, who fell just short in the playoff final in May, have focused on reinforcing the spine of an otherwise settled squad under manager Jon Macken. Runcorn Linnets, playoff contenders in four of the past five seasons, have reshaped their squad in line with the vision of manager Michael Ellison. Bootle, narrowly missing out on a top-five finish, intend to position themselves as strong contenders along with relegated Prescot Cables, who are coming off a playoff victory under manager Ste Daley from previous campaigns at this level.
Lower Breck have faced the challenge of losing key players following an impressive debut season, but retain key performers including Sam Burns and winger Alex Cherera. Shifnal Town’s acquisition of Chay Tilt from Sporting Khalsa is regarded as one of the more significant signings in the division.
Vauxhall Motors enter the season under new manager Chris Herbert, who has brought in much of his former 1874 Northwich squad following their Midland League playoff success, marking a new chapter after consistent top-seven finishes under previous manager Danny Holmes. Barwell, returning for just their second season at this level after 15 years in Step 3, welcome back midfielder Brady Hickey, a long-serving player with over 300 appearances for the club.
Belper Town, beaten playoff finalists, have strengthened with two key signings from Lichfield City, Josh Mansell and Jack Edwards, both instrumental in Lichfield’s recent rise. Additionally, winger Tristan Thompson-Matthews has rejoined the club for a third spell under manager Lee Attenborough. Meanwhile, Carlton Town will look to veteran striker Ashley Chambers to spearhead another title challenge, while Mickleover will rely on experienced former EFL midfielder Will Atkinson as manager.