Premier League 2 Non League

Looking ahead 2023 Eastwood CFC Joint Manager Martin Ball On 30th January 2023 Martin Ball & Daryll Thomas took over Eastwood CFC. Eastwood play in Step 5 of the pyramid in the United Counties League Premier Division and are looking to kick on from their 16th place finish last season. Martin fondly known as 'Bally' kindly agreed for me to ask him a few questions  ahead of the coming season.  Some very good signings for step 5 already announced with a wealth of experience. How is the Eastwood squad shaping up ahead of the season kicking off?  We are really happy with the lads we have managed to bring in. We have worked really hard since the last ball was kicked last season and set our sights high on the type of player we wanted to bring in. We have a good mix of experience and youth, with players throughout the team that have been successful at this level of football, and also lads that have appearances in league football. In all honesty there was only 2 lads we didn’t...

Northern Counties East League Predictions with Joe Skelton of Match Days & Steve's Football Away Days As we look forward to the start of the Northern Counties East League. I am joined by 2 Youtube channels who take a keen interest in this league. Joe Skelton from Match Days & Steve's Football Away Days.  Joe doing some of his fantastic work.  See this flag out at a game, Steve will be there Premier Division Winners JS;  My winners of the NCEL Prem is Emley AFC. I think it’s their time to go back up after missing out last season to a good North Ferriby side.  SFAD; Tadcaster Albion PL2NL;  Emley AFC, 3rd last season. Kept most of their squad and added in some real quality in the likes of Nathan Curtis & Will Norcross adding to an already dangerous attacking threat.  Promoted JS;  Promoted will be Hallam FC. They had a good first season I think they will kick on now.  SAFD; Rossington Main PL2NL; Rossington Main. Back to back promotio...

United Counties League Premier North Predictions with Paul Rockley & Dave Pickerill  Ahead of the start of the United Counties League Premier North. Myself, Paul Rockley & Dave Pickerill sit down and give you some of our predictions for the step 5 league before the 2023/24 season gets underway.  Dave is joint host of the fantastic and award nominated Grassroots Plus podcast which the UCL Premier North heavily features on the podcast.  Dave on the right with Podcast co-host Mick with the Notts Senior Cup Paul was a manager in this league last season with Eastwood CFC & AFC Mansfield.  Paul in his time at Eastwood CFC With both guests having extensive knowledge of this step and league. I hope you are looking forward to reading their predictions as much as I am.   Winners DP;  I think now that the uncertainty as to whether or not they can be promoted has been removed Loughborough Students will win the title. Their facilities and potential pool...

Looking ahead 2023/24 Season Ollerton Town Joint Manager Craig Collins On May 30th Ollerton Town announced that Craig Collins & Tom Chambers would be taking over as joint managers of the first team. With the Northern Counties East League Division 1 season fast approaching. Craig kindly agreed to let me asking some questions looking ahead to the incoming season. Without looking too much on last season. You came in following the accountment that Ollerton were allocated to NCEL D1. Did this give you a blank sheet to work from club wise?  Yeah we was preparing for that scenario and had a list of players to approach. We have had great numbers down to the initial sessions before starting to trim the squad to what we want.  And how did you find working from that blank sheet? In a way it was really good, myself and Tom could put our own stamp on things. Rather than inheriting players that might not fit into what we want to do or achieve. Even players coming in knowing that all pos...