United Counties League Premier North Predictions with Paul Rockley & Dave Pickerill
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 of available player at a University of Sporting excellence should see them through
PR; I believe it will be one of recently relegated Lincoln Utd who made some superb acquisitions with Jack McMenemy returning and Mitchell Griffiths one of the leagues stand out players joining them
Sleaford for me I have been impressed with how under the joint management of Tom Ward has built them up over all the last couple of years and how the club under Dean Williams leadership has progressed strength to strength they look like they have made solid acquisitions again for the upcoming season and having gone close last season, no doubt will be looking to go the next step.
PL2NL; Tough one to call this season. Looks to be a wide open league with 2 of 6 going up. Champions. I’ll go for Eastwood. DT & Bally have had a good summer bringing in lads who know exactly what to do to get out of this league.
Playoffs
DP; I think Melton Town and Sleaford Town will build on last season's experience and good form to secure playoffs and probably promotion, although issues with Melton's pitch not being available for league action at the beginning of this season may scupper their ambitions. Eastwood CFC look to be building the club on and off the field including a partnership with Benfica, this could be the catalyst to grab a promotion place. Lincoln United may also be in the end of season mix, assuming they settle in step five life after relegation.
PR; I would like to say Melton Town. A clear style of play, and have developed players well under Tom Manship guidance who has again have consistency over years been in been that top 6 bracket with the addition of the play offs I would expect them to be in and around it.
However, I can't look past Sherwood Colliery to be amongst this as well. Wayne Savage will not like me for stating that! But with a strong foundation of players built up from his leadership and with the experience he has added in the form of Westcarr and Wright could be the difference this time around.
PL2NL; It’s going to be one of the other 5. Lincoln Utd, Loughborough Students, Melton Town, Sherwood Colliery or Sleaford Town. Seeing as we now have playoffs at step 5 too. I’m going for The Green Army of Sleaford. They have a bit of everything and you’d fancy them in a knockout playoff.
Dark Horses
DP; Hucknall Town could be Dark Horses following their promotion, another club building on and off the pitch, I also expect Ashby Ivanhoe to surprise teams on their travels backed by a noisy supporter base.
PR; My Dark Horses. Will consist of A couple of teams for different reasons.
Based on last seasons league table. Eastwood CFC could be the dark horses after a 16th place finish after a very unstable start to step 5 football with as many managers in that time.
Proven signings at the level of football should enable for a more structured season with stability on and off the pitch. I wouldn't be shocked if they do make the plays offs at the very least and even get promoted.
But in terms of gazumping the teams already mentioned Boston Town and Skegness did go on impressive runs of form during parts of last season so if they are able to sustain it - I wouldn't be shocked if they have a say who finishes and there own futures.
PL2NL; Newark & Sherwood United. 8th last season and a Nottinghamshire cup win but on paper look weaker than last season losing 4 key players from that squad. Just get a feeling Jon D'Laryea might have something up his sleeve
Player(s) to look out for
DP; I'm expecting Eastwood's Tyler Blake to be scoring on a regular basis, Sleaford have gained the services of Tristian Drummond from Gainsborough Trinity, He was a solid performer last season whilst on loan at Newark Town gaining valuable experience in a hard league and winning plaudits from Supporters and management alike.
PR; Ryan Rushen of Sleaford Town, one of the leagues prolific strikers. If Sleaford are going to go all the way no doubt he will spearhead their charge.
Jack Steggles one of the standout goalkeepers in the league and a consistent performer. With Lincoln looking for a return to step 4. No doubt he will be in the hat for the golden glove and making important contributions in the season.
Syme Mulvany is a young player I have been impressed with Syme since he joined Melton following his release from Notts County. Important contributions made last season for Melton and if they are to go over the next hurdle could be a player they are developing well who can make the difference.
PL2NL; In a league that boasts ex football league players on Aaron O’Connor, Marcus Marshall, Jake Wright & Paul Anderson. It would be easy to pick them. One to watch out for is O’Connor & Marshall’s team mate at Eastwood Tyler Blake. My second assuming he doesn’t move higher would be Melton Town’s Tyreace Palmer. Could be a straight shootout for the golden boot between these 2.
Agree or disagree with some of our predictions? Let us know by starting a discussion on the tweet of this blog. Let us know who your picks are for the above.
A huge thank you to Paul & Dave for getting involved. Been great to chat with you both and see how you think the link will shape up.
You can check out Dave on The Grassroots Plus Podcast by searching that name on your podcast platform or clicking the Spotify link below.
Until the next one,
Peace,
Luke@PL2NL
