YOUR INDISPENSABLE GUIDE TO EVERY SKRILL NORTH CLUB
By Jamie Summers
I first tried to sit and gather my footballing thoughts for
this week whilst sat overlooking the sea, beer in hand, in Scarborough. The
unmistakeable smell of sun cream and ice cream hung in the air as a multitude
of tourists slowly baked in the searing heat.
It was too hot, in fact, and I couldn’t put pen to paper to
form anything remotely resembling a flowing piece of prose. But in between
pondering whether to get another pint in and talking to a supporter of North
Ferriby United, what struck me was how lively the North Yorkshire seaside
resort is nowadays.
Once upon a time, Scarborough Away would have been a cracking
day out. I’ve never experienced it myself, but it’s the type of place that has
the potential for creating great footballing memories.
Unfortunately, Scarborough FC were wound up in 2007. Having
dropped out of the Football League after 11 years in the late 90s, financial
difficulties eventually culminated in their liquidation and expulsion from the
Conference North 6 years ago. The Seasiders’ McCain Stadium was demolished in
2011 and is now home to a sports complex.
What struck me in thinking about this is how it’s the type of
away day that we could be enjoying this coming season. The Scarf refers to
wearing it proudly round our necks at Chesterfield and Crewe, but barring a
bloody good cup run, that won’t be happening any time soon.
For the most part, we’re entering into the unknown, excepting
the odd trip. Conceivably, Scarborough could even be on our fixture list within
a few years. Their phoenix club, Scarborough Athletic, is currently in the
Northern Premier First Division, two levels below us.
There are some fantastic stadium names down in the shadowy
depths of non-league wilderness. Droylsden’s ‘Butchers Arms’ and Lancaster
City’s ‘Giant Axe’ are two that come to mind. My personal favourite is Lewes’
‘The Dripping Pan’. Sadly, none of these teams compete in the Conference North.
So, where exactly are we going to over the next 12 months (at least)? How far are we going to travel and what’s in store for the travelling blue and white army? Here’s a potentially boring list; still, you could always take a thrilling trip to the Supermarket, eh?
So, where exactly are we going to over the next 12 months (at least)? How far are we going to travel and what’s in store for the travelling blue and white army? Here’s a potentially boring list; still, you could always take a thrilling trip to the Supermarket, eh?
Between now and the end of April, the blue and white army
will cover a total of 3,856 miles following the club this season. With the
average away day being 92 miles away from SK3, the concept of a regional
division can be quite deceiving.
However, with County never having played 14 of the 21 other
teams at this level, it is a new chapter in our Club’s history and an
opportunity to go to places that we’ve never been before. Hopefully, those places
will bring rich rewards.
We’re starting a journey. Let’s hope that the pot of gold at
the end of this particular journey comes with a convenient Promotion too.
Moss Lane (Altrincham FC)
Distance: 10 miles
Capacity: 6,085 (1,323 seated)
At just 10
miles away, Altrincham are our closest game next season. We’re now competing
against the traditional rivals of the mighty Macclesfield Town, while they
enjoy the dizzying heights of the Conference. Life’s not fair, is it? Moss Lane
is also going to be known as the J. Davidson Stadium after a bout of crap
sponsorship.
Bower Fold (Stalybridge Celtic)
Distance: 13
miles
Capacity:
6,500 (1,200 seated)
Jim Harvey’s Stalybridge Celtic have been a full-time outfit
in the last couple of years, but to no avail and they missed the playoffs last
term. We’re no strangers to Bower Fold, having been dumped out of the FA Trophy
there in 2011. It is the only stadium in the country to face directly north.
Saltergate used to face north too, but now it’s a housing complex.
Rivacre Park (Vauxhall Motors)
Distance: 39
miles
Capacity:
3,300 (350 seated)
Vauxhall Motors are based in Ellesmere Port and are owned by
the plant which provides most of the employment in that part of the world. As a
fellow Cheshire club, Vauxhall are officially one of our ‘derbies’ along with
the two teams above. Eeeeeeek.
Horsfall Stadium (Bradford Park
Avenue)
Distance: 43 miles
Capacity: 3,500 (1,800 seated)
For the first time in decades we’re back playing Bradford
Park Avenue once again, whose proud Football League days are now long behind
them with the Club being overshadowed in the last 30-odd years by neighbours
Bradford City. PA are moving from the Horsfall Stadium soon, in a bid to regain
their Football League status once more. Darlington Arena anyone?
Nethermoor Park (Guiseley AFC)
Distance: 51 miles
Capacity: 3,000 (500 seated)
Guiseley is cushioned neatly within the boundary of the City
of Leeds, which, unfortunately for Guiseley AFC, is home to one of the most
historically successful Football Clubs this country has ever seen. Competing at
the top end of the Conference North for the last few years, Guiseley are tipped
to do well this term.
Wetherby Road (Harrogate Town)
Distance: 65
miles
Capacity:
3,800 (500 seated)
Harrogate should, fingers crossed, be a cracking away day. Possibly
the most middle-class town in the country, it’s a great place to visit and
hopefully it will be worthwhile on the pitch. The ground also has a proper
quintessentially Yorkshire name: Wetherby. Ace that, innit?
Keys Park (Hednesford Town)
Distance: 71 miles
Capacity: 6,500 (Some seats, I think).
Built in the mid-90s, Keys Park is one of the largest
stadiums at this level at a capacity of over 6,000. Your guess is as good as
mine as to how many seats there are though. The fewer the better tends to be
the general rule. Being newly promoted, Hednesford will be an intriguing trip
to make.
Llanelian Road (Colwyn Bay)
Distance: 75
miles
Capacity:
2,500 (500 seated)
Crossing the border to Conwy should hopefully be a highlight
of the campaign. Who knows, with the away game being the penultimate game of
the season, it might even have something riding on it. Llanelian Road is famous
for English people pronouncing it wrong, and supporters sitting on ‘The Hill’
outside to avoid paying for a ticket. After all, to pay is to fail. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
The Northolme (Gainsborough Trinity)
Distance: 79 miles
Capacity: 4,304 (515 seated)
Pretty much exactly due-east of Stockport, Gainsborough is to
be found in Lincolnshire, north of Lincoln and south of Scunthorpe. The
Northolme doesn’t have much in the way of seating, but does have a reasonable
capacity for this level. The stadium is known as ‘The Chapel’. Chapel…
Trinity…. Geddit? Hahahaha.
New Bucks Head (AFC Telford United)
Distance: 88 miles
Capacity: 6,300 (2,200 seated)
New Bucks Head was built in 2003 on the site of the ‘Old’
Bucks Head, where Telford United formerly played. Unfortunately for Telford,
the club went out of business pretty much as soon as the stadium was built, and
the phoenix club moved in a season later. They somehow managed to have both fewer points and more managers than
County last season. Former Southport gaffer Liam Watson took the reins there
over summer.
Grange Lane (North Ferriby United)
Distance: 95 miles
Capacity: 2,700 (not many seated)
North Ferriby is on the Humber Estuary, near Hull in the East
Riding of Yorkshire. They won promotion to the Conference North last season by
winning the Northern Premier League title and it is their first time in the 6th
tier. The village is known locally simply as ‘Ferriby’ and the club are known
as The Villagers.
Damson Park (Solihull Moors)
Distance: 96 miles
Capacity: 3,050 (280 seated)
Solihull Moors is a merger club formed in 2007 out of
Solihull Borough FC and Moor Green FC. Damson Park was the home of Borough
before Solihull Moors was formed, and the current club finished comfortably in
the top half last season. Birmingham City reserves also play at the ground.
Aggborough (Worcester City)
Distance:
109 miles
Capacity:
6,250 (3,140 seated)
After last
season, Aggborough doesn’t need any introductions. Kidderminter Harriers’ proper
but ramshackle home stadium was the site of our relegation from the Conference
as we got stuffed 4-0, when Kidderminster were going for promotion. Worcester
City currently play here while they wait for a stadium which, if built, will
see them kicked out of the Conference North for being too small at a capacity
of just 3,000.
Holker Street (Barrow AFC)
Distance: 106 miles
Capacity: 5,000 (1,000 seated)
As if relegation wasn’t bad enough, Barrow came down with us.
That means that we’ve got to go back to Barrow in Furness, the site of our
‘local’ Boxing Day game in 2011 that sparked the start of our survival that
season, where it will most likely be raining. Barrow is home to that comedienne
lass that looks like Kym Marsh but isn’t Kym Marsh. Can’t remember her name
now.
The New Windmill Ground (Leamington FC)
Distance: 118 miles
Capacity: 2,300 (Seats? I dunno.)
Leamington have played at the New Windmill Ground since the
start of the 21st century, and fully own their home stadium. Unlike
Edgeley Park, the stadium also has a scoreboard that works properly. Local
brewers the Warwickshire Beer Company made a special ale in honour of
Leamington FC in 2005 after they reached the First Round of the FA Cup.
Unfortunately, they were trashed 9-1 by Colchester United.
York Street (Boston United)
Distance:
124 miles
Capacity:
6,643 (5,711 seated)
With almost
6,000 seats, York Street has one of the largest numbers of seating in the
division. Boston United were relegated from the Football League in odd
circumstances in 2007. Playing Wrexham, it was a ‘winner takes all’ situation
to decide which side was relegated. Boston entered administration during the
game and went down. They were refused entry into the Conference and entered
into the North division. Despite finishing in the top half, they were then
demoted again in 2007-08, but immediately won promotion back to the sixth tier
the following campaign.
Whaddon Road (Gloucester City)
Distance: 129 miles
Capacity: 7,066 (Well there’s some seats, alright?)
We are familiar with Whaddon Road as the home of League Two
side Cheltenham Town. We will be making the trip there next season to play
Gloucester City, who play there because their own stadium, Meadow Park, was
fatally damaged in the extensive floods of 2007. Plans for a new stadium
collapsed earlier this year.
St. James Park (Brackley Town)
Distance: 139 miles
Capacity: 3,500 (600 seated)
Far from the Sport Direct.com Arena @ St. James’ Park, or
whatever it’s called nowadays, Brackley Town’s home stadium has a total
capacity which is much less than 10% of Newcastle United’s. Brackley enjoyed
their first season in the Conference North last season and are one of the
favourites for promotion this campaign. They have won the ‘Hellenic League’
twice, but Google Maps tells me that Brackley is nowhere near Greece.
Impressive.
Borough Park (Workington FC)
Distance: 145 miles
Capacity: 3,101 (500 seated)
County’s first away game of the season is the long trip up to
Cumberland to face Workington. Once Football League members, the club long
since fell upon hard times and were dropped from the Football League in favour
of Wimbledon in 1977. Workington were once managed by Liverpool icon, Bill
Shankly.
Court Place Farm (Oxford City)
Distance: 157 miles
Capacity: 2,000 (250 seated)
The lesser-known of Oxford’s two Football Clubs plays their
home games at the 2,000-capacity Court Place Farm, despite the Conference North
regulations stating that stadia must have an operating capacity of over 3,000
(see also: Llanelian Road). Last season was their first campaign in the
Conference North, and they finished in the top half, 11 points clear of the
drop.
Bridge Road (Histon FC)
Distance: 176 miles
Capacity: 4,300 (1,700 seated)
You know how this is the Conference North? Well Histon,
situated in Cambridgeshire, can in no way be considered the North, but it falls
within the Conference’s ‘border counties’. Histon played in the Conference for
two seasons, but were relegated to the sixth tier in 2010-11. Let’s hope the 352-mile
round trip is worth 3 points. It could be worse. It could be Plainmoor on a
Tuesday night. The southern bastards.
Edgeley Park (Stockport County)
Distance: Depends where you live, I guess.
Capacity: 10,841 (10,841 seated)
Edgeley Park is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the
Conference North. With a capacity almost touching 11,000 and being the only
all-seater stadium in the division, EP wasn’t built for Conference North
football. With a bit of luck, the worst team we see play at EP won’t be
Stockport County this season, as has been the case for the last few years.
Hopefully, we can reverse the unwanted trend of having the worst home record in
England last year with our 21 fixtures in EP this coming season.
AFC Telford United
Nickname: The Bucks
Stadium: New Bucks Head (6,300)
Last Position: 24th Conference Premier
My Prediction: 2nd
Manager: Liam Watson
One to Watch: Wes Baynes (Defender)
Telford United have spent big this Summer and have former Southport manager Liam Watson as their new boss. With a string of impressive signings and facilities amongst the best in the whole of non-league, the Bucks will certainly be looking to bounce back at the first attempt. Their most impressive signing? Wes Baynes, a defender who has played in Chester's last two promotion campaigns and has experience getting out of this league. They'll be consistently up at the right end of the table all season but will just fall short of the title.
Altrincham
Nickname: The Robins
Stadium: Moss Lane (6,085)
Last Position: 4th Conference North
My Prediction: 1st
Manager: Lee Sinnott
One to Watch: Damien Reeves (Forward)
Altrincham, with the league's top goalscorer last season, will finish top this season. Last term the Robins were unfortunate to lose in the play-off semi-finals and will be looking to reclaim that Conference National berth they lost in 2011. They're sure to be tough opposition for any team this season. Keeping Damien Reeves at the club will be crucial though. If his goals dry up they'll struggle to maintain an upward momentum.
Barrow
Nickname: The Bluebirds
Stadium: Holker Street (5,000)
Last Position: 22nd Conference Premier
My Prediction: 10th
Manager: David Bayliss
One to Watch: Greg Mills (Midfielder)
Barrow, like County and Telford, are in the middle of a rebuilding job. Despite looking dead and buried by Christmas, they did put up a bit of a fight in the 2nd half of the season but in the end it wasn't enough to put the Bluebirds above the dotted line and they too suffered the drop. They'll adjust to life in the division well enough and a solid upper mid-table finish is certainly not out of the question if they can bulk out their squad between now and the first game and make good use of the loan market.
Boston United
Nickname: The Pilgrims
Stadium: York Street (6,643)
Last Position: 16th Conference North
My Prediction: 9th
Manager: Dennis Greene
One to Watch: Carl Piergianni (Defender)
Misfortune hit the Lincolnshire side in 2007 as they suffered a double relegation, being relegated from League 2 on the last day of the season they were then informed they breached Conference rules and were placed in the Conference North for the 2007/08 season. Despite finishing 10th they were demoted to the Northern Premier League, where they spent two years before winning the play-offs and getting back into the Conference North. They will be looking to continue the strengthening of their promotion chances, having recently signed former Hatter, Carl Piergianni.
Brackley Town
Nickname: The Saints
Stadium: St. James' Park (3,500)
Last Position: 3rd Conference North
My Prediction: 5th
Manager: Jon Brady
One to Watch: Gary Mulligan (Forward)
Brackley achieved their highest ever finish in the 2012-13 season, finishing 3rd in the Conference North and losing in the play-off final to FC Halifax Town. The Saints will be hoping to build on their success of last season and will be looking to make the play-offs again but with the right additions a push for the title is expected.
Bradford Park Avenue
Nickname: The Avenue
Stadium: Horsfall Stadium (3,500)
Last Position: 7th Conference North
My Prediction: 8th
Manager: John Deacey
One to Watch: Tim Ryan (Defender)
Bradford Park Avenue have played in all four professional divisions and are also the only team to have done so to have also played below the 5th tier. The Avenue did very well last season finishing 7th despite being tipped for relegation after their play-off promotion from the Northern Premier League. A similar result, in table terms, is expected again this time.
Colwyn Bay
Nickname: The Seagulls
Stadium: Llanellian Road (2,500)
Last Position: 18th Conference North
My Prediction: 19th
Manager: Frank Sinclair
One to Watch: Frank Sinclair (Player Manager/Defender)
Last season the Seagulls did very well to avoid relegation, finishing two places clear of the drop. And another season of struggle is expected this time around for the Welshmen. They have just enough about them to stave off relegation but a few poor results where points are expected could see them suffer the drop.
Gainsborough Trinity
Nickname: The Holy Blues
Stadium: The Northolme (4,304)
Last Position: 8th Conference North
My Prediction: 6th
Manager: Steve Housham
One to Watch: Dominic Roma (Defender/Midfielder)
A good 8th place finish last season was overshadowed by the club's FA Trophy heroics last time around. They made it all the way to the Semi-Finals only losing to Wrexham on aggregate after losing 3-1 in Wales and upsetting the odds to win 2-1 in Gainsborough. They couldn't quite get that one goal to take it into extra time. But they'll have another good season this time and will likely just miss out on the playoffs.
Gloucester City
Nickname: The Tigers
Stadium: Whaddon Road (7,066 Owned by Cheltenham Town)
Last Position: 11th Conference North
My Prediction: 20th
Manager: David Mehew
One to Watch: Neil Mustoe (Midfielder)
Despite a solid 11th place finish last season, Gloucester's financial troubles and exile from their home town will see the club struggle and be in a relegation scrap all season. They will suffer the drop in the end, the council money won't last forever and unless they get some investment soon it could quickly become a very sad ending for the Tigers.
Guiseley
Nickname: The Lions
Stadium: Nethermoor Park (3,000)
Last Position: 2nd Conference North
My Prediction: 3rd
Manager: Steve Kittrick
One to Watch: Phil Marsh (Forward)
Guiseley will feel they were desperately unlucky to not be playing Conference Premier football next season, after finishing 2nd in the league. Unfortunately, they lost in the play-offs to FC Halifax Town, who sneaked in through the backdoor and ultimately won promotion via the play-off lottery. Guiseley will again have eyes on promotion and are expected to mount a serious title challenge that will fall just short. They'll make the play-offs though.
Harrogate Town
Nickname: Town
Stadium: Wetherby Road (3,800)
Last Position: 6th
My Prediction: 7th
Manager: Simon Weaver
One to Watch: Matthew Bloomer (Defender)
After a few seasons of struggle, last season saw a complete turnaround for Town after appointing a new club board. The team progressed to the 2nd Round proper of the FA Cup and finished 6th in the league - a huge success given their record in the previous seasons relegation dogfight. With a competent board now in place, Harrogate will again be looking toward a good upper table finish.
Hednesford Town
Nickname: The Pitmen
Stadium: Keys Park (6,500)
Last Position: 2nd Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 22nd
Manager: Rob Smith
One to Watch: Neil Harvey (Forward)
The Pitmen won promotion from the Northern Premier League after beating FC United of Manchester in the final. While promotion was a great achievement it'll be surprising if they don't struggle this coming season. They won't be pushovers but probably don't have quite enough about them to beat the drop,. Their big hope, goalscorer Neil Harvey, could change that if his form is exemplary though.
Histon
Nickname: The Stutes
Stadium: Bridge Road (4,300)
Last Position: 19th Conference North
My Prediction: 21st
Manager: Brian Page
One to Watch: Lewis Taaffe (Forward)
Histon just avoided relegation last season and have been struggling financially for the last few seasons, having finished 16th in 2012 and then 19th in 2013. They'll continue their decline and suffer the drop this time round. It is likely that the ever strengthening league will prove too much for them this time around.
Leamington
Nickname: The Brakes
Stadium: New Windmill Ground (2,300)
Last Position: 1st in Southern Premier Division
My Prediction: 17th
Manager: Paul Holleran
One to Watch: Stefan Moore (Forward)
Leamington romped to the Southern League title by an impressive 12 point margin last season and that momentum will carry on into this season and will help them achieve safety at the very least. Despite being tipped for the drop, the Brakes will finish lower midtable and will cause a few of the 'better' teams a few headaches.
North Ferriby United
Nickname: The Villagers
Stadium: Grange Lane (2,700)
Last Position: 1st Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 18th
Manager: Billy Heath
One to Watch: Ryan Kendall (Forward)
North Ferriby won the Northern Premier League title on the last game of the season, finishing on the same points as Hednesford United. The Villagers are better prepared for the coming season though and have the impressive Ryan Kendall, who notched an astounding 36 goals in 35 games last season, as their secret weapon. They've also signed Nathan Jarman, one of Chester's promotion winning squad last season. They should finish safely above the dotted line.
Oxford City
Nickname: The Hoops
Stadium: Court Place Farm (2,000)
Last Position: 10th Conference North
My Prediction: 15th
Manager: Mike Ford
One to Watch: Jamie Cook (Forward)
Last season was Oxford's first ever term at Conference North level and they had a very good season finishing in 10th place, without ever really troubling the play-offs or the relegation battle. This season will be another one of consolidation for the Hoops, a standard mid-table finish should be on the cards for them.
Solihull Moors
Nickname: The Moors
Stadium: Autotech Stadium (3,050)
Last Position: 9th Conference North
My Prediction: 16th
Manager: Marcus Bignot
One to Watch: Gary Birch (Forward)
Last season saw Solihull finish in the upper reaches of the table, 9th place in the end. This time around it is unlikely they'll finish quite so high. It'll be a semi-comfortable lower mid-table finish, though I'm sure the players will be looking for a repeat performance of last year's good run.
Stalybridge Celtic
Nickname: The Celts
Stadium: Bower Fold (6,500)
Last Position: 13th Conference North
My Prediction: 11th
Manager: Jim Harvey
One to Watch: Adam Pepper (Midfielder)
The Celts are no strangers to County fans, being based just up the road and having been obliging victims last year in County's 5-3 FA Cup qualifier victory. The 2011-12 season was a promising one with them going toe-to-toe with Hyde for the title until the last stretch of the season when they fell away and just missed out on the play-offs. They were disappointed with a tame mid-table finish last season but, once again, they've made no real significant squad additions, so it is likely to be another mid-table finish for them.
Stockport County
Nickname: The Hatters
Stadium: Edgeley Park (10,841)
Last Position: 21st Conference Premier
My Prediction: 4th
Manager: Ian Bogie
One to Watch: Rhys Turner (Forward)
County will be contenders this season. It'll take a month or two to really hit top gear but, when they do, expect a real battle for promotion. In the end I think the Hatters will miss out on the title but will make the play-offs. With a new, exciting strike force, a developing midfield and defence, the team should enjoy its best season in a few years.
Vauxhall Motors
Nickname: The Motormen
Stadium: Rivacre Park (3,300)
Last Position: 12th Conference North
My Prediction: 13th
Manager: Carl Macauley
One to Watch: Louis Moss (Midfielder)
Vauxhall had a solid season last year finishing 12th. It will be more of the same this year for the Ellesmere Port based side. While they have had close calls with relegation in the past, they have remained in the Conference North and will be looking to build on the solid season they have just enjoyed.
Worcester City
Nickname: The Dragons
Stadium: Aggborough (6,250)
Last Position: 15th Conference North
My Prediction: 14th
Manager: Carl Heeley
One to Watch: Stuart Whitehead (Defender)
The Dragons had a reasonable season last year, finishing 15th. Having sold their ground to raise crucial funds for a new stadium, they will lodge with Kidderminster Harriers next season. Worcester will be looking for another solid season on the pitch while they continue to sort out a more permanent home off it.
Workington
Nickname: The Reds
Stadium: Borough Park (3,101)
Last Position: 14th
My Prediction: 12th
Manager: Darren Edmondson
One to Watch: Paul Johnson (Defender)
A once proud Football League side, Workington, like County, will be looking up at the Football League with teary-eyed regret. They will be hoping that a promotion to the Conference Premier isn't too far away but, for now, it will once again be a case of consolidating their place in the Conference North.
Who's Who in the Skrill North
Chris Larkin (Cheadle End Punk's very own Mystic Meg) makes his predictions for the new Skrill North season
AFC Telford United
Stadium: New Bucks Head (6,300)
Last Position: 24th Conference Premier
My Prediction: 2nd
Manager: Liam Watson
One to Watch: Wes Baynes (Defender)
Telford United have spent big this Summer and have former Southport manager Liam Watson as their new boss. With a string of impressive signings and facilities amongst the best in the whole of non-league, the Bucks will certainly be looking to bounce back at the first attempt. Their most impressive signing? Wes Baynes, a defender who has played in Chester's last two promotion campaigns and has experience getting out of this league. They'll be consistently up at the right end of the table all season but will just fall short of the title.
Altrincham
Stadium: Moss Lane (6,085)
Last Position: 4th Conference North
My Prediction: 1st
Manager: Lee Sinnott
One to Watch: Damien Reeves (Forward)
Altrincham, with the league's top goalscorer last season, will finish top this season. Last term the Robins were unfortunate to lose in the play-off semi-finals and will be looking to reclaim that Conference National berth they lost in 2011. They're sure to be tough opposition for any team this season. Keeping Damien Reeves at the club will be crucial though. If his goals dry up they'll struggle to maintain an upward momentum.
Barrow
Stadium: Holker Street (5,000)
Last Position: 22nd Conference Premier
My Prediction: 10th
Manager: David Bayliss
One to Watch: Greg Mills (Midfielder)
Barrow, like County and Telford, are in the middle of a rebuilding job. Despite looking dead and buried by Christmas, they did put up a bit of a fight in the 2nd half of the season but in the end it wasn't enough to put the Bluebirds above the dotted line and they too suffered the drop. They'll adjust to life in the division well enough and a solid upper mid-table finish is certainly not out of the question if they can bulk out their squad between now and the first game and make good use of the loan market.
Boston United
Stadium: York Street (6,643)
Last Position: 16th Conference North
My Prediction: 9th
Manager: Dennis Greene
One to Watch: Carl Piergianni (Defender)
Misfortune hit the Lincolnshire side in 2007 as they suffered a double relegation, being relegated from League 2 on the last day of the season they were then informed they breached Conference rules and were placed in the Conference North for the 2007/08 season. Despite finishing 10th they were demoted to the Northern Premier League, where they spent two years before winning the play-offs and getting back into the Conference North. They will be looking to continue the strengthening of their promotion chances, having recently signed former Hatter, Carl Piergianni.
Brackley Town
Stadium: St. James' Park (3,500)
Last Position: 3rd Conference North
My Prediction: 5th
Manager: Jon Brady
One to Watch: Gary Mulligan (Forward)
Brackley achieved their highest ever finish in the 2012-13 season, finishing 3rd in the Conference North and losing in the play-off final to FC Halifax Town. The Saints will be hoping to build on their success of last season and will be looking to make the play-offs again but with the right additions a push for the title is expected.
Bradford Park Avenue
Stadium: Horsfall Stadium (3,500)
Last Position: 7th Conference North
My Prediction: 8th
Manager: John Deacey
One to Watch: Tim Ryan (Defender)
Bradford Park Avenue have played in all four professional divisions and are also the only team to have done so to have also played below the 5th tier. The Avenue did very well last season finishing 7th despite being tipped for relegation after their play-off promotion from the Northern Premier League. A similar result, in table terms, is expected again this time.
Colwyn Bay
Stadium: Llanellian Road (2,500)
Last Position: 18th Conference North
My Prediction: 19th
Manager: Frank Sinclair
One to Watch: Frank Sinclair (Player Manager/Defender)
Last season the Seagulls did very well to avoid relegation, finishing two places clear of the drop. And another season of struggle is expected this time around for the Welshmen. They have just enough about them to stave off relegation but a few poor results where points are expected could see them suffer the drop.
Gainsborough Trinity
Stadium: The Northolme (4,304)
Last Position: 8th Conference North
My Prediction: 6th
Manager: Steve Housham
One to Watch: Dominic Roma (Defender/Midfielder)
A good 8th place finish last season was overshadowed by the club's FA Trophy heroics last time around. They made it all the way to the Semi-Finals only losing to Wrexham on aggregate after losing 3-1 in Wales and upsetting the odds to win 2-1 in Gainsborough. They couldn't quite get that one goal to take it into extra time. But they'll have another good season this time and will likely just miss out on the playoffs.
Gloucester City
Stadium: Whaddon Road (7,066 Owned by Cheltenham Town)
Last Position: 11th Conference North
My Prediction: 20th
Manager: David Mehew
One to Watch: Neil Mustoe (Midfielder)
Despite a solid 11th place finish last season, Gloucester's financial troubles and exile from their home town will see the club struggle and be in a relegation scrap all season. They will suffer the drop in the end, the council money won't last forever and unless they get some investment soon it could quickly become a very sad ending for the Tigers.
Guiseley
Stadium: Nethermoor Park (3,000)
Last Position: 2nd Conference North
My Prediction: 3rd
Manager: Steve Kittrick
One to Watch: Phil Marsh (Forward)
Guiseley will feel they were desperately unlucky to not be playing Conference Premier football next season, after finishing 2nd in the league. Unfortunately, they lost in the play-offs to FC Halifax Town, who sneaked in through the backdoor and ultimately won promotion via the play-off lottery. Guiseley will again have eyes on promotion and are expected to mount a serious title challenge that will fall just short. They'll make the play-offs though.
Harrogate Town
Stadium: Wetherby Road (3,800)
Last Position: 6th
My Prediction: 7th
Manager: Simon Weaver
One to Watch: Matthew Bloomer (Defender)
After a few seasons of struggle, last season saw a complete turnaround for Town after appointing a new club board. The team progressed to the 2nd Round proper of the FA Cup and finished 6th in the league - a huge success given their record in the previous seasons relegation dogfight. With a competent board now in place, Harrogate will again be looking toward a good upper table finish.
Hednesford Town
Stadium: Keys Park (6,500)
Last Position: 2nd Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 22nd
Manager: Rob Smith
One to Watch: Neil Harvey (Forward)
The Pitmen won promotion from the Northern Premier League after beating FC United of Manchester in the final. While promotion was a great achievement it'll be surprising if they don't struggle this coming season. They won't be pushovers but probably don't have quite enough about them to beat the drop,. Their big hope, goalscorer Neil Harvey, could change that if his form is exemplary though.
Histon
Stadium: Bridge Road (4,300)
Last Position: 19th Conference North
My Prediction: 21st
Manager: Brian Page
One to Watch: Lewis Taaffe (Forward)
Histon just avoided relegation last season and have been struggling financially for the last few seasons, having finished 16th in 2012 and then 19th in 2013. They'll continue their decline and suffer the drop this time round. It is likely that the ever strengthening league will prove too much for them this time around.
Leamington
Stadium: New Windmill Ground (2,300)
Last Position: 1st in Southern Premier Division
My Prediction: 17th
Manager: Paul Holleran
One to Watch: Stefan Moore (Forward)
Leamington romped to the Southern League title by an impressive 12 point margin last season and that momentum will carry on into this season and will help them achieve safety at the very least. Despite being tipped for the drop, the Brakes will finish lower midtable and will cause a few of the 'better' teams a few headaches.
North Ferriby United
Stadium: Grange Lane (2,700)
Last Position: 1st Northern Premier League
My Prediction: 18th
Manager: Billy Heath
One to Watch: Ryan Kendall (Forward)
North Ferriby won the Northern Premier League title on the last game of the season, finishing on the same points as Hednesford United. The Villagers are better prepared for the coming season though and have the impressive Ryan Kendall, who notched an astounding 36 goals in 35 games last season, as their secret weapon. They've also signed Nathan Jarman, one of Chester's promotion winning squad last season. They should finish safely above the dotted line.
Oxford City
Stadium: Court Place Farm (2,000)
Last Position: 10th Conference North
My Prediction: 15th
Manager: Mike Ford
One to Watch: Jamie Cook (Forward)
Last season was Oxford's first ever term at Conference North level and they had a very good season finishing in 10th place, without ever really troubling the play-offs or the relegation battle. This season will be another one of consolidation for the Hoops, a standard mid-table finish should be on the cards for them.
Solihull Moors
Stadium: Autotech Stadium (3,050)
Last Position: 9th Conference North
My Prediction: 16th
Manager: Marcus Bignot
One to Watch: Gary Birch (Forward)
Last season saw Solihull finish in the upper reaches of the table, 9th place in the end. This time around it is unlikely they'll finish quite so high. It'll be a semi-comfortable lower mid-table finish, though I'm sure the players will be looking for a repeat performance of last year's good run.
Stalybridge Celtic
Stadium: Bower Fold (6,500)
Last Position: 13th Conference North
My Prediction: 11th
Manager: Jim Harvey
One to Watch: Adam Pepper (Midfielder)
The Celts are no strangers to County fans, being based just up the road and having been obliging victims last year in County's 5-3 FA Cup qualifier victory. The 2011-12 season was a promising one with them going toe-to-toe with Hyde for the title until the last stretch of the season when they fell away and just missed out on the play-offs. They were disappointed with a tame mid-table finish last season but, once again, they've made no real significant squad additions, so it is likely to be another mid-table finish for them.
Stockport County
Stadium: Edgeley Park (10,841)
Last Position: 21st Conference Premier
My Prediction: 4th
Manager: Ian Bogie
One to Watch: Rhys Turner (Forward)
County will be contenders this season. It'll take a month or two to really hit top gear but, when they do, expect a real battle for promotion. In the end I think the Hatters will miss out on the title but will make the play-offs. With a new, exciting strike force, a developing midfield and defence, the team should enjoy its best season in a few years.
Vauxhall Motors
Stadium: Rivacre Park (3,300)
Last Position: 12th Conference North
My Prediction: 13th
Manager: Carl Macauley
One to Watch: Louis Moss (Midfielder)
Vauxhall had a solid season last year finishing 12th. It will be more of the same this year for the Ellesmere Port based side. While they have had close calls with relegation in the past, they have remained in the Conference North and will be looking to build on the solid season they have just enjoyed.
Worcester City
Stadium: Aggborough (6,250)
Last Position: 15th Conference North
My Prediction: 14th
Manager: Carl Heeley
One to Watch: Stuart Whitehead (Defender)
The Dragons had a reasonable season last year, finishing 15th. Having sold their ground to raise crucial funds for a new stadium, they will lodge with Kidderminster Harriers next season. Worcester will be looking for another solid season on the pitch while they continue to sort out a more permanent home off it.
Workington
Stadium: Borough Park (3,101)
Last Position: 14th
My Prediction: 12th
Manager: Darren Edmondson
One to Watch: Paul Johnson (Defender)
A once proud Football League side, Workington, like County, will be looking up at the Football League with teary-eyed regret. They will be hoping that a promotion to the Conference Premier isn't too far away but, for now, it will once again be a case of consolidating their place in the Conference North.
Hednesford town seating is 1,011
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