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I’ve heard the
rumours that because my predictions last
time were not as awesome as the previous year,
perhaps my powers were on the wane. Clearly, the
heavy session of Absinthe Bunnies with
Nostrodamus and Van Gogh the night before I put
pen to paper last year might not have helped, but
my pride has been dented. No one likes a prophet
in their own land. Tough, you’ve got me,
whether you like it or not. And in nine months
time these predictions will stun my critics into
silence. Perhaps you are one. Read these, and
weep (or rejoice if I predict success).
(Webmaster's comment - some
fans / teams have been known to take this feature
far too seriously...chill out, it's only a bit of
fun!!)
Top Six
Bradford Park Avenue
The new chairman seems to be flashing the cash
and showering riches on assembling a team full of
all stars. Bradford’s boss is no mug and
with a fair wind this lot will take some stopping.
Curzon Ashton
With a new ground, a Vase semi final behind them,
running FCUM close last season and pocketing the
revenue they brought, this free scoring outfit
could be the surprise team of the season.
FC United of Manchester
The juggernaut hits the UniBond. Averaging gates
of over 3,000 in NWCFL Division 2, FCUM have
swept all before them. At level four things will
start to get harder, especially as they seem to
be sticking primarily with their existing team. I
recall Telford didn’t get promoted in their
first season and so I think that whilst they will
always be in contention, this will not be a
cakewalk.
Harrogate Railway Athletic
Last season’s surprise outfit for
me. A team resembling the Bash Street Kids played
some sublime, skilful football at times. If they
have added a few extra components, do not be
surprised to see them in the shake up.
Radcliffe Borough
A good solid outfit who seemed who seemed to be
surprised to go down. We knew them well in the
old NWCFL days but it wouldn’t take much to
give them a chance this season.
Middle Six
Bamber Bridge
Ever since the glory days in the early
nineties, BB have never looked in danger of
imploding but equally have never threatened to do
anything. They seem to pick the odd gem of a
player up and this season they will be as steady
as the previous few.
Chorley
The one team that really left me with
egg on my face last time.When the money dried up
and Sean Teale decided that the licensed trade
would be more to his liking, Chorley made a
disastrous replacement appointment before
settling on the current incumbent. Despite his
experience being at lower levels, he assembled a
much tidier unit. If this lot ever get on a roll
again, they’ll get huge home crowds. I
just can’t see it being this year.
Skelmersdale United
The Frank and Tommy show. The little
maestro will always get his team playing
attractive flowing football and on their cracking
home surface this makes for quality football.
Despite his many contacts, Tommy always seems to
struggle for a consistent goalscorer. Unless that
changes, it’s mid table respectability for
Skem.
Lancaster City
The legs were chopped from beneath last
year’s Conference North side. It’s hard
to know how well the total change has been
effected. Will not challenge.
Mossley
Our old mates’ foray into the
higher league only lasted one season and seemed
to have few highlights. For once, we might have
the Indian sign on them.
Woodley Sports
The
plastic pitch specialists have never caught the
imagination of the local population and despite
turning out great teams from the Mad Mickey Ryan
era onwards, it passed the nearby world by. Their
moment might have been and gone but home
advantage will give them a head start.
Bottom Six
Ossett Albion
Having punched above their weight for the last
couple of seasons despite hardly any support,
they seem to have finally lost a couple of their
real stars. This season could be tough for them.
Rossendale United
Having come within a whisker of going bust (again),
Rossie managed to steady the ship. The loss of
some of their key players will not have helped. I
think it will be a long season.
Bridlington Town
Having flirted with wind up and relegation in
consecutive seasons, Bridlington survive by the
skin of their teeth. Potentially a big club, but
I saw nothing last season to suggest anything
other than more misery.
Newcastle Blue Star
All credit to Blue Star for choosing to have a
crack at the pyramid, but they only came through
as the Northern League’s fifth team last
year and they will find the step up in quality
very challenging.
Garforth Town
No great tradition or real success to
build upon, they will need to be operating at
full blast to keep their heads afloat.
Wakefield
Paltry crowds in Emley’s new home have meant
that Wakefield have been perennial strugglers,
even though they put a good run together at the
end of last season. Will need more of the same if
they are to stay out of the bottom few.
Clitheroe FC.
The bright ones amongst you will have spotted
that there are only five teams in my Top Six list
and that Clitheroe is missing. Whisper it,
but the two things are linked. Reno and Smithy
transformed the team in four months flat at the
end of last season. They have grafted key
signings on to the core of last season’s
team. With a hard pre-season behind them and with
the off field side of the club never looking
healthier, this is the season we come of age in
the UniBond.
As for the potential
champions, it’s hard to pick between
Bradford and FCUM but I’ll go for the lot
from over the border.
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