Uncertainly ends as new non-league season set to begin on Satuday

The non-league season was brought to a premature end due to the COVID-19 outbreak and unlike professional leagues, which were allowed some sort of conclusion, the non-league system saw the entire campaign null and voided which adds extra importance to this upcoming season.

SHERWOOD COLLIERY were top of the East Midlands Counties League when the season was ended. They are once again one of the favourites for the title and with the top four teams potentially going up, it would be a huge shock for the Debdale-based side not to be celebrating promotion come the end of the season.

A few miles down the road, CLIPSTONE FC are looking forward to what will technically be manager Dave Hoole’s first season in charge. Clipstone were 15th before lockdown but the Cobra’s have had a decent pre-season and will be hoping to push higher up the table.

It has been a summer of change at RAINWORTH MINERS WELFARE after Lewis Saxby resigned as manager. He was replaced by duo Craig Weston and Richard Smith who won the title with Selston back in 2019.

Another club who experienced a recent managerial resignation is TEVERSAL FC. Lee Cook stepped down from his post citing a difficult start to his preparations. Martin Bower is the new man at the helm, stepping up from the reserves, and it will be interesting to see how Tevie fare under his leadership.

When the season ended, Teversal were level on 18 points with SHIREBROOK TOWN who will also be looking for a better season this time out. Joint managers Simon Dixon and Steve Bates endured a difficult start to life at Langwith Road but have made it clear they are aiming for much better and a top half finish this season.

Finally, the league’s new boys are OLLERTON TOWN who were laterally transferred from the Northern Counties East League this summer. They have added to the majority of last season’s squad, including the return of prolific forward Gav King.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​