Weston: Selston are there to be shot at this season

The Parishioners won the division by ten points last year in what was their first season in the CML since moving across from the Notts Senior League, scoring 121 goals in the process.

Weston has so far managed to keep his title-winning squad together as they prepare to begin their defence next month, but he knows it will be a tough challenge.

He said: “Being league champions obviously comes with the added pressure of having your card marked for the following season and we know we’re there to be shot at.

“We found a similar situation for the second half of last season when we were a long way clear at the top and everyone was wanting to beat us.

“So it will be very tough for us but we know what this division is like now and what it takes to win it, which will help us no end.

“There are a couple of new teams as Teversal and South Normanton are running reserve sides in the CML, so that’ll create some more local derbies which is always good.”

Weston doesn’t expect too much in the way of personnel changes, with his title-winning squad keen to stick together and despite interest from other clubs in some of his players.

He said: “Obviously other sides want to talk to our players but so far we’ve retained everyone from last year and hopefully that will remain the case given how well they did last time.

“I may try and bring in one or two new faces as I think it’s important to freshen things up a bit if I can, but overall I’m happy with what we’ve got.”

Selston opted not to apply for promotion last year but Weston is hopeful that this time around the club may be able to do so and give his players extra motivation to replicate last season’s success.

He said: “A lot of it is to do with the lease of the ground from the council but I think plans are being put in place to try and make our position stronger and that will mean we can hopefully get promotion if we win the league again or finish high enough, as was the case with runners-up Belper United last season.”

Meanwhile, Selston are on the lookout for sponsors ahead of the new season.

They are offering various incentives to businesses or individuals who wish to help, including packages ranging from overall first team sponsorship to kit sponsors, ground sponsors, advertising hoardings and advertising space in their match programme.

For more information on the opportunities available, contact Mark on 07721 369003 or Jay on 07973 364188.