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1 of 1- Matchman
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Prospects 2024-25
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NPL Premier Division looks to be a really tough league next season so its going to be really difficult to improve on last season’s 60 points and 11th place finish.
I expect Macclesfield, Worksop, Hyde and Guiseley to be challenging for a playoff sop again. I also expect Matlock to do much better than last season under Nicky Law
Morpeth and Lancaster should also do well
It’s always difficult to assess how the incoming teams will do but I think we can expect Mickleover and Leek to be top half.
I don’t expect Blyth Spartans to be top half
I think Warrington, Ashton, Whitby and Gainsborough may not do so well as last season.
Basford look set for another relegation fight and could be joined by Bamber Bridge, Workington and one of the promoted teams
This is my stab in the dark at how the season may go.
1 Macclesfield
2 Worksop
3. Hyde
4 Guiseley
5 Matlock
6 Mickleover
7 Lancaster
8 Ilkeston
9. Morpeth
10. Leek
11. Warrington
12. Ashton
13 Whitby
14. Gainsborough
15. Blyth Spartans
16. FC United
17. Hebburn
18. Stockton
19 Workington
20. Prescot Cables
21. Bamber Bridge
22. Basford
Last edited by Matchman (23/5/2024 7:36 AM)
- kevilsonlad
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
Yes a very hard league once again and i agree Macclesfield should be up there but they have lost that pacey winger .
I am hoping for a top eight as well if we keep our squad . You think that Basford will struggle , not according their owner he wants promotion in the next two years .
- Alex
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
I will take any place above 17th and a good cup run to the 4thQ or 1st round. That money will set us up for this season or the next.
It's about building and building again.
We have the foundations but the sand will always try to take you under.
- Matchman
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
I agree steady progress is what we need. A good FA CUP run can do wonders. Look what it did for Marine.
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Thread Starter- Matchman
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
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Season 2023-24 - Worksop made the playoffs with 70 points from 40 matches (21 wins)
Season 2022-23 - Matlock made the playoffs with 68 points from 42 matches (19 wins)
Season 2021-22 - Warrington made the playoffs with 71 points from 42 matches (20 wins)
So it looks like at least 70 points from 42 matches will be needed to make the playoffs next season (thats 10 points more than we got last season). Getting 70 points will be really difficult in what looks like a super tough league. It means we probably need to win 21 matches (half of our fixtures)
I think Macclesfield will win the league because of their seeming ability to bring in the best players. Macclesfield now have the experience of having played against most teams in the league which they didn’t have last season.
The same goes for us. We don’t know our squad yet but I expect it to be stronger defensively. With one of the best grounds in the league and a successful manager we ought to be able to attract good players even with a limited budget..
Every team tries to improve their squad during the close season so it’s difficult to predict who will make the best start.
All teams start level on 10th August 2024 and it’s vital to get off to a flier. Can’t wait for the fixtures being released.
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Thread Starter- Alex
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
This league is harder than the southern League.
- Matchman
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Re: Prospects 2024-25
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Three weeks on from my first stab at how next season will pan out:
Last season, Radcliffe, were top of the league throughout the season. Only Macclesfield look capable of repeating that feat in such a competitive league.
Guiseley have made some significant signings and look like being challengers.
Worksop are financially well backed so they will also be chasing a play off spot.
If Hyde retain last seasons players, they should be near the top.
That would now be my top four prediction so that leaves just one playoff place up for grabs. Of course several teams will be hoping that they can get into the top five including newcomers Mickleover and Leek It’s going to be really tough to pick up enough points to make the playoffs but if it’s really tight then less than 70 points could be enough.
Any improvement on Ilkeston’s 60 points last season would be a great season for us in my opinion.
Last edited by Matchman (11/6/2024 6:42 AM)
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