Premier Division Season Preview

 

It’s been 91 long days since our last action-packed Saturday of SCEFL football — but the wait is over. The 2025/26 season is upon us.

We start with an unusual 19-team line-up this year, but every club arrives at the starting line armed with ambition, optimism, and dreams of glory. One will be crowned champions. Four will fight it out in the end-of-season play-offs. All have something to prove.

Our recent Prediction Poll has thrown up a clear title favourite — but as we know, football loves a plot twist. The SCEFL Premier Division is unforgiving, unpredictable, and fiercely competitive. On any given day, anyone can beat anyone.

So, as we kick off another thrilling chapter, let’s hear from those at the heart of it as our Club Manager’s take us through their plans, hopes, and expectations for the season ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official preview of the 2025/26 Presence & Co. SCEFL Premier Division.

 

---

With a mix of new talent and seasoned experience, Bearsted head into the new campaign quietly confident under long-serving boss Kevin Stevens, who’s once again overseen a busy summer of recruitment and refinement.

“We’ve added a lot of new players to the squad for this season,” said Stevens. “A mix of experienced players and also some exciting young players. It’s a really good mix and one that bodes well for the future.”

Team bonding has been central to the build-up, and Stevens is impressed with how quickly the group has come together. “Pre season has been about bringing the squad together both on and off the pitch. That has happened much quicker than expected, which is testament to the experience boys and coaching staff.”

On the pitch, it’s been steady progress, with no major setbacks to speak of. “On the playing front we are where we want to be. Plenty of minutes in the legs, patterns, set plays all getting better game on game. Very minimal injuries which is always good news.”

The league kicks off with a trip to Holmesdale, and Stevens is expecting a tough battle right from the off. “We are really looking forward to our opening game Saturday away to Holmesdale. Like everyone AC has made some good signings. It will be a tough game but one we are prepared for and will enjoy every minute.”

In the FA Cup, Bearsted host newly promoted Hackney Wick. “It was good to get a home draw. After promotion to step 5 I’m sure they will be a team full of confidence. Playing a side from another league is always enjoyable and a different challenge. Hopefully the boys put in a good performance and progress to the next round.”

As for the wider league picture, Stevens believes the standard has risen across the board. “There are no weak teams in the league anymore. I think the introduction of play offs has helped push every club to do things the best they possibly can, which in turn has seen every team improve and the league become tighter from top to bottom.

“FA Vase winners Whitstable Town quite rightly start as favourites but I’m sure a lot of teams will be pushing them hard.”

---

 

It’s a fresh start for Chislehurst Glebe, who begin a new era this season with a new name, a new manager, a stunning new 3G pitch—and a largely new squad. Dan Lawrence has taken the reins and has wasted no time getting stuck into the rebuild.

“Obviously coming in to a new club can be a bit hectic and coupled with the fact only 4 of last years squad remained, it meant a complete rebuild in terms of squad. This obviously brings its difficulties in understand the different type of players and personalities that we have brought in and how they bond and also with how quick they understand how we want to play and our philosphy.”

With only five weeks, a handful of sessions, and seven friendlies, the Glebe squad have had to adapt fast. “We’ve asked a lot from the players and on the whole have reacted and responded well to what we’ve been asking. A real mixed bag in terms of results but as a management team we’ve got exactly what we want out of it so it has to be classed as a success.”

The squad is close to what the new boss had in mind. “We missed out on a couple of players that we really wanted but that’s the nature of the game we are in and other than maybe looking to strengthen in one area, we are really happy. The biggest test for this squad will be how they gel and how quickly they understand what we are looking to do but we have good group and we’re growing session by session.”

The fixture list hasn’t been kind in terms of repetition, with Glebe drawing the same opponents in both the FA Cup and FA Vase. “Not sure what the odds are to be drawn against the same opposition in the FA Cup and the FA Vase, but Faversham Strikeforce are a team that I know really well, having done battle with them over the last two seasons and I know Stuart really well. They will be a really tough side to come up against as they proved last year winning the league. They’re relentless in the way they do things so we’ll have to be at it to go through.”

The league opener takes them to Kennington before a Friday night Foxbury derby against Phoenix Sports.
“In terms of the league, there’s no easy fixtures, but an away trip to Kennington, against a manager in Dan that I get on with well, and has done a remarkable job over the last few years. He keeps putting out a competitive team with their resource, so I have a huge amount of respect for him and it’s a tough fixture.”
“The first home game will be on a Friday night and a relatively local derby against Phoenix so it’ll be a great occasion, against a side I think will be right up there challenging for the title.”

And what’s the aim? Lawrence doesn’t hide his ambition. “Win the League. I mean surely that’s everyone’s aim before a ball is kicked. In reality we know that will be a huge achievement when you are new in to a club and have to build a new squad, but we will certainly be fighting every week to be as high up the table as we can. If we managed to secure a playoff spot then again I think that would be an amazing achievement but as long as we are progressing and getting better as we go then I will see that as a success.”

As for the wider league picture: “We are coming up against some sides that were really competitive last season and they have the advantage of stability and being able to build on what they have started, so I certainly see the like of Whitstable, Punjab, Rusthall and Fisher being at the top end building on their strong finishes. Phoenix I can only imagine will be wanting to bounce back straight away and I expect them to be up there, an exciting league for sure, and if you are in the top 5 spots come the end of the season it won’t be by luck!”

And finally, a nod to the work off the pitch at Glebe. “This season having the new pitch and facilities installed, there feels like a real buzz about the place, so it’s a massive credit to Rocky, Grace and the rest of the board for how far this club has come under their guidance, so we’re looking forward to welcoming all the teams to Foxbury Avenue this season, doing battle and enjoying a drink afterwards”

 

---

After years of stability under long-serving manager Michael Golding, it’s a new era at Corinthian, with Keith McMahon taking the reins at Gay Dawn Farm. While change can often bring challenges, McMahon is already starting to see signs of progress.

“The preparations have gone fairly well,” he said. “We have played only 4 games which I think we are two short from where I would like us to be but we have put three good performances in against higher opposition. As each game has gone by we have seen an improvement in our shape and togetherness and fitness levels.”

McMahon’s original plan was to build on the existing group—but that quickly changed. “It’s been fairly tough as I tried to be loyal to last year’s squad and I was only looking to add a couple of players to freshen things up,” he explained. “But some of the players were not honest and up front with us so I had to basically rebuild the squad with only 4 players from last year’s squad remaining.”

Despite the disruption, the new boss is optimistic. “I have brought in a lot of young and exciting players that over the course of the season will grow and become decent players for this level and that is the clubs ethos as well, which is what the club is all about and why I wanted to come to Corinthian.”

The season opener sees Corinthian host recently relegated Hythe Town, followed by a double cup clash with Horley Town. “We have Hythe Town first in the league who came down from the Isthmian League and are a big club. I am expecting a tough game for us as they will be looking to bounce back,” said McMahon. “We have drawn Horley Town in the FA Cup and Vase. Again this will be a very tough test from us as they have some very good and experienced players at this level.”

Despite the early tests and a major squad rebuild, there’s no lack of ambition. “Our aim is to push for the play-offs and bring as many young players on as possible,” he said.

Looking around the division, McMahon knows the standard will be high. “I think the team that finishes above Whitstable Town will be there or there abouts. Apart from that I think the league is fairly open.”

 

---

With a 7th-placed finish last term and a strong run in the FA Vase, Erith & Belvedere do not need to make much of an improvement to be able to compete for honours this season.

Sam Groombridge has joined Billy Hamlin and Jamie Phipps in the Deres dugout and the Management Team have managed to hold on to most of last year’s squad, plus make additions like Bobby Dunn and Matthias Broomes.

They begin their league season away at Larkfield & New Hythe before an exciting and unique FA Cup tie at Jersey Bulls awaits.

Our Prediction Pollsters expect another Top 8 finish but with a good start and improved consistency, don’t be surprised if Erith & Belvedere are knocking on the doors of the play-offs in April.

 

---

It’s a big year ahead for Faversham Strike Force, who make their Premier Division debut following last season’s title-winning campaign in Division One. Manager Stuart Benfield is relishing the challenge and pleased with how preparations have gone.

“Pre-season has gone very well,” said Benfield. “The group has learned a lot, worked hard, and most importantly, we’ve got good minutes into the players. It’s all been about identifying areas to improve and being as ready as we can for what’s to come.”

There’s been significant change at the club—not just in level or on the pitch, but also behind the scenes.

“There has been a lot changes this season with Craig Coles moving on we have been fortunate to add Alfie Pailes as head coach who comes in with vast experience at coaching at Step 5, we have added a Ebony as well as Physio to back room staff and managed to retain the services of Goalkeeper coach Dennis Gardiner and Coach Chris Oasegood. In terms of players, we have strengthened the squad with some experienced players at Step 5 who have been playing at the level for a while to help our transition to Premier Division football”

Their campaign kicks off away at Sutton Athletic before an historic FA Cup debut against Chislehurst Glebe. “We’ve played a few of these sides before in cups and friendlies, but now it’s the real deal,” he said. “We’re excited to visit new grounds and face new opponents. The cup tie with Glebe will be an interesting one for sure.”

Benfield is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “Our main goal is to be competitive and aim for a mid-table finish,” he said. “We’ve earned our place, now we want to show we belong.”

Looking at the Division, the manager doesn’t hesitate in naming a standout. “Whitstable look like the team to beat,” he said. “Whoever finishes above them will surely be crowned champions.”

This season also marks the beginning of a new chapter off the field, with Faversham Strike Force now groundsharing at Whitstable Town’s Belmont Stadium. “We’re really looking forward to that partnership. It’s a great venue and the perfect base for us to build from.”

 

---

 

After an impressive 2024/25 campaign, Fisher return with belief, ambition, and a squad that manager Ajay Ashanike hopes can build on last season’s momentum.

“Preparation’s gone pretty well during pre-season,” said AJ. “We picked up a few knocks but nothing major, which I was really pleased with.”

Fisher’s strong performances last year naturally caught the eye, and several players have moved up the pyramid as a result. But that’s no hard luck story for the boss—it’s part of the journey.

“After doing so well last season, our boys were always going to get offers from higher up—and we wish them nothing but good luck. We’ve kept hold of some key lads and brought in a few new boys I’m really excited to see settle into our system.”

The season opens with a tough away trip to Tunbridge Wells before an FA Cup tie with Camberley Town. AJ is also looking forward to coming up against Bridon Ropes in the League Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to that game against Rootsy and his boys,” Ajay added. “We all know what we’re going to get from a Rootsy side. But we’re at home, so expect us at our very best.”

After finishing as play-off runners-up last time around, the objective remains simple: go one better.

“Our aim every season is to better what we did the year before—and nothing’s changed. Last season’s success gave us real confidence as a club.”

With the league boasting strength across the board, Fisher’s boss is expecting another fierce campaign.

“This is my fifth year, and I honestly believe this is the best Step 5 league out there,” finished Ashanike. “On their day, anyone can beat anyone. So we expect everyone to be ready come July 26th.”

 

---

 

After guiding Hollands & Blair to safety last season, Darren Blackburn heads into his first full campaign in charge with a bolstered squad, new faces behind the scenes, and cautious optimism for a move up the table.

“Been a mixed bag of results, as expected as we deliberately picked out games against teams mainly from teams in leagues above us,” he said. “We did well against a big Sittingbourne side and learned a lot from our games against Chatham and Lewes. All in all, preparations have gone well.”

There’s been a healthy mix of continuity and change at Star Meadow, with loyalty shown to last season’s squad while fresh talent has arrived to raise the level.

“We wanted to show loyalty to the lads who kept us up last season but we were also conscious that we needed to strengthen in key areas in order to improve our competitiveness across the season. For that reason, the new faces include some good experience as well as some younger legs. There’s plenty of new faces around the place, which is nice to see at this time of year and we’ve got a good balance of new people and familiar faces.”

The campaign starts with a home fixture against Phoenix Sports, before a pair of intriguing early cup ties.

“We’ve got Herne Bay in the FA Cup who beat us 5-0 in pre-season,” said Blackburn. “It’s always a tough game against a side from higher up in the league structure but we’re at home and, with a big cup crowd behind us, it should be a cracker (we’ve also got them at home in the FA Youth Cup in September).”

As for the FA Vase: “We pulled Lordswood out of the hat, again a team we played in pre-season. There’s lots of familiar faces on both sides – on the pitch, in the dugouts and in the boardroom – it’s a Medway derby and we’re really looking forward to that one, as I’m sure they are.”

After a couple of challenging years, Blackburn is looking for steady improvement. “We’re just looking to make progress and get higher up the league. We’ve had a disappointing last couple of years in terms of league position and, in light of that, our aim has to be mid-table by Christmas and then see what we can achieve from there.”

Looking around the division, he expects the favourites to rise. “It’s hard to look beyond the favourites picked out in the poll on the SCEFL website – Whitstable should do well, as should Phoenix, our opponents on the first day. Fisher and Punjab always seem to there or thereabouts in terms of the playoffs and Tunbridge Wells should do OK if they’ve put their ground problems behind them.”

And finally, a word on progress behind the scenes: “We’ve strengthened commercially with some new faces in the boardroom and, with our fantastic facilities at Star Meadow, we feel well set to make some progress this season.”

 

---

 

Holmesdale boss Andy Constable heads into the new campaign with quiet confidence and a squad that’s undergone a fresh lick of paint over the summer. Pre-season has been a balancing act, as it so often is at this level, but Andy is taking it all in stride.

“Pre-season has gone as well as can be expected, we have picked up a few injuries and players seem to like taking holidays now during pre-season which makes planning tricky. Results have been mixed but I never worry too much about that as they are irrelevant, it’s all about getting minutes into legs for me.”

The Dale have made some tweaks to the squad, bringing in new faces to complement the core of last season’s side.

“We have signed a few new players, and we are excited with the new look squad going into the season.”

As for their upcoming fixtures, Andy is relishing the early league battles, though the cup draws have left him wanting a bit more variety.

“The fixtures look exciting in the league so I’m pleased with the start, like anyone will say who knows the level though, is that there are no easy games in this division. The FA Cup draw was disappointing as I would prefer to play opponents from another league to mix it up, obviously to receive a bye in the Vase was good. The league cup draw has paired us away to Punjab which is extremely tough, but we will obviously go into these games giving our all and trying to get a result.”

So what are Holmesdale aiming for this time around?

“Our targets are simple, stay in the division and once we feel we have achieved the points total we want is to see how far we can push the team to try and improve on last season’s 13th place finish.”

And when casting his eye across the division, the manager sees one standout—but expects a tightly contested campaign beyond that.

“For me there is a clear favourite given that team’s amazing achievement of winning the Vase last season. Beyond that I think the league will be extremely close with possibly over 50% of the teams thinking playoffs are achievable.”

 

---

After 14 years away, Hythe Town are back in the SCEFL—and with a fresh face at the helm, a brand-new squad, and a renewed sense of purpose, all eyes are on how they’ll handle life back down at Step 5.

Ira Jackson takes charge in his first managerial role, and has overseen a full rebuild at Reachfields. “Preparations have gone well so far,” he said. “A good pre season of learning and growth with mixed results against opposition mainly from step 3 and 4.”

With one exception the squad has been entirely restructured. “The squad is shaping up well and is a complete rebuild from last year with no players from but one – Ollie Gray who played for the club last year,” said Jackson.

“We’re rebuilding the team, we’re rebuilding the atmosphere around the club, we’re rebuilding the culture.

“We’re establishing what we want to be and where we want to be, and it’s a privilege to be the person entrusted to do that, so I take it very seriously how we perform on the pitch.

Hythe begin with a trip to Corinthian before games against Rusthall and Snodland Town that will quickly reveal where the team stands. “Very good introduction into the league, with some tough fixtures that will be a good indicator early on as to the level of the level and the competition.”

While some may expect immediate promotion talk, the focus is firmly on development. “There will be some targets in-house. We have to believe in the process and take each game as it comes. We are looking forward to developing players and utilising the 23s pathway as well.” 

 

---

---

 

Kennington will be aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2024/25 season that saw them flirt with the lower reaches of the table more than they’d have liked before Dan Scorer was able to steer his side away from danger and finish in 15th place.. Injuries and inconsistency took their toll, but there’s still quality within the squad and a belief that they can steer things in a more positive direction this time around.

Ryan Philpott is among a few new additions to a stable Ton squad that begin their league season at home to a new-look Chislehurst Glebe — a fixture that offers an early chance to set the tone and remind the Division that Kennington are no pushovers.

FA Cup opponents Soul Tower Hamlets will be familiar to SCEFL followers after they were our First Division play-off winners last season and will provide a stern test in Week Two with the winners going on to host Hanworth Villa in the next round.

Our Prediction Pollsters believe this will be a tough campaign for Kennington but with a good start and an avoidance of bad luck, don’t be surprised to see them in the top half of the table and causing problems for some of the more fancied sides in the league.

 

---

 

It’s all change at Larkfield & New Hythe as Fraser Walker steps into the dugout as joint manager alongside the experienced Tony Reid. The appointments, which included that of Sian Marie coming in as First Team Coach, were only confirmed last week, but preparations have quickly gathered pace.

“A change in management during pre-season is never ideal,” admitted Walker, “but the boys have shown real buy-in from day one. Their attitude has been outstanding and that’s allowed us to build on the strong foundations already in place.”

The new regime has wasted no time getting stuck in, with friendlies used wisely to sharpen up fitness, tweak the tactical approach, and embed fresh ideas. “The performances have been encouraging and we’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Much of last year’s successful Kent Senior Trophy squad remains intact, with a few smart additions made to both the playing and coaching departments. “It’s about evolution, not revolution,” Walker said. “We’ve kept the heart of the team and added quality where needed. Tony and Sian bring so much experience, and that will be vital in how we prepare and manage the challenges ahead.”

Larks kick off the season at home, in front of their own supporters—something Walker is relishing. “Facing a side in Erith & Belvedere that took four points off us last season is a brilliant test to start with. Then we’ve got Epsom & Ewell in the FA Cup—another huge game and exactly the kind we want to be involved in.”

As for ambitions, the target is clear: work hard and create history. “The players know the standards expected. With the right focus and work rate, I believe we can achieve something special. We’re not interested in comparisons. Our focus is on us—improving every week and setting our own standards.”

And finally, a word for those behind the scenes: “Thanks to our supporters and sponsors—your backing means everything. To begin at home, in front of friends and family, is the perfect start. Myself, Tony, and Sian will give everything to make this a season to remember.”

 

---

 

After two seasons plying their trade at the level above, Phoenix Sports are back in the SCEFL Premier Division—and although the road to the new campaign hasn’t been smooth, manager Darren Anslow is ready for the challenge.

“Pre-season has certainly been an interesting one,” he said. “Especially with the early start to the campaign. It began with some frustration, as we originally arranged our first friendly against Greenwich Borough in late June, only to be informed by the KCFA that fixtures couldn’t be played before July.

“With the league starting on the 26th of July, this left us having to squeeze all our friendlies into a very short window between the 1st and 19th of July. As you can imagine, that’s far from ideal when it comes to player welfare. It’s something I believe the FA should seriously consider moving forward if July is going to become the default start to the season.”

Despite the compressed schedule, the team made the best of it. “Pre-season has gone reasonably well. It’s always hard to read too much into results at this stage, as opponents are often trialling players or testing new systems. As boring as it sounds, pre-season really is just about getting minutes into the legs and starting to build team cohesion.”

Phoenix have retained a strong nucleus of their squad while adding smartly around it. “We’ve been quite fortunate in being able to retain a good core of last season’s squad, which has really helped with continuity,” said Anslow. “From there, we’ve focused on strengthening in the right areas, bringing in players who we believe complement and enhance what we already had. As a management team, we’re very happy with the additions we’ve made and feel they add real quality to the nucleus we’ve kept.”

Their return begins with a trip to Hollands & Blair, followed by a Friday night visit to Glebe and a home clash with Fisher. “As newcomers to the league—at least after a few seasons away—we’re fully aware of the quality and competitiveness throughout the division. We’ll approach every fixture with the respect it deserves, because in this league, there really is no such thing as an easy game.”

“We open the season away at Hollands & Blair, a club we know well and have a lot of respect for. It’ll be good to catch up with the people behind the scenes there. Our first home game is against Fisher, who I believe will be among the favourites this season. It’ll be a real test for us, and credit to AJ, who continues to rebuild strong, competitive sides year after year.

“I’m also looking forward to visiting Glebe for their first home fixture under the lights on a Friday night, especially as it will be on their new pitch—that should be a fantastic experience.”

The aim for the season is clear. “Our main aim is to be competitive. Internally, we’ve set clear targets in collaboration with the chairman and the players for the season ahead. It’s important for everyone to be aligned with defined objectives and goals—it gives us direction and something to measure ourselves against as the campaign progresses.”

Anslow expects a strong showing across the board in what he describes as a stacked division. “I’ve already mentioned the excellent job AJ is doing at Fisher, and I expect them to be right up there. Whitstable will also be strong contenders—what a season they had. They were probably unfortunate not to gain promotion, but winning the Vase was a tremendous achievement and a fantastic advert for the league. Jamie and Matt have done an outstanding job there, and I’m sure many managers looked on with a bit of envy at what they accomplished.”

“In addition, Chipie has been steadily building a solid side at Punjab over the past few seasons, and Jimmy’s work at Rusthall has been nothing short of exceptional. We’re under no illusions—this division is packed with quality, and we’re fully aware of the strength we’ll be up against week in, week out.”

And finally, a classy word from the manager to wrap things up: “I know the club would love to thank the volunteers who have been helping us in the off-season to get the ground into better shape. Special mentions to Len Carnell, who is an inspiration to us all and also to our superfans Doug, Lilly and Archie who have been heroes. Hopefully there will be plenty for them to cheer about this year.  I’d also just like to take this opportunity to wish all clubs, committees, staff, and players the very best of luck for the season ahead. We’re looking forward to renewing old friendships and making some new ones along the way.”

 

---

 

As Punjab United prepare to kick off their campaign away at title favourites Whitstable Town, manager and chairman Chipie Sian is in positive spirits after a productive summer at the Steve Cook Stadium.

“Pre-season’s gone really well, to be honest,” he said. “The lads have worked hard, the performances have been good, and while results aren’t everything, the signs have been positive. I feel more confident going into this season than I did last year.”

Punjab have kept hold of their key players—names like Roman Campbell, Chris Edwards, Wayne Bushell, and Owen Bushell remain part of a settled squad—but they have also strengthened with a mix of experience and youth. Toch Singh and Rob Curtis arrive with know-how, while youngsters Ethan and Harnak bring fresh energy to a group that knows how to play his way.

Opening away at Whitstable will provide a stern early test, but Chipie is relishing the challenge. “They’re strong at home and it’s one to look forward to. Then we’ve got a massive FA Cup tie against Step 4 Crowborough Athletic. We just want to improve on last season—that’s always the aim.”

Having come up just short in last year’s play-offs, Punjab are targeting another run at the top. “The league’s only getting tougher,” he added. “There are no easy games, and anyone can win on their day. But we want to be up there. Whitstable and Phoenix will be strong, of course, but we’ll be competing with them.”

With a tight-knit squad, a clear ambition, and one of the division’s most passionate fanbases behind them, Punjab United look ready to go again.

“Just a thank you to our fans,”  Chipie added. “Whether it’s home or away, they’re massive for us. Stick with us—there’s plenty to look forward to this season.”

---

After securing their best-ever Step 5 points tally last season, Rusthall are heading into the new campaign with confidence and continuity—both on and off the pitch. Chairman Dean Jacquin has been pleased with the team’s summer preparation and sees plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

“Off the back of last season’s best-ever points tally at this Step, we are looking to keep moving forward as a club, on and off the pitch. With that in mind we lined up some good pre-season friendlies. We have visited Ramsgate (1–0) and Crowborough (0–1). Chipstead (3–0) an Aldershot XI (5–1) and Ramsgate (3-2) have visited the Jockey Farm Stadium. We feel that we have got exactly what we needed out of pre-season and are looking forward to the opening day.”

As ever, there’s been some movement in the squad. While several names have moved on, the core remains intact, bolstered by a batch of promising new signings.

“As is the case most seasons, players move on and new ones arrive. Yassin Fares, Jack Lyons, Mustaphi Hashemi, Kalani Barton, Jeff Nuguna and Frank Little have decided to play football elsewhere this coming season, but we appreciate their efforts last season. This means that we have managed to keep the core of the squad from 24/25. Returning are Serine Sanneh, Robbie Bissett, Dan Blunn, Lou Anderson, Jesse Hammond, Frank Griffin, Tommy Lawrence, Thompson Adeyemi, Steadman Callender, Charlie Clover, Louie Clarke, Jack Kirby and Ant Mepham have all remained. Alongside these we feel we have recruited well. Josh Reid, Jaevon Dyer, Deji Owoeye and Rahman Kareem have joined and with maybe a couple more additions prior to our first game, this will be the make-up of our squad.”

Due to the odd number of teams in the division, Rusthall sit out the league’s opening weekend, giving them a chance to scout the early movers before their FA Cup curtain-raiser.

“Due to the odd number of clubs in the division this season we will be watching the opening day to see how the results unfold. It usually serves up some shocks. This means our opening game will be in the FA Cup against Westfield from Step 4. We know little about them, but it’s good to play someone we haven’t played before. We are at home so would like to think that a good crowd will cheer us on to progression to the next round where we would visit either Leatherhead or Phoenix. (Our best run in the FA Cup was halted by Phoenix a few seasons back).”

Cup romance aside, Rusthall’s early schedule is far from gentle.

“We have Stansfeld in the FA Vase, a competition that all clubs can dream of progressing deep in, and as was proved by Whitstable last season, dreams can come true. Our opening fixtures are pretty tough—Hythe, who have just come down, are the first visitors to Jockey Farm, followed quickly by a trip to Larkfield. Further away trips to Stansfeld (6–6 last season), Punjab, Whitstable and Tunbridge Wells all before the end of September, and we welcome E&B, Snodland, Holmesdale, Chislehurst Glebe and newcomers Faversham Strike Force within the same period. So the league is arguably as competitive, if not more so, than last season.”

As for who he sees leading the pack?

“After their heroics in the Vase last season, and the experience that they have within their squad and management team, Whitstable will probably be the team to finish above if you want to win it. Our aim, as most teams at the start, is to aim for play-offs. If we achieve that, it would be progress.”

And it’s not just the squad that’s looking sharp.

“Off the pitch we are continuing with ground improvements and this season we will have introduced a balcony area off of our newly refurbished corporate room. This will be a fairly unique matchday experience for punters within the NLS pyramid.”

“So, good luck to all the other sides within the league, let the battles commence.”

---

Snodland Town are preparing for their second-ever season at Step 5 with momentum, ambition, and a squad reshaped for the challenge. Joint Manager Luke Jessup is feeling optimistic after a productive summer, both on and off the pitch.

“Preparations have gone particularly well and we are very pleased with the acquisitions we’ve made on the players front. The club has backed us and we can’t wait to get going. Results wise, we’ve had some good performances across the board, even with the loss to Chatham. The lads have applied themselves exceptionally well and the group is growing stronger by the game.”

The squad has seen a noticeable overhaul, with a handful of key players retained and plenty of fresh faces added into the mix.

“Without giving too many names away or highlighting a particular player, across the board it would be fair to say we’ve made some big changes. We’ve retained 4–5 players from last year, we’ve added a good few new faces and integrated some players from our previous contacts.”

With Stansfeld awaiting them on opening day, and a relatively unknown FA Cup opponent on the horizon, focus is firmly on starting strong.

“It’s hard to judge any team based on their respective pre-season form, but we know Stansfeld will be well prepared, organised and ready to go. Our FA Cup opponents, we don’t know much about but we’re sure they will be a tough test.”

So what’s the goal this season?

“Our plans are to finish as high as possible especially with this ambitious group. We are excited to get going.”

And while Luke acknowledges that competition will be fierce, he’s under no illusions about what they’re up against.

“This season, we understand there are a lot of teams throwing big money around at their playing budget, this in essence is a good indicator of how serious clubs are taking this season’s competition.”

Above all, he was keen to highlight the work going on behind the scenes at Potyns.

“Lastly, we’d like to put it on record, the backing from the board at Snodland has been nothing short of phenomenal. We must include the sponsors, the club officials as well as the supporters for all their efforts in making the ground and its surroundings such a pleasant place to be. The pitch itself and the surface are probably the best they’ve ever been, quite simply a remarkable effort from all involved. The hard work has very much been noticed.”

“Finally, we are truly thankful to be involved in this great club and for the trust shown in us.”

 

---

While some clubs make noise with big signings and bold claims, Stansfeld quietly go about their business—and boss Billy Shinners wouldn’t have it any other way.

Pre-season has ticked along nicely, with four wins, a draw and just one defeat under their belt. “We’ve gained good fitness and picked up no injuries, so I’m really happy,” said Shinners.

The squad remains largely unchanged, and that’s very much by design. “We had a young side last season, and we’ve kept most of them together. Fifteen of the twenty players were with us last year, and two of the new lads have come through our U23s, which is really exciting. The five additions bring extra quality and experience—it feels like the right balance.”

Stansfeld host Harrow Borough in the FA Cup but first-up begin their league campaign at home to Snodland Town, and see that opener as a key opportunity to make a statement. “It’s a must-win,” said Shinners. “And the Cup’s another great chance to get a buzz going early on.”

As for ambitions, there’s no talk of miracles—just progress. “Every season since I started this role, we’ve got better,” he said. “With the squad we’ve got, mid-table or higher is a good and realistic target.”

Looking across the division, Shinners can already spot a few title chasers. “Some clubs are clearly going for it. For the rest, it depends on the start. A bad one could be tough to recover from—there are no easy games in this league.”

And with that, the ever-grounded manager signs off in trademark style: “I love the way we quietly do our business—so just leave it at that.”

 

---