2017/18 National League North

[DarkSithLord]

Big boost for us as last years rock at the back ( yes we did have one despite the goals against column!) Brad McGwan has resigned for the upcoming season. If he can rediscover the confidence he had in 2015/16 he will be superb.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Former Chorley and Salford player Josh Hine has signed for former Southport manager Paul Carden at Warrington Town. Massive signing for that level.

 

[wybantam23]

Ins/Outs for Ferriby

Signed from last season:

Danny Emerton
Mark Gray
Jordon Cooke
Curtis Bateson
Jake Skelton
Simon Russell

New signings:

Leigh Hutchinson (Cleethorpes)
Jake Picton (Frickley)
Bobby Johnson (Goole)
Joel Ambalu (Aylesbury?)
Joe Pugh (Doncaster)
Lewis Excell (No idea)
Russell Fry
Eddie Rogerson (Barton Town)

Left the club:

Ryan Fallowfield (Harrogate)
Sam Topliss (Alfreton)
Ben Middleton (Harrogate)
Taron Hare (Boston)
Reece Thompson (Guiseley)
Matty Dixon (Spennymoor)
Jordan Douglas (Brigg Town)

Undecided:

Stephen Brogan
Ross Armstrong
Ryan Kendall



Good to see quite a few resigning from last season but some of the players being signed are due for quite the step up, Housham looking to work miracles yet again...

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Drat am a bit disappointed that Aaron Burns who got 30 plus goals for Trafford last season has gone to Stalybridge. Was hoping we'd had a look as our Warbuton replacement.

Thought we'd look at northern div one for a replacement forward since a few manc clubs had 20 plus goalscorers at Mossley, Ramsbottom, Radcliffe and Trafford....is that level too poor to take from?

 

[Prodigal]

Big Dave, in my view it is a very big step from Div 1 North to National North, we had Aaron Burns at Chorley for a little while and I was expecting goals but it didn't turn out that way. He gets goals galore at Div 1 North level but don't think he cuts it too much higher, there must be some gems out there, however, and your Manager generally seems to find them. Good luck for the coming season.

 

[Monkey Tennis]

Big Dave, in my view it is a very big step from Div 1 North to National North, we had Aaron Burns at Chorley for a little while and I was expecting goals but it didn't turn out that way. He gets goals galore at Div 1 North level but don't think he cuts it too much higher, there must be some gems out there, however, and your Manager generally seems to find them. Good luck for the coming season.

We've signed three players from Northwich over the past 18 months, who I think are that level? Two have made the step up with ease, and one is still rated as a hot prospect. Also, we've brought one in from Witton as well with big things expected. There are definitely some good players down there, and the leap isn't always that big. Our manager and scout seem to think those players are worth more of a gamble than the washed-up pros coming down the ladder, and on recent evidence, I'd agree.

 

[Prodigal]

Totally agree, there are some good prospects, it just doesn't always work out, and like you I prefer that gamble to the over the hill types on their way down, still think there is a big gap to bridge though.

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Ins/Outs for Ferriby

Signed from last season:

Danny Emerton
Mark Gray
Jordon Cooke
Curtis Bateson
Jake Skelton

New signings:

Leigh Hutchinson (Cleethorpes)
Jake Picton (Frickley)
Bobby Johnson (Goole)
Joel Ambalu (Aylesbury?)

Left the club:

Ryan Fallowfield (Harrogate)
Sam Topliss (Alfreton)
Ben Middleton (Harrogate)

Undecided:

Stephen Brogan
Ross Armstrong
Ryan Kendall
Simon Russell
Taron Hare
Reece Thompson
Jordan Douglas
Kojo Keyi
Matty Dixon
Tom Bolton


Good to see quite a few resigning from last season but some of the players being signed are due for quite the step up, Housham looking to work miracles yet again...

What are your thoughts on the two lads going to Town? Obviously know a bit about Ryan but be interested on your thoughts about the centre back.

Signings so far put us at best in mid table. Despite going pro the signings have been underwhelming at best and slightly worrying when you consider we have a manager who has been proven over 8 years that he wouldn't have lasted one season anywhere else at this level.
Still, what are rich daddy's for if they can't buy a club and burden it with the football management equivalent of Sheriff Buford T Justice's son.

 

[GuiseleySteve]

What are your thoughts on the two lads going to Town? Obviously know a bit about Ryan but be interested on your thoughts about the centre back.

Signings so far put us at best in mid table. Despite going pro the signings have been underwhelming at best and slightly worrying when you consider we have a manager who has been proven over 8 years that he wouldn't have lasted one season anywhere else at this level.
Still, what are rich daddy's for if they can't buy a club and burden it with the football management equivalent of Sheriff Buford T Justice's son.

Is this fitting the bill?

 

[wybantam23]

What are your thoughts on the two lads going to Town? Obviously know a bit about Ryan but be interested on your thoughts about the centre back.

Signings so far put us at best in mid table. Despite going pro the signings have been underwhelming at best and slightly worrying when you consider we have a manager who has been proven over 8 years that he wouldn't have lasted one season anywhere else at this level.
Still, what are rich daddy's for if they can't buy a club and burden it with the football management equivalent of Sheriff Buford T Justice's son.

Probably 2 of the best performers last season, dont blame them for going pro.

Whether or not they will hack it remains to be seen as I think Housham had a great effect on them. With a good manager they will thrive and more than good enough for title challenging conf north teams.

But... its crazy how little Harrogate have achieved since Weaver has been in charge, I dont see how going pro will change anything, needs to be the manager that goes.

If Halifax have a bad start and Heath gets the sack Harrogate should jump on him in a heartbeat

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Is this fitting the bill?
View attachment 6647

If the lad can coach let's get him on board

Good to see you lads stopped up another season. Can't help but look at Guiseley and think that is how it should be done. Is the cricket club still taking its pound of flesh?

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Probably 2 of the best performers last season, dont blame them for going pro.

Whether or not they will hack it remains to be seen as I think Housham had a great effect on them. With a good manager they will thrive and more than good enough for title challenging conf north teams.

But... its crazy how little Harrogate have achieved since Weaver has been in charge, I dont see how going pro will change anything, needs to be the manager that goes.

If Halifax have a bad start and Heath gets the sack Harrogate should jump on him in a heartbeat

Good to hear. We will need all the help possible at the back.

There is no chance of any change ever. Makes our club a total (bad) oddity in football. Would take Housham in a flash let alone Heath. So much so a few of us are doing a few city and, sorry, Leeds games this season, some fc united and taddy too. Such is the odd situation we are in. Like the non league trophyless version of Wenger.

Ryan coming back after his last season, good on him too. Released at national north but goes on and performs admirably at national level.
Hoping big Steve can and I think will stabalise Ferriby. Be good to have Ferriby back on the away calendar too.

 

[Minstermen central]

Going to be very interesting playing Harrogate next season.Always liked them and been to quiet a few games each season,mainly to see mcgurk and other players who have left York.
Just brings it home the bad job McNamara did.
We definitely never had a competitive game only 15 miles away.

 

[DOLF87]

Going to be very interesting playing Harrogate next season.Always liked them and been to quiet a few games each season,mainly to see mcgurk and other players who have left York.
Just brings it home the bad job McNamara did.
We definitely never had a competitive game only 15 miles away.

Can't wait! It will be the best crowd of the season at ours. You may even out number us. Do you think you'll keep the core of your attendance for next season?

 

[wybantam23]

Another blow for Ferriby as Guiseley have agreed a compensation deal for striker Reece Thompson.

If he has more service he could easily bag 20+ goals a season.

Rumours are he is to be replaced by Bridlington Towns Brett Agnew who scored 36 last season. again not exactly a great pedigree but atleast we'll have a squad

 

[Minstermen central]

Can't wait! It will be the best crowd of the season at ours. You may even out number us. Do you think you'll keep the core of your attendance for next season?

Sold nearly 1000 season tickets deadline Friday,last season sold 1200 so prob hit that figure.
Bet it's Boxing Day 11am ko at yours.
We took over 1300 to North Ferriby last season on Boxing Day,plus was crap and bottom of league.

 

[DOLF87]

Sold nearly 1000 season tickets deadline Friday,last season sold 1200 so prob hit that figure.
Bet it's Boxing Day 11am ko at yours.
We took over 1300 to North Ferriby last season on Boxing Day,plus was crap and bottom of league.

It would be quality if it ends up been the double header over Xmas/new year.

 

[Minstermen central]

It would be quality if it ends up been the double header over Xmas/new year.

Nailed on.

Will be hard to see Harrogate has rivals when actually watched them regularly.next season probably will be least I visit due to being in same league.

 

[B2TF]

Nailed on.

Will be hard to see Harrogate has rivals when actually watched them regularly.next season probably will be least I visit due to being in same league.

Don't worry pal, clubs like these will NEVER be your rivals, whatever the league and however long you're in it. Your only rivals are among the Great & Historic Brother Football League clubs.

 

[B2TF]

Would take Housham in a flash let alone Heath. So much so a few of us are doing a few city and, sorry, Leeds games this season, some fc united and taddy too. Such is the odd situation we are in. Like the non league trophyless version of Wenger.

"A few of us"? That'll be all of you then. And Wenger? No pal, when Aspin was manager there he said nobody ever hassled him no matter how shit they were doing, he could roll into work completely untroubled. Nobody cared. You're like the non league version of, ooh let me think......... Harrogate!
Now bring me a buttered scone and a pot of tea, that's all anyone will ever know Harrogate for - its where Agatha Christie went to hide from the world.

 

[DOLF87]

Don't worry pal, clubs like these will NEVER be your rivals, whatever the league and however long you're in it. Your only rivals are among the Great & Historic Brother Football League clubs.

'Great' is a little rich. . How long are you going to desperately cling to 'REAL' football club status?

 

[DOLF87]

"A few of us"? That'll be all of you then. And Wenger? No pal, when Aspin was manager there he said nobody ever hassled him no matter how shit they were doing, he could roll into work completely untroubled. Nobody cared. You're like the non league version of, ooh let me think......... Harrogate!
Now bring me a buttered scone and a pot of tea, that's all anyone will ever know Harrogate for - its where Agatha Christie went to hide from the world.

Halifax - the very worst joke of the real football cubs. Also used to make wool.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Blyth Spartans have signed Dale Hopson from Whitby Town - after he scored over 30 goals from midfield in all competitions last season.

 

[DarkSithLord]

National League North travel distances - http://www.thestatszone.com/article...nglish-football-2017-18-national-league-north

 

[Lucky Bobble]

Thanks for the post on distances DarkSithLord. So now the away trips to Blyth will be as popular as those Tuesday night trips to Brackley? Have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves being in the North when we are in the South Midlands and therefore should be Conference South - Blyth have even further to go and they have no hope of eventually getting into a more appropriate division. Non-league football isn't a level playing field for those in the margins - Norfolk, South-West and North-East, although I guess the competition for players in the local area is much reduced.

By the way is B2TF's tongue firmly in his cheek or is he really labouring under the illusion of Halifax's great footballing past...? And its a phoenix club anyway...

 

[wybantam23]

Joe Pugh signs from Donny (on loan at Frickley last season)

Meanwhile Taron Hare signs for Boston, evo stik premier champions 18/19...

 

[DarkSithLord]

National League North title prices from Betway - https://sports.betway.com/en/sports/evt/1163182

Ridiculous price for Spennymoor who I think will certainly be in the play-off picture and on the other side of the coin I wouldnr be touching us or North Ferriby at those odds!

 

[wybantam23]

National League North title prices from Betway - https://sports.betway.com/en/sports/evt/1163182

Ridiculous price for Spennymoor who I think will certainly be in the play-off picture and on the other side of the coin I wouldnr be touching us or North Ferriby at those odds!

Thats mental, i'd swap Ferriby for Park Avenue tbh. Wouldn't be surprised if they got into the playoffs with the team they are building, Bower knows this league and unlike the last few seasons they have a decent squad right at the start of pre season.

Does relegation change at all this season considering the shake up to the league below or does it stay the same?

If not, can see us, Gainsborough and Leamington going down

 

[DarkSithLord]

Thats mental, i'd swap Ferriby for Park Avenue tbh. Wouldn't be surprised if they got into the playoffs with the team they are building, Bower knows this league and unlike the last few seasons they have a decent squad right at the start of pre season.

Does relegation change at all this season considering the shake up to the league below or does it stay the same?

If not, can see us, Gainsborough and Leamington going down

No change to relegation at this level. Three to drop. Largely agree with that. Possibility Southport may do a Altrincham.

 

[Lucky Bobble]

Boston signed their 8th player and apparently paid a compensation fee. Spennymore also spending money along with some of the big 'Northern powerhouse' clubs. Brackley haven't paid a fee in its 130 year history, and very few players get contracts - the 'big' clubs in this league are far too big for us!

Boston also signed James Clifton - a long way for him to travel from the Midlands. Really liked him first time round at Brackley, then left after getting dropped, always moaning and negative influence. Moved around a bit, then at Nuneaton where he forced a move back to Brackley late last season - now 3 months on he's released. Good player, not so sure about a 'positive presence' about the club however... people generally seem glad to see the back of him despite his ability.

Agree about silly odds for Spennymore, but can't see anyone other than Salford winning the league, and if not them I'd only back York as having any chance. Mind you my predictions accuracy is frequently woeful.

Anyone heard of the whereabouts of Steve Diggin?