The Koolsports Northern Counties East League gets under way (the Unibond League start is next week) and it's a busy August for many with the FA Cup beginning a week tomorrow.

In the Premier Division, under new chairman Peter Hogan as they prepare for next year's 150th birthday celebrations, Hallam are well fancied for the title.

Manager Darren Bland has brought in some quality players, the latest Rob Ward from Sheffield FC, a fine capture. Also in are Matt Griffin from Dinnington, Richard Patterson (Parkgate), Darren Holmes (Sheffield), Richard Elson (Worsbrough Bridge), Zack Law (Buxton) and Chris Woods (Wakefield).

A buoyant Darren Bland is well pleased with his summer's work and said: "I'll be looking for commitment and loyalty with such a strong squad and know I'll be under pressure to win at least one major honour. I believe I've the players to do it."

They have a tough start at Shirebrook Town then, on Wednesday, visit Lincoln Moorlands Railway. These two start a run of nine successive away games!

Dinnington Town celebrate their centenary year at their highest level ever and manager Steve Toyne, no fool, told me the "Triple S'" is his symbol for the Premier - Survival, Support and Solvency, adding "all those will bring success".

He rightly bemoans the loss of Ant Lynam, the Wragg duo and Matt Griffin whilst keeper Phil Rhodes could miss the season with a knee injury. He will look to new signings Allott and Hibbert from Parkgate, Conway from Outokumpu and is pleased to have Lewis Axcel every Saturday.

After all their hard work, it's sad to lose so many top players but Steve is a wise bird and I expect them to finish in the top half. A tough start is at home to title fancy Liversedge then at relegated Bridlington Town on Tuesday.

Parkgate's first season in the Premier was a great success but manager Russ Eagle has gone along with several star players including the two Pattersons, leading scorer Ward, Outram, Ratcliffe and Fretwell. Life is going to be difficult for new manager Sean Hutchinson who intends giving the youngsters a big chance.

New players include keeper Sean Penn, defender Reuben Wood, midfielders Trevor Roberts and Immanuel Heywood, and forwards Kieron Gallagher and Andy Jones.

I expect mid-table though they must settle quickly. Selby Town, away, tomorrow and at Long Eaton on Tuesday, represents a very difficult start.

Maltby Main, under a new manager in Steve Adams, are a good top half bet.

Many quality players have gone but Steve has brought in John Beggs from Stocksbridge along with full back Sean Lee. Other newcomers include Matt and Jon Wragg from Dinnington Town and Jovan Madic from Maltby Sheppey whilst star striker Scot Sommerville remains.

They will be tested tomorrow at Long Eaton and on Wednesday at home to Nostell MW.

It promises to be a very competitive division and my title tips are Selby Town, Liversedge, Pickering Town and Hallam.



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