Northern Premier League preview: New clubs raise the stakes

DIV ONE EAST

ARRIVAL: David Atkinson

THERE’S a fresh feel about the brand new East Division after the National League System restructure.

The influx of a number of Step 5 clubs not only strengthens an already competitive division, but also opens the number of contenders for a promotion place.

The likes of Marske United, Dunston UTS and Tadcaster Albion are sure to be there or thereabouts after strong performances during a curtailed season last time out – but there are several newly promoted clubs that could offer a threat during their first season in Step 4.

Northern League trio Hebburn Town, Stockton Town and Shildon arrive with rich histories and can all provide a challenge at a new level.

Hebburn, 2020 FA Vase winners, have been shorn of experienced trio Louis Storey (moved to Gateshead), Michael McKeown (injury) and Graeme Armstrong (retired), but have added to their squad and are relishing the prospect of taking another step away from the off-field issues that saw them close to folding four years ago.

Shildon’s elevation brought down the curtain on their 90-year tenure as a Northern League club.

So often seen as a powerhouse in Step 5, the arrival of former Carlisle United and Darlington player David Atkinson will go a long way to helping them challenge this season.

Stockton’s rise is a far more romantic tale and it reaches a new peak this season.

The Anchors were plying their trade in the step seven Wearside League as recently as 2016 and three promotions in five seasons sees them arrive in the NPL with momentum and squad full of higher-level experience.

Challengers are far from limited to those from the North East with Yorkshire Amateur, Bridlington Town and Liversedge all arriving at a pace from the Northern Counties East League.