A league of turmoil, dramatic change and, briefly, a structural shake-up, the upcoming Cymru North campaign is not to be missed.
FAW chiefs had planned to expand the league to 17 teams following the relegations of Airbus UK and Flint Town United from the Cymru Premier, although the withdrawal of Cefn Druids ensured there will once again be 16 sides competing.
A sorry state of affairs at The Rock – the Druids’ coaching staff and players held a mass walkout over claims they were still owed money by the club – means the club remains in the process of battling a transfer ban.
As for the aforementioned relegated pair, Airbus UK endured a wretched top-flight campaign, failing to win any of their 32 league fixtures in addition to being hit with a six-point deduction for fielding ineligible players.
Stability will be key for the Wingmakers – who have signed former Liverpool youth striker Craig Lindfield – having dropped back down to the second tier with a whimper.
DragonBet make Airbus UK 9/1 to win the title
It was very different for Flint who showed plenty of promise at times, particularly having won three of their first four league matches last term. But the Silkmen’s inability to beat Pontypridd Town on the final day ensured they finished 11th.
Lee Fowler’s side have done some serious work in the transfer window though, signing Elliott Reeves, Max Williams, Joshua Jones, Tom Hilditch and Joe Williams while Jake Phillips has returned to the club. This lot could take some beating.
Holywell Town have dusted themselves down in preparation to challenge for the title once again having finished second last time out, despite winning 26 of their 30 league fixtures.
The Wellmen were well clear of the likes of Llandudno, Guilsfield and Ruthin Town last season, but the addition of two Cymru Premier sides to the league will undoubtedly make their task of finishing first significantly harder, although they have recruited well in the shape of Rhys Edwards, Shaun Pearson and Julian Williams to name a few.
DragonBet make Holywell Town 12/5 to win the title
Mitchell Williams, Kyle Cooper, Jenson Gee, Harvey Bennett and Paddy Hold are among the names to join Llandudno in Jordan Hadaway’s first campaign as boss while Adam Knott and Tom Williams have gone to Guilsfield – who have made Ben Guest’s loan move from Newtown permanent.
The trio of sides promoted from the third tier will each be exciting additions to this season’s North league.
A warm welcome to Caersws, Denbigh Town and Bangor 1876!
The latter two played out an enthralling title battle in the Ardal North West last season, with Town dropping just 11 points en route to finishing top while Michael Johnston’s outfit secured a dramatic play-off win over Cefn Albion to rise to tier two with what was their third successive promotion.
DragonBet make Caersws 66/1 to win the title
Caersws are no strangers to this level and secured a return to the Cymru North as Ardal North East champions just 12 months after suffering play-off final heartache against Porthmadog.
Few would be surprised if one or more of the newly promoted trio have a big say in the league this term.
Prestatyn Town and Buckley Town joined Cefn Druids in completing the top half line-up in last season’s league standings. The Seasiders lost star forward Hilditch to Flint but have managed to bring in Emmanuel Lawal, Michael Jones, Bobby Murphy and Michael Burke.
Chirk AAA survived by the skin of their teeth last term following promotion from the Ardal North East. In what is shaping to be an exciting league, the Colliers will once again bid to spring a few surprises in their quest to beat the drop.
Mold Alexandra, Gresford Athletic, Porthmadog and Llanidloes Town complete the 2023-24 line-up in a division that quite simply cannot be missed this season. Expect upsets, more fairytale storylines and an engrossing title tussle.
DragonBet make Mold Alexandra 66/1 to win the title
