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WDFA Premier League
Aston
Aston probably exceeded all expectations last season in finishing in 8th place, but will probably be hard pressed to repeat that feat again. Have lost a couple of influential figures from last year in James Fleming and Danny Walker. They also have a smallish squad and may well struggle.
Prediction: 12th - Relegated
Brize Norton
The return of Ricky King will certainly bolster Brize Norton's attack and as they had the meanest defence in the league last season they will definitely fancy their chances of lifting the title, although they have lost Nigel Byng who has dropped down to the Reserve team. Chris Cope and Dan Frizzell will be stepping up from the Reserves and challenging for a 1st team slot, and Rob Marsh and Justin Summers have arrived from Millpark.
Prediction: 2nd
Carterton
Carterton failed to live up to expectations last season and tailed away towards the end of the campaign.They have lost a few key members from last season's squad and with a new manager in tow as well this may have to be a season of consolidation.
Prediction: 8th
Charlbury Town
This could be another good season in the offing for Charlbury Town. They were unlucky not to pick up a trophy last year going down in two cup finals. They have been performing well again in pre-season and expect them in be in the mix once again.
Prediction: 6th
Ducklington
Ducklington had their best ever season finishing 2nd last year.They have possibly lost leading scorer Chris Palmer but he has been replaced by Matt Kent who looks to be the business. Darren Mills and Danny Walker have also been added to the fold. Star defender Ben Clapton will be missing for parts of the season at Uni. Will hope Stuart Cutts can again fire the goals to get them silverware. Best bet though could be a cup.
Prediction: 4th
FC Nomads
Success for FC Nomads will again be retaining their spot in the Premier Division. They only managed to score 31 goals last term and leading scorer Mark Thomas scored 13 of those. Thin squad and will do well if they stay up this time.
Prediction: 11th
Freeland
After winning the Premier League title for the first time in the club's history, Freeland go into the new season in a confident mood. Their main capture during the closed season is a recapture! Stuart Hole continues to play his football for his home village, while Joe Crocker returns from travelling in Australia and Richard Trigg is back for a whole season. On paper, Freeland do look to be stronger than last season and will possibly have a couple of new faces to add to the competition for places.
Prediction: Champions
Hailey
Hailey would have felt that they underachieved last season when finishing 7th , but they did lift the Senior Cup. New manager in Daniel King and several new faces in the side, notably Kevin Southwood, Marcus Townsend and Andy Bridgman. They will certainly do better than last season, but may find one or two better than them.
Prediction: 3rd
Hanborough
Hanborough started last season dreadfully but ended it really well to claim 4th spot and were the only team to beat Freeland. Strong throughout the team and with a youthful squad they will hope to improve on last season.
Prediction: 5th
Millpark
Millpark have had a meteoric rise through the leagues with three successive promotions. They will not have a problem scoring goals with Andy Jamieson, Paul Neale, Martin Latmier & Mike Bolt all capable of scoring 20 goals. They may have a problem though keeping clean sheets. A small squad may also cause problems if injury and suspensions kick in.
Prediction: 9th
North Leigh A
North Leigh A never really set the league alight last season, but similarly were always just above the relegation area. Expect a similar sort of season, but may prove better if some of the younger players from the B side make the step up.
Prediction: 10th
Spartan Rangers
Runaway champions of Division One last year, Spartan Rangers are back in the top flight after a three year absence. They have done well in pre-season winning the Enstone Cup. Plenty of goals throughout the side and I am sure that they will mount a lively challenge and whilst they will not win the league expect them to challenge for a cup.
Prediction: 7th
West Witney
West Witney appear to be in turmoil, and indeed at the time of writing, I am unsure if they will even enter a side. They narrowly avoided the drop last year and only managed a meagre 28 goals with only Matt Townsend managing more than 2 goals all year. Promises to be a hard campaign and will struggle to stay up.
Prediction: 13th - Relegated
