Season Preview: Division One

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Bampton Town

Gaining a 4th successive title is probably beyond Bampton, but certainly expect them to take a few notable scalps and a top 4 finish is not beyond them.  Craig Williams and Steve Godfrey are both class acts and John Shuker has plenty of experience at this level.  Except Nick Basson to also make a big contribution. Defensively they are sound and  strong although the keepers berth has been causing a few frowns on manager Chris Jordan's face.

Prediction: 4th
One to watch: Steve Godfrey

Brize Norton

Although they finished 5th last season, they were still nearer relegation than promotion in terms of points.  The loss of last year’s leading scorer Ricky King for the first part of the year is a major blow and old warhorse Mike Haines is also not involved. No one except King scored double figures so expect a few of last year’s successful reserve team to step up to the side with new managers Adam Smith and Nigel Bellenger.

Prediction: 8th
One to watch: Mark Hedges

Carterton

They have club legend 'Mac' back at the helm although their pre-season has been hampered by in-fighting literally. A few of the players who were involved in the title winning sides have returned but all are a couple of years older now.  If Darrell Kew stays fit and plays he may score goals but no one in the team scored more than 4 goals for them last year.  Expect a season of struggle and a good start if essential they are not to get involved in a relegation fight.

Prediction: 10th
One to watch: Steve Lazarus

Cassington

Surprised many by gaining promotion in fine style last season.  Manager Andy Salkeld has had to try and plug the big hole in the goal that Dan Cox filled and he has flirted with playing himself there at times.  The squad is relatively thin and ideally they could do with 2 or 3 more players to add depth. Davy Cooper is an exceptional striker and will continue to score goals for fun - he will need to get a few if they are to stay up.

Prediction: 11th (Relegated)
One to watch: Davy Cooper

Charlbury Town

Would have won a league of the top 4 sides last season as beat Freeland and Ducklington twice and Hailey once.  But the problem was losing to sides that they should easily have dispatched.  The main problem last year was not scoring enough goals if manger John Fitgerald can find someone to do this they will be serious contenders. There are rumours of new signings into the club, but management remain tight lipped.

Prediction: Runners-up
One to watch: Andy Woodley

Ducklington

Very little activity of the summer months, Chris Palmer has left but the return of Ian Luckett more than makes up for that.   Manger Rod King’s dilemma could be trying to find the best role for the  charismatic Gary Brooks.
Scored the 2nd highest amount of goals in the league last season and conceded fewest so if they can reproduce that sort of form, they could go close, but is it a season too far for a few of their elder players? Good bet for a cup.

Prediction: 7th
One to watch: Sam Duthie

Freeland

All the signs point to Freeland achieving a hat-trick of titles. They have made a host of new signings - Dan Cox (Cassington), Darren McNamara (Kidlington), Neil Howe (Unattached), Dave Tarr/Nathan Blackwell/James Butler (Eynsham), Chris Palmer (Ducklington). They also expect to have Tom Mason and Lee Hyatt much more available than last season. The problem could be getting them all to gel at once and some of the results in pre-season have been somewhat disappointing.  Dale Kardos and Stuart Hole are an important duo and both may miss large chunks of the campaign. But with the strength in depth they have expect to see them challenge in every competition.

Prediction: Champions
One to watch: Jefferson Harriott

Hailey

A close season of fluctuation, manager Daniel King has seen players go, comeback and go again all in the space of 24 hours. The spine of last season’s successful squad is still in place and in Andy Watts they have one of the best keepers in the league. The loss of Tom Perry to Hellenic football is a major blow. They have signed the brothers Bolt and this will go some way towards offsetting this. Expect a strong challenge once again, but cup success is more likely than the league title.

Prediction: 5th
One to watch: Joey King

Hanborough

Andy White has taken over at Hanborough and has already started impressively by winning a couple of six a sides - so no pressure here then.  Had a good pre-season as well and with 3 new signings in Duncan and Stuart Griffin and Pete Andrews they will certainly fancy their chances of a big season. The loss of Matty Ellis could be a big blow though.  If he plays Robbie Lovick is still a major influence and he can destroy sides if given time and space.

Prediction: 3rd
One to watch: Duncan Griffin

North Leigh A

North Leigh’s survival in virtually the last game of the season last year was well documented and it may go to that stage again last year.  There were some good young players in the squad last year and if they have retained the services of Ben Riordan then he may score enough goals to keep them up - but is a big if. Pre-season results have not been encouraging losing to teams in lower leagues so expect another year of struggle.

Prediction: Bottom (Relegated)
One to watch: Ben Riordan

Spartan Rangers

A decent return to the Premier Division and they will have high hopes of going better this season.  Dave Large’s goals proved crucial last season and if he can continue to score they may exceed expectations.  Kevin Southwood and Russell Steele have joined the set up and that will offset the loss of Lee Manley. Pete Jenkins has also returned after a brief foray with Hellenic football. In Alfie Saunders they have one of the shrewdest managers about and he will not let standards slip.

Prediction: 9th
One to watch: Steve Wright

West Witney

Appeared to have made a number of good signings during the close season David Boughtflower and Simon Winstone have been brought in to add strength to the defence and Matt Hemsley is a proven keeper. They also have the luxury of Richard Farr available all season and he along with Matt Townsend will offer plenty of goals. The  midfield also has Dale Hartless available for the whole season and he, together with Jamie Goodwin and James Minnion will be a useful midfield. Strength in depth could be their major problem.

Prediction: 6th
One to watch: Matt Townsend