Clubs assigned to divisions for 2021/22 season

The allocations for the forthcoming season in step three and below of the non-league pyramid have been confirmed.

Locally, as it was formed last season, Stalybridge Celtic, Hyde United and Ashton United have been assigned a place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, whilst Mossley will compete in the Northern Premier League North West alongside Glossop North End, who make their return to this regional division after spending two seasons in the South West. 

It's a much welcomed return for the Hillmen, who initially disputed their position in the South West, citing too much travel for doing so. This season marks a new change in the dugout at Surrey Street, as former manager Peter Band has left the club to become the assistant manager at Macclesfield FC. He has been replaced by former Warrington Town boss Stuart Mellish, who spoke to Glossop North End TV upon taking the role. You can watch the interview here: 

Droylsden would usually be placed in the North West division, however they haven't been assigned a position in any of the steps this season. The Bloods resigned from the North West division last season due to financial concerns amid Covid-19. The situation regarding the Bloods is currently unclear, although Reporter Sport has contacted club secretary Bryan Pace for clarification. We will provide an update if or when we receive one.

Across the border, Avro and Chadderton will compete in the same divisions as last season, with the former being placed in the North West Counties Premier Division, and the latter playing in the North West Counties First Division North. New Mills will once again be competing in the North West Counties First Division South.

In the NPL Premier Division, Ashton United will be hoping to kick-on in a new look ground, as Hurst Cross is currently undergoing improvements with new perimeter fencing being installed around the pitch, new seats being fitted in the main stand, maintenance to the players' dugouts, and the social club being ripped out to make way for new interior. On the pitch, the Robins will be managed by Michael Clegg. The former Atherton boss will be hoping to finally put his stamp on the side after taking control in November 2019. His time in charge has been severely disrupted by Covid-19, with both the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons being null and voided.

Meanwhile, Stalybridge Celtic manager Simon Haworth has been busy assembling his squad in recent weeks, with former striker Scott Bakkor re-joining the club after a short spell with Witton Albion, and goalkeeper Grant Shenton penning a permanent deal with the club after spending a short period on loan from Buxton last season. 

Hyde United manager Dave McGurk is also relishing the chance to return to the pitch. You can watch his interview with Ian Cheeseman here: 

https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/watch-hyde-boss-mcgurk-looks-ahead-to-new-season/

Mossley boss David Fish will be hoping to complete his first full season in charge of the Lilywhites following last season's disruption. The former Stockport County and Curzon Ashton goalkeeper joined the club in the summer of 2020 after leaving Chadderton.

Below are the full tables for each league.