New Mills' great escape

New Mills have stunned non-league fans up and down the North West after confirming their safety in the NWCFL First Division South against all odds. 

The Millers looked destined for relegation after a catastrophic start to the 2023/24 season saw them sit rock bottom of the table after 15 games, picking up just two points in the process. 

This run also saw the club go on an 11 game losing streak, including a humiliating 10-2 defeat at the hands of Brocton. 

However their fortunes began to turn around upon the arrival of manager Chris Baguley, who took over the club in November alongside brothers Mark and Jamie, who both took on coaching roles.  

Their arrival coincided with a huge upturn in results, with The Millers winning seven out of their last 10 league games, including a 6-0 thrashing of Abbey Hulton United back in March. 

New Mills finally completed what is now being dubbed ‘The great escape’, on April 13 when they defeated Market Drayton in the penultimate game of the season. 

They then rounded off their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Alsager Town a week later, leading them to a 16th placed finish, which looked near impossible when the Baguley’s took over back in November. 

To top this all off, The Millers were recognised for their achievements by picking up the NWCFL First Division South ‘Club of the Month’ for March. 

As well as this, defender Chris Pauley picked up the ‘Player of the Month’ award for March, and goalkeeper Joey Oldham was chosen as the ‘Goalkeeper of the Month’. 

Speaking after his side achieved their goal of survival, manager Chris Baguley said: 

“I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of this- the great escape!  

“I love a challenge, but this was huge, and some may have thought insurmountable. 

 “It’s amazing what you can do with belief and good people around you. 

“The staff, players and fans have been incredible and I can’t thank them enough.” 

New Mills’ top scorer, Chad Whyte also commented on the achievement: 

“I’ve been in non-league for over a decade, won leagues, cups and been part of some amazing achievements in that time, but this season tops absolutely everything. 

“The great escape, from two points to 36, this is my greatest achievement by a country mile”.