Ed's Eye

2008/9 Preview

2008/9 sees our biggest influx of new clubs and also sees WMCFL at easily its largest. We will be expanding to 31 this season and running a third division for the first time in our history. All nine new teams enter Division Three alongside of one our oldest teams, Brierley Hill AOG. Looking back over some of my previous comments a few seasons ago, one of my ambitions for the League was to grow to 32 teams, have three divisions and a knock-out cup. I felt that the knock out format when we were just 17-22 clubs was not effective and I always voted for the group phase at League and Committee level. We now need to give serious consideration to what our next goals are as a League now that those ambitions have been fulfilled.

I've been doing these predictions for some years now and am always quite suprised at the level of interest it generates. I'm frequently asked when I am going to publish. I get lots of response, some via emails and some people face to face. I think this year will be the hardest to call, partly because I think Division One is an extremely tight division. When you look up and down the eleven teams, perhaps with the exception of Clarendon, there'll be no surprise results. Anyone can beat anyone.

Teams in Division Two have more to play for than the other two. If we stay as we are with no teams leaving or joining, three will be promoted and three relegated, with just four clubs left in the middle division. There are some strong teams from last year and others emerging and growing in stature, others keen to return to the top flight.

Of course, Division Three is very tricky too, with just a handful of friendlies to go on. A few teams have players with previous WMCFL experience but there are some that are completely unknown. Friendlies can be a bit unreliable, although some I've watched or refereed have been very keely contested. I'm costantly told that a team has several players out, although as we all know that is often the way once the competition commences.

I am constantly asked how many are promoted and relegated from each division. Well the answer is three unless we have a restructure as we saw this season, City Church escaped relegation on account of Division One expanding to eleven teams. Signs are that we will be growing again next season, I've already been approached by two teams in addition to another four that missed the cut-off. So, if we took another five teams, one suggestion could be that we remain with three divisions all expanding to twelve clubs. So somehow we would have to sort that lot out. So if you think you have missed out on promotion, especially in Division Three, you could be wrong. Keep on going until the end, you never know what's going to happen.

Lastly just to say that these predictions are just that. It's not intended to be a serious commentary, just a bit of fun. I don't have the benefit of detailed information on new signings and often I just have the results to go on. I did try and get out of it last season but was told by so many people that they enjoyed reading it that I continued. Many clubs have spurred their teams on simple by taping my comments to the dressing room wall. So at best I hope you enjoy reading what I've written, at worst you use it as a motivational tool for your team.

Division 1

Clarendon - Clarendon dominated Division One in the second half of last season and I can see that continuing this year. However, they may focus their efforts in the Cup as that competition has eluded them so far. The team seemed very settled especially across the defence last time out and they found very capable deputies when needed. That said, I would expect Clarendon to win the League again - First
St. Mary's - St Mary's are riding on the crest of a wave at present, retaining the Cup and finishing second in the League. The only way they can top that is to win the League this year. I refereed their first pre-season friendly and whilst they looked a little ring-rusty in front of goal, they knocked the ball about with confidence and certainly looked like a team. They cruised through the game with ease whilst the opposition toiled and argued. It would be no great surprise to me if the club went on to win the League this season, they've built this team from the bottom up and are reaching their peak as they enter their tenth season - Second
St. Matthew's - St Matthew's were hot out of the blocks last season but faded due to injuries and suspensions. It will be interesting to see how they progress this year. In Martin Nicholls they have one of the best finishers the League has seen and to add to that he hates losing. Mart would get cross if you beat him at tiddly-winks. This desire to win combined with the abundance of talent in the side will stand St Matthew's in good stead for another successful season - Fourth

Amblecote - Under new management with significant changes in personnel. Shawn Devonport and other members of Champions Church have left to set up a new club. Three lads from Chawn Hill have transferred in; Curtis Jordan, Lee Darlington and John Hawker. Amblecote have retained Player of the Year Dean Russell in goal but I'm not sure he can play every week, which will be key. I don't think that Amblecote will win the League this year but will turn out some good results at times - Sixth
Dynamo Kingswinford - Another club under new management and good luck to Jason who takes the reigns. I am predicting ninth but I've just checked what I said last year: ninth and they finished up in fifth. I've heard conflicting stories, they are struggling for players, they've got too many...so your guess is as good as mine. However, they still have a nucleus of experience which can quite often pay dividends - Ninth
Rowley College - Another strong team on their day that can spring a surprise result. Matt Williams returns who will be dominant and influential in the heart of defence. They also have experience and skill in midfield and attack but I'm not sure who's going to keep goal. As with many clubs, this position is crucial to the team and is frequently filled by a stand-in. A good keeper can make all the difference. Most teams will not look forward to playing Rowley but I don't think they will trouble the leaders come the end of the season - Fifth
Sheldon - I backed Sheldon for the drop last year and whilst they spent much of the season in the relegation zone, that was more due to the lack of games rather than the form of the club. They did in the end complete the year in seventh but were eight points clear of the relegation zone and could be considered mid-table rather than 'just escaped'. I believe that Sheldon will move up a gear this year with the addition of Mark Hadden who currently is WMCFL's post-internet top scorer of all time (sorry Tim, Ez, Neil Hambly etc.). Like the goalkeeper, a man who can regularly find the back of the net is so crucial and in Mark I think the club will turn those narrow defeats and draws into three points. A tough draw in the Cup starts with an away fixture at Amblecote, which is perhaps one of the highest profile games in the first round - Third
City Church - City clung onto their Division One status by the skin of their teeth. They finished in the relegation zone but escaped on a technicality with the League's reorganisation. They have Neil Kovacs to thank as it was he that suggested that Division One carried the extra team and not Division Three. City had a poor start last year but they were a bit unlucky. They settled later on and began to put in some much better performances but it was too late. They won just three games out of eighteen. The side is much the same as last year's but you will see ex-City players playing for other teams, such as Elim and Selly Oak as the three teams seem inextricably linked. It's hard to say who will go down as the teams are so closely matched but I think City will be in the bottom three - Tenth
Halesowen Zion - Halesowen settled back down last year after the club effectively expanded to two teams with Zion Athletic introduced to the League two seasons ago. They had a barn-stormer last time out scoring 92 goals in 22 games, some average and conceded fewest in the Division. The step-up to Division One will be interesting to monitor. Like St Mary's, Halesowen have a core of players that have been with them for many seasons giving the side spine. I think Halesowen will survive but will be more mid-table than challenging for the top spots - Seventh
St. Thomas' Aldridge - Promoted last year but will miss Mark Hadden's goals. May suffer from inability to hit the back of the net. There are plenty of names that have been around for many-a-year, so no lack of experience but possibly a lack of pace across the side. I'm going to stick my neck out and say eleventh, I'm sure I'll get some feedback on that - Eleventh
King's AFC - King's battled for third place last year with a much improved Selly Oak side and eventually came out on top. They failed to win eight of their twenty-two matches last season but did manage to score eighty goals, which is some achievement. Division One defences will be harder to break down than their Division Two counter-parts and King's will need to tighten up at the back. If King's can remain in the Division this season then I think they will build and grow for the following year - Eighth

Division 2

Chawn Hill Church - A poor season by Chawn's standards sees them drop into Division Two for the first time since we've had a proper second tier. Back in the mid-nineties there were too many clubs for one division but too few for two, so the Committee at the time split the League at the half-way stage. Chawn had won the League in 1991, 92 and 93 but must have had a poorer year in 1994 as they ended up as Division Two Champions. 1998 was the last season we had the mid-season split when St Boniface won. AFC Zion were the first team to win the Division Two proper that ran all year. Anyway, I digress. Chawn have dropped into Division Two and I think may struggle a little as they've lost a few folks. They are in esteemed company though. Many good clubs have been relegated, Rowley, W&P, Villa (twice1972), some have bounced back straight away, some have taken several seasons and some have remained in the lower echelons. I think Chawn may take a year or two to regroup - Fifth
Renewal Solihull - Probably one of the most unpredictable clubs in the League. In the past they have had a squad that when the best players are all playing can beat anyone in the League. However they don't seem to be able to put out a consistent side. This is a tough one to call but I'm going for seventh as they have lost a handful of players to Birmingham International, also affiliated to Renewal Christian Centre - Seventh
Selly Oak Methodist - I was going to say Champions and St Thomas' as bottom of Division Two. Then they go and lose 2-1 to St Thomas' pre-season. Is the gulf between One and Two that big? There's always going to be a bit of settling down between City and Elim as the three clubs are so close, with players moving from one team to another looking for a regular spot. But if Selly Oak can retain last season's core squad, they should win this division. The strongest teams last year were promoted and with Chawn and Solihull on the back foot coming down, the competition for promotion I would say is between Selly Oak, Wolves, Zion Athletic and then possibly Walsall and St Boniface.
Wolverhampton and Perton Churches - Wolves still retain the core of the team that have been playing together for many years and as such gain from all that offers. After missing out on promotion last season, they were playing for fun which was nice to see. It perhaps gave them freedom and took away a slice of tension that is part of all teams when they are playing in the League. I don't think they have a large squad but that can often bring as many problems as it solves. If these boys turn up every week, they'll be up there. Slightly longer odds to take the Division Two trophy than Selly Oak at this stage but I wouldn't put it past them. And with the collection of runners up medals they have, it wouldn't be before time and it's not for want of trying. If anything W&P try too hard - Third
Zion Athletic - Zion Athletic are a club on the up, still building and growing. At times, this team are right up there: Solid at the back, creative in midfield and pacey up front. But like most teams at this level, inconsistency is their achillies' heel. I think they will come of age this year though and move into the top division - Second
Walsall Olympic - An excellent improvement last season. Whilst they were a solid seventh, Walsall's goal difference was far, far superior to those below them. Forty-two goals better in fact than EK who were one place below them. People are talking about the improvements they've seen in this side and from the minimal friendly exposure they've had, you can see it. A long shot for the title and I think they may just achieve promotion but my thoughts are that they will continue to improve but miss out - Fourth
EK Corinthia - I thought that EK would have done a bit better last year, although my prediction of seventh was not far out. They are still a way off the finished article and have a tendancy to implode. In years to come I think they will gradually move up the ladder though. Once again, a biggish squad with everyone wanting ninety minutes - Ninth
West Bromwich Beacons (formerly Bilston Beacons) - West Brom had a mountain to climb last year but climb it they did. Towards the end of the year we saw significant progress as the team built itself back up again from the exodus of personnel that we saw twelve months ago. There's been no such wholesale departure this year (that I know of) but one or two additions that I think will bolster the team. I still think their eye will be looking behind them rather than in front - Eighth
St. Boniface - St. Boniface promised much last season but faded. They have a couple of new men at the helm that have brought reinforcements and to add to that Obi is promised back from Algeria. So St B will be an unknown force but so far so good with the friendlies they've arranged. The proof of the pudding is in the eating so they say, so we shall see but once again St Boniface promise to turn over a new leaf. Don't rule them out for promotion - Sixth
Sandwell United - Conceded a whopping 113 goals in 22 games last season, so unless there are major changes throughout the side I cannot see significant improvements happening for a little while. They still manage to compete for the first two-thirds of matches but are broken down towards the end as the team collectively runs out of steam. It would be nice to see this side do better but I think it's a little way off yet - Tenth
Division 3

Brierley Hill AOG - Brierley Hill have the ignominious accolade of being the first WMCFL club to be relegated to Division Three. On the positive side, if they win Division Three, they will be the first to do it and they will become the only team to have won all three divisions. Brierley Hill were one of the founder member clubs when the League first drew breath in 1979. We've come a long way since then, things have evolved massively since those days when there were just six teams in the entire league. I think Brierley Hill will have a better year, but it's hard to see them getting promoted back up again - Eighth
All Nations - All Nations are a large church based in central Wolverhampton and have been talking about entering the League for a little while. I have very little to go on save a couple of friendlies. They got battered 14-1 in their first match but then beat DC 4-2 more recently, so I'm stumped as what to predict. The 14-1 defeat prompted me to suggest a poor season but maybe they are better than that? - Tenth
Birmingham International - International hail from Solihull's Renewal Christian Centre. Richard played for and captained Renewal Solihull. Despite losing 10-1 to Champions Church in an early pre-season friendly, I think International will do quite well this year. Richard Taylor, since being born again, has been a highly successful individual, giving 100% to everything he does. He is an intense individual, approaching tasks with vigour and passion. He is also a motivational speaker, so I can imagine that the International dressing room will be lively. International have a group of players with plenty of experience but make take a few weeks to gel - Sixth

Champions Church - Champions Church have been talking about entering WMCFL for about 18 months, so in pre-season they have looked well organised and disciplined. Champions Church is based in Netherton near Dudley and I believe used to be called Sweet Turf. The team is made up of a mixture of players; a blend of youth and experience. Five former Amblecote players join, including Dave Oakley, who spent seventeen years at Brierley Hill, Lee Ralph who has formerly played for Bilston, Halesowen, Brierley Hill and Amblecote, Rion Mills, who uncles used to play for Amblecote and last but not least Shawn Devonport who is one of WMCFL's leading scorers, post internet. I'm going to stick my neck out and say that Champions Church are my favourites for the Division Three title but Rockmount and Elim will be close contenders - First
D C Dynamos - DC were originally part of MBD United but there seemed to be an abundance of players, so they are managing to enter two teams under two names. The split is amicable but nevertheless, the derby will be hotly contested. DC's affiliation is to Acock's Green Elim church, however they will play their matches at Dudley Wood in Netherton. Several of their players are based in and around Halesowen. Another tough call to predict but I think they may well be thereabouts come the final kick next spring.

Elim Athletic - Elim's association is to Selly Oak Elim church. They have several players that played for Selly Oak Methodist and City Church, both newish clubs to WMCFL. Elim are, like Champions Church, a team that has been planned for many months with masses of preparation work. They also have an abundance of players that have played at this level with varying degrees of success. Elim are a welcome addition to the League and will do well - Third
Lighthouse Lions - Lighthouse are from Shard End in East Birmingham. They are another totally new club to WMCFL and totally new to me. I can only recall one friendly that's been reported in, a 3-3 draw with Elim Athletic. I understand that they are a young team, so that sometimes means lack of strength and stamina. I'm putting Lighthouse in at ninth but mainly through ignorance rather than judgement - Ninth
MBD United - MBD are affliatiated to the St Paul's Church in Blackheath, Warley. They'll play their games down in Dudley Wood along with Champions, DC and Halesowen Zion. MBD have spent many months in preparation and I'm sure will reap the dividends as I would imagine others may be slower to start. MBD have done their settling down in pre-season and at the last couple of outings looked improved. I'm not ruling out an instant promotion but I think there are one or two stronger teams - Fifth
Rockmount United - I have little to go on here, only I know that they have players who have been part of Clarendon and King's, two very decent sides. They are well backed by their sponsors and are strong and quick, so a good bet for the number one spot. I don't know that much about them so it would be wrong to suggest them as champions but will play a major part in the top spaces - Second
Shiloh United - Shiloh will be playing their matches in East Park, Wolverhampton. This brings back some good memories for me, as when I ran a club we were based over there. Whilst it's not up to the standard of EK's facilities, it was warm and dry with good showers. Again, I've only seen Shiloh once but they seemed like a nice bunch of lads with a desire to do well. Everyone from Shiloh's new to WMCFL, so we will wait and see how they get on - Seventh
 
Very best wishes to all our clubs, especially the new teams who are welcomed into WMCFL for the first season. I trust you will all enjoy your football and uphold the good name of the League with excellent sportsmanship, win, lose or draw.