The wait is almost over. After a summer of new signings, fresh faces in the dugout and countless miles covered on training pitches across the region, the North West Counties Football League Division One South returns this weekend for what promises to be another fiercely competitive campaign.

Twenty clubs will battle it out over the coming months, all chasing the same dream: promotion to Step Five of the football pyramid. With established contenders, ambitious newcomers and more than a few clubs looking to surprise the critics, there is every reason to believe the 2026/27 season could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

Last season's leading contenders have naturally attracted much of the attention heading into the new campaign. Eccleshall finished runners-up in 2025/26 and will be determined to go one better this time around, while Stafford Town, Sandbach United and Telford Town have all shown in recent seasons that they are capable of competing with the division's strongest sides.

The arrival of new clubs such as AFC Bridgnorth, Dawley Town, Crewe and Widnes Town adds plenty of intrigue. New clubs often bring momentum, fresh enthusiasm and a degree of unpredictability that can make them difficult opponents in the opening months of the season.

For Millers supporters, there is genuine reason for optimism.

The Millers enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign, finishing third in the table and establishing themselves as one of the division's most consistent sides. Having fallen short of promotion, the challenge now is to turn promise into achievement.

Much will depend on how quickly a largely new-look squad can gel under the management of Nathan Neequaye and Sam Scott. Encouraging performances during pre-season have provided reasons for confidence, but league football presents an entirely different challenge. Consistency, depth and the ability to grind out results on difficult away days will ultimately determine whether New Mills can mount a genuine promotion challenge.

What supporters will hope to see is the same spirit and determination that has become synonymous with the club in recent years, combined with the quality required to compete at the top end of the table.

One of the attractions of Division One South is its collection of local and regional rivalries.

Meetings with clubs such as Sandbach United, Alsager Town, Cheadle Heath Nomads and Barnton have historically proved challenging, while trips into Shropshire to face the likes of Market Drayton Town, Telford Town and Shawbury United will test every side's resilience.

With promotion places often decided by fine margins, supporters can expect every point to matter from the very first weekend.

Step 6 football has always been built on ambition. Players balancing football with work commitments, volunteers dedicating countless hours behind the scenes and supporters travelling the length and breadth of the region all contribute to what makes the NWCFL special.

Every club begins the season believing it can achieve something memorable. Some will target promotion, others stability and progression, while a few will simply be hoping to establish themselves at this level.

The beauty of non-league football is that predictions rarely survive long once the first ball is kicked.

For The Millers, the objective is clear. Build on last season's progress, make Church Lane a difficult place for visitors and attempt to remain firmly in the promotion conversation from August through to April.

The journey starts now.