In Focus | Newcomers to the NPL Premier Division

And while there will be many established NPL Premier Division clubs vying for promotion once again, others will face the big challenge of entering Step 3 of the non-league pyramid for the first time in quite some while - the first time ever for some. 

Here is a breakdown of the latest additions.

Alfreton Town

• Nickname: The Reds
• Formation: 1959
• Ground: Solana Stadium (3600 capacity)
• Previous Position: Relegated in 22nd, National League North (50 points)

History: 

After securing the National League North title by a 10-point margin in the 2010/11 season, the club spent four years at their highest-ever level in the National League before being relegated in 21st place. 

Despite reaching the play-offs in both 2022/23 and 2023/24, they narrowly missed out and endured the cruel fate of relegation on the final day in April. 

Needing three points against Curzon Ashton and other results to go their way, Jake Buxton’s team could only manage a 3-3 draw. 

The Reds will, however, be buoyed by a raft of new signings as they bid to replace a number of key departures over the summer.

First Game: Curzon Ashton (A)

READ: XI questions with | Alfreton Town

Avro

• Nickname: The Ro
• Formation: 1936
• Ground: The Vestacare Stadium, Oldham (1500 capacity)
• Previous Position: Second, promoted via play-offs in NPL West Division (88 points)

History: 

Founded in the Failsworth factory of aircraft manufacturer Avro in 1936, the club had enormous success in the Greater Manchester Leagues before propelling themselves into the Northwest Counties League (NWCL) in 2018/19. 

After defeating Lincoln United 2-1 in the play-off final to reach the NPL Division One West in 2022/23, they delivered another slice of history with a comeback victory against Stalybridge Celtic last time around. 

Trailing 2-1 with 25 minutes to play, Grant Shenton’s side struck three late goals to win yet another dramatic game in front of an ecstatic home crowd. 

The Ro missed out on automatic promotion to Bury by two points, despite scoring an impressive 94 goals during the regular season. 

Talismanic striker Kyle Hawley, who won the NPL West Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards, has left the club for a new challenge with Radcliffe in National League North.  

Defender Jack Kenny has also moved on to Chester at Step 2.

First Game: Quorn (H)

READ: XI questions with | Avro

Bury

• Nickname: The Shakers
• Formation: 2023
• Ground: Gigg Lane (11,840 capacity)
• Previous Position: Champions, NPL West Division (90 points)

History: 

After a tumultuous few years which saw the club expelled from the EFL amidst rising debts and financial mismanagement in 2019, the former two-time FA Cup winners have entered a revival in the newest chapter of their story. 

Reformed after a fan-led merger before the 2023/24 season, the club has achieved back-to-back promotions amidst record-breaking attendances to reach Step 3.

The club won the title with 90 points to pip Avro to the trophy, having appointed manager Anthony Johnson on a permanent basis in February. 

Bebeto Gomes, Louis Isherwood and Kai Evans were rewarded for their performances with a place in the NPL West Team of the Season, while Mitch Allen was one of five substitutes.

First Game: Redcar Athletic (A)

READ: XI questions with | Bury

Curzon Ashton

• Nickname: The Nash
• Formation: 1963
• Ground: Tameside Stadium (4000 capacity)
• Previous Position: Relegated in 21st, National League North (52 points)

History: 

After defying the odds to win the NPL Division One North title in 2013/14, courtesy of a last-minute winner by Niall Cummins, the club secured back-to-back promotions for the second time ever after defeating Ilkeston Town in the NPL Premier play-off final the following year. 

Despite an impressive 11-year run in the National League North - the highest level in the club’s history - Adam Barton’s side were relegated back to the NPL Premier after drawing with Alfreton on the final day in 2025/26. They agonisingly missed out on survival to Hereford and King’s Lynn Town via goal difference.

Looking to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season, the Nash have retained some key players and recruited others, as they look to avoid a slow start to life back at Step 3.

First Game: Alfreton Town (H)

READ: XI questions with | Curzon Ashton

Emley

• Nickname: The Pewits
• Formation: 1903
• Ground: The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground (2000 capacity)
• Previous Position: Third, promoted via play-offs in NPL East Division (77 points)

History:

After winning the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) by nine points in 2023/24, the Pewits backed up the campaign with another impressive display in 2024/25 by finishing fifth and losing 1-0 to Dunston in the play-off semi-finals. 

Exacting their revenge to defeat the same team at the same stage, Richard Tracey’s team secured a historic promotion by beating Bradford Park Avenue on penalties last season. 

Defenders Jack Cowgill and Harrison Sheppeard, as well as midfielder Hayden Lindley, were named in the NPL East Team of the Season for impressive displays throughout the 2025/26 season. 

Back at Step 3 for the first time in 25 years, the Pewits will hope that they'll be here to stay. 

First Game: Hyde United (A)

READ: XI questions with | Emley

Quorn

• Nickname: The Methodists
• Formation: 1924
• Ground: Farley Way (1400 capacity)
• Previous Position: Eighth, Southern League Premier Division Central (65 points)

History:

After an outstanding 2024/25 campaign which saw them embark on a 24-match unbeaten run in the league, the club were able to wrap up the NPL Midlands Division title early and secure a leap to Step 3 for the first time. 

Another decent display left them only five points adrift of the play-offs at the end of last season.

However, Ryan Beswick’s men will make the lateral switch up north this time around and will hope that a change in location won't signal a downturn in fortunes for the Methodists.

First Game: Avro (A)

READ: XI questions with | Quorn

Redcar Athletic

• Nickname: The Steelmen
• Formation: 1993
• Ground: Green Lane (1800 capacity)
• Previous Position: Champions, NPL Division One East (105 points)

History: 

Originally founded as ‘Teeside Athletic’ only 33 years ago, the north-east club rebranded to their current name in 2010. 

Advancing to Northern League Division One based on results of the COVID-hit 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, the Steelmen now find themselves in the Northern Premier League for the first time after winning the NPL East in comprehensive fashion. 

Carl Jarrett’s men finished 17 points ahead of nearest rivals Matlock Town, scoring 140 and conceding only 38 in the process. 

Standout striker Adam Boyes took home the NPL East Golden Boot and Player of the Season accolades at the recent NPL awards, after scoring 41 goals in 42 league appearances. 

The Steelmen took the East Division by storm last time around but know the challenge will be much greater this season if they're to achieve the same level of success.

First Game: Bury (H)

READ: XI questions with | Redcar Athletic