XI questions with | Cleethorpes Town

And across the country, supporters are preparing for the new campaign with renewed hope and ambition for the season ahead.

Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign getting underway on Saturday 8 August, we sat down with supporters from the NPL clubs at Step 3 to hear their thoughts on how things are shaping up.

Up next is Cleethorpes Town fan Matthew Storey.

You finished ninth last season after winning the NPL East Division in 2024/25. How do you continue that positive momentum you’re building as a club?

Oh, it’s fantastic. 

Fifty-five points from 40 games in our first-ever season at Step 3 was a brilliant points tally. 100% we can keep this going, as in the end we only finished eight points outside the play-offs. 

But we had a mathematical chance as we went in our final game against Hednesford. We ran them close, and look at where they are now.

In terms of seventh being in the play-offs for this season, we’d have only been four points off it. And we’ve made some really good recruitment over the summer. 

Rousey [manager Craig Rouse] was looking at our left-hand side as an issue, so we signed the likes of Nathan Newall and Billy Fewster, both from Alfreton. 

We also ended the season with Liam Hughes in defence at times. He has hardly played up front for us, but possesses some real star quality.

What does a successful season look like?

As a club, last season was incredible having never been at Step 3. 

There’s no reason why we can’t look at the play-offs, we’re growing as a club and very ambitious. We’ve just played our big neighbours Grimsby and held them to our draw. 

I know you can’t look much into the scores of friendlies, but it does look good for our defensive recruitment.

Manager Craig Rouse has been in charge for two years now. Do you believe he can take you to the next level?

Our number one asset by a country mile is Craig Rouse. 

He came into the club in 2024, got us promoted at the first time of asking, and helped us finish ninth last season. He’s incredible. 

What a manager, what a motivator. I don’t think you’ll find a harder-working team than us, and that’s a big claim. 

Sum up your transfer window so far…

Very good. 

We signed a lot of player with Steps 2 and 1 experience. We’ve got Liam Ravenhill, historically of Doncaster. That bodes very well ahead of the new season and Craig will keep their hunger going, make sure they don’t rest on their laurels - no matter what they’ve achieved in the game. 

If we stay injury-free, which was a big issue during the season just gone, we’ve got the best partnership up front in my opinion, in Liam Hughes and Josh Walker.

Which of the new signings are you most excited to see in a Cleethorpes shirt?

Possibly Billy Fewster. I’ve seen him rip down the left-hand side in an Alfreton shirt.

Which new ground are you most excited to visit, and why?

Quorn, who have laterally moved across the pyramid, I’m quite looking forward to going there. 

We actually played them in the FA Cup a few years ago. I’ll be interested to see how they deal with the change in opposition. Our most southern trip of the season. 

The number one trip for any fan, let alone Cleethorpes, is Bury. I can’t believe I’ll be going to a former Football League ground. 

It’s the ultimate dream for me, so hopefully the fixtures fall kindly. 

Aside from yourselves, who do you view as the league’s dark horses for 2026/27?

Ashton United. Mid-table last season, but their recruitment has been very good. 

I’d also say Guiseley for very similar reasons. Whether they are dark horses is another matter. 

Who do you expect to be the most valuable member of your squad?

I would say Bailey Conway, who I thought was magnificent last season. It was some brilliant recruitment to get him in the first place from neighbours Gainsborough. 

He’s got an engine that will last all day long. If he’s on it, he will be really important for us. 

Aside from him, the two strikers will generate the headlines.

Who is one lesser-known Cleethorpes player who opposition fans should be aware of?

I don’t know if he’s lesser known but I’d say Dan Gallimore, a local unsung hero. 

Maybe at full-back he doesn’t get the plaudits or attention he deserves, but he’s very good and extremely committed to the team.

Who wins the league, and why?

I think I’m going to say Bury, they’re the real favourites. 

Especially given the resources they have. They’ve also got a manager who is very passionate about the club and knows how to win at this level. 

If you had time with the squad before the opening game, what would be your final message to them?

Just be Cleethorpes, be the hungry team we were last season. 

We represent our town very proudly, and second only to Grimsby Town locally in terms of our impact on the community. We need to be authentic, work hard, and leave it all out there. Be a club where people think ‘they’re 100% united’. 

That’s all you want as a fan. The results will then take care of themselves.