XI questions with | Warrington Rylands

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.

Today, it's the turn of Warrington Rylands supporter Garry Clarke.

A brilliant but agonising campaign saw you lose a dramatic play-off final to Hednesford Town on penalties. How do you ensure you go one better this time?

As you say, an agonising end, but not one that was expected at the start of the season.

To put things into perspective, it was just eight years ago that Rylands were playing on roped-off park pitches in the Cheshire League, so to just be a couple of minutes from promotion to the National League North was an amazing achievement. 

As for this season, it will be a case of ‘here we go again’, and see what happens.

What does a successful season look like? Is anything but promotion a failure for the club?

For the first team, promotion is the aim. 

But if it’s not to be, then another season at this level will not harm the club which has come a long way in such a short space of time.

The main thing is the club keeps moving forward on and off the pitch. Rylands is not just about the first team: the club runs around 40 teams at all age groups, and with ground developments in the pipeline, it is an exciting time for all concerned.

And a good run in the FA Cup or Trophy won’t go amiss!

Manager Neil Reynolds penned a new three-year deal in May. How do you assess his leadership - can he take you to the next level?

Neil Reynolds came in when the team was rock bottom of the table, without a win, and turned it all around, eventually finishing 11th and completely revitalising the vibe around the team.

If anyone can take the team to the next level, it’s him.

Sum up your transfer window so far…

Three fringe players left at the end of last season plus two loanees returned to their parent clubs. So far, a few new players have been signed, plus there are still a few trialists being looked at, plus Neil Reynolds says he will be promoting players from the club's development team.

But I'm a firm believer that you can’t tell how successful a summer transfer window has been until the season starts properly. 

Which new signing are you most excited to see in a Rylands shirt?

The signing of Joe Riley is an interesting one to watch. 

He signed from National League side Tamworth but missed a large chunk of last season injured. Having started his career playing twice for Manchester United’s first team, he must have something about him. 

You can purchase one player from the NPL Premier Division. Who are you getting, and why?

There are so many top quality players in the league, it would be hard to pick just one.

If pushed, I would take Niall Watson from FC United of Manchester.

Plenty of new teams enter the division this season. Which ground are you most excited to visit?

There are six grounds in the division this season which I have not been to: four of the new ones and two from last season, so it would be them.

Plus also derby day over the other side of town, of course.

Which lesser-known Warrington Rylands player should opposition fans look out for?

Ryan Tioffo is a young forward signed last year from Burnley. He was hampered by injuries last season, limiting him to just 18 appearances mainly from the bench. 

But when he's fully fit, he looks an exciting player.

Who wins the league, and why?

It is often said that the NPL Premier Division is one of the hardest leagues to win, especially this season when over half the teams in it will start the season with genuine title aspirations.

Newcomers Bury and Redcar Athletic could easily win another title, and the two relegated clubs in Alfreton Town and Curzon Ashton will be hoping to go straight back up. 

I think Ashton United and FC United won’t be far away, and I will throw ourselves into the mix as well.

In fact, at this stage of the season, you could probably make a case out for each of the 22 teams finishing top of the pile, come April.

Who wins the Golden Boot?

There are so many top strikers in the division, but for his phenomenal record over the past few years, I will go for Adam Boyes from Redcar.

Do you have one final message to your players ahead of the new season?

Go out there and do your best.

All we as fans ask for is 100% commitment and enjoy yourselves, it’s only a game!