Just as last year, we are releasing this guide to every new side who will be joining us for the new season with some being playing us for the first time ever.

With Wythenshawe FC and Wythenshawe Town being promoted, Kendal being laterally moved and Skelmersdale United suffering relegation from the Premier Division, their places will be taken by the following.

FC St Helens

Last season's division: North West Counties First Division North
Finished: 1st
Points: 77
GS: 81
GA: 36

As champions of the First Division North, St Helens will the best performing side of last season to have been promoted into the Premier Division. Formed as recent as 2014, the Stripes are growing at an alarming rate and are set to play at step four for the first time in their history.

Top scorer Josh Hall bagged 14 goals in just 16 game following his move from Garstang in October, as he helped push St Helens towards the championship and a stunning 81 goals and 77 points in the process. Manager Mike Smith will be looking to bring Northern Premier League West to the Windleshaw Sports Ground shortly, making them a team to look out for next season given their recent rise.

South Liverpool

Last season's division: North West Counties First Division North
Finished: 5th (play-off winners)
Points: 63
GS: 69
GA: 49

South Liverpool Football Club join us as another in the Merseyside. Formed in 1991 as a phoenix of a club with the same name, this is also the highest this club will have played since it's re-foundation. Their penalty shootout play-off final win over Ashton Town sent them into the Premier Division and with goalscorers like Owen Hough (19) and Mohamed Abdi (12) they will certainly be a side to look out for.

The club has an active supporters Club, headed by Supporters Club CEO Sir Cliff Davies MBE. The Supporters Club works closely with the Football Club to generate Awareness and funds for club operations. It is considered one of the largest supporters Clubs in the NWCFL.

Abbey Hey

Last season's division: North West Counties First Division South
Finished: 4th (play-off winners)
Points: 62
GS: 68
GA: 55

Abbey Hey came into the First Division South play-offs in magnificent form. The Red Rebels won five in a row to propel themselves into the Premier Division, with Rhys Clooney scoring five in the process. Despite this, their top scorer was striker William Shawcross, who finished on 15 goals in 36 matches.

Founded in 1902, they will be one of the oldest sides to play in the Premier Division next season. However, they are no strangers to the Premier Division following their relegation in the 2018/19 season, swapping places with Longridge in the process. No doubt that the 2009/10 North West Counties Challenge Cup winners will be looking for a much better season this time around.

Stockport Town

Last season's division: North West Counties First Division South
Finished: 2nd
Points: 72
GS: 78
GA: 42

Despite losing out on play-off promotion to Abbey Hey, Stockport Town will play in the Premier Division next season due to Kendal Town's lateral movement to the Northern League Division One. Having also only been a club for ten years, the Lions were accepted into the North West Counties in 2015.

With top scorer Daniel McLaughlin bagging an impressive 32 goals, he'll be a big miss after moving to Cheadle Town. Their 'promotion' now makes them the ninth Manchester based side in the Premier Division.