WITH the end of 2017 just around the corner, it promises to be another huge year for football clubs around the region as the business end of the season approaches.

Dean Jones brings you his predictions and thoughts from all major leagues throughout North Wales.

JD Welsh Premier League:

Prediction: The New Saints of Oswestry Town.

They have made much harder work of things than in years gone by, but they do have enough quality to see of a host of challengers for another year at least.

The loss of manager Craig Harrison has been felt hard, but the squad has responded well in the main and it is going to take a monumental effort from the likes of Connah’s Quay, Bala Town and Bangor City to surpass them.

Surprise package: Cefn Druids.

What Huw Griffiths has done with the Ancients so far with his budget has been nothing short of sensational, and they are in with a strong chance of gaining a top six spot which would propel the club to heights not seen before at The Rock.

One to watch: Llandudno.

Iwan Williams has now had a few weeks to implement his style of play onto his Tudno squad, and it promises to be a busy January window which will also see Matty Williams available for selection.

His experience with some of the biggest clubs in the country will be a massive boost and although the top six may be out of reach, they are definitely worth keeping an eye on for one of the Europa League spots at the end of the season.

Huws Gray Alliance:

Prediction: Caernarfon Town.

The Canaries have been a class apart so far and they have a squad littered with talented individuals that are working hard as a team to ensure their goal of reaching the top flight is met.

Under Sean Eardley they have shown a renewed purpose without losing any of the momentum they gained before Williams’ departure, and although they face a host of strong teams between now and the end of the campaign they should have enough about them to see it through to the end.

Surprise package: Guilsfield.

Every year there are more fancied sides than the Guils, but they continue to punch well above their weight and currently find themselves in fourth spot after another memorable campaign to date.

Their budget does not come close to some of the more ambitious sides operating within the second tier, but their home form continues to catch the eye and they continue to be an extremely tough nut to crack.

One to watch: Rhyl.

The start of the season was nothing short of a disaster for the Lilywhites, but under Mark Connolly they have found their mojo once again and they are going to be a force to be reckoned with between now and the end of the season of that there is little doubt.

The belief at the Corbett Sports Stadium has returned in spades and Connolly’s side are going to have a huge say in the destination of the HGA title in the next few weeks.

Welsh Alliance Division One:

Prediction: Conwy Borough.

The Tangerines have not disappointed after having the tag of pre-season favourites before a ball was kicked, and all their signings have gelled enormously well which has seen them go unbeaten in the third tier so far.

A number of arrivals from Glantraeth has helped them considerably and in Corrig McGonigle that have the best striker operating outside of the top two divisions.

Surprise package: Llanrwst United.

It has been quite the turnaround from the Rwsters, who have gone from relegation candidates to title challenger in just a few short months.

This is testament to the incredible team spirit that has been building at the club under manager Barry Owen and assistant Rhodri Davies, who has also made some impressive signings that have seen them rise to third spot.

One to watch: Llandyrnog United.

Ryan Harden’s side were extremely disappointing throughout the early stages of the season, but the last few weeks have shown definite signs of life which can give them plenty of encouragement for their remaining fixtures.

Keeping striker Mark Roberts fit and firing will be key to their hopes in the coming months, while strike partner Luke Appleby’s form has been another huge plus for the Cae Nant side.

Welsh Alliance Division Two:

Prediction: Prestatyn Sports.

It has been a frustrating season for Sports in many ways due to their JD Welsh Cup withdrawal and a series of postponements, but they have their destiny in their own hands as they look to secure the title in what will be a hugely busy second half of the season.

The spring will see their fixtures come thick and fast but with eight games in hand on Glan Conwy with a 13-point deficit, it would be a huge shock if they did not have some silverware to celebrate once again.

Surprise package: Y Felinheli.

It has been a season of great promise for Y Felinheli, who currently sit in fourth spot and have exceeded all expectations so far.

With just four losses in 14 contests and the best goal difference in the division on +41, it is not hard to see why that are going to be feared by any team coming up against them between now and the end of the season.

One to watch: Bodedern Athletic.

Bod were tipped to do very well and they have but having played only ten games there is still plenty of work to be done if they want to achieve their lofty goals.

Their points tally is substantial and they have lost just one game so far, but it will be a gruelling few months for a club that would comfortably win the division if they won all their games in hand.

Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Premier Division:

Prediction: Kinmel Bay.

Leon Field’s side have demonstrated their immense prowess throughout the campaign, and big things are expected of the club once the league resumes in the New Year.

The signing of Azi Thomas further strengthens their credentials and it would be a shock if they did not win it all.

Surprise package: Cerrigydrudion.

Cerrig have been a very prominent figure in the league this season when many expected them to struggle, and they now have to be taken seriously as a legitimate threat to the crown.

One to watch: Llanfairfechan Town.

Winning their games in hand will be key for Town, who have acquitted themselves very well so far with plenty of potential for improvement within the squad.

Gwynedd League:

Prediction: Holyhead Town.

Big things were expected of the Harbourmen coming into the season, and they have duly delivered so far, and they are capable of hammering any side in this division on any given day.

Surprise package: Bontnewydd.

Bont can be extremely happy with their efforts so far, which is down in no small part to their superb defensive record, which is currently the best operating within the division.

One to watch: Llanystumdwy.

While they have been somewhat hit and miss so far, Llan have a formidable home record and enough talent within their squad to go on a run and trouble any opponent.