IT promises to be an extremely exciting Tier 3 North West League next season, with plenty harbouring hopes of securing the title.

The Football Association of Wales’ new implementation has a completely different feel to last season’s Welsh Alliance, with the move set to raise standards both on and off the pitch.

A place in the JD Cymru North will be up for grabs, and sports reporter Dean Jones picked out five leading contenders who could achieve this feat.

Porthmadog:

Porthmadog will be looking to follow in Holyhead Hotspur’s footsteps and securing an instant return to the second tier following their relegation last term. Manager Craig Papirnyk’s departure had a huge impact on them during the first half of the campaign. And although he returned to the fold midway through the season, it was too little, too late after the FAW curtailed the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In truth, Port can feel hard done by more than most regarding their overall standing. They had games in hand and had a good chance of avoiding the drop. But Papirnyk will have to deal with the hand he’s been given.

Prominent squad members have already committed to the squad next season, so a bold bid for the title is expected.

Denbigh Town:

Denbigh Town found one too good in Welsh Alliance Division One last season, but manager Dewi Llion is going to have another talented group of players at his disposal in a bid to go another step forward next time around.

They were well in contention with games in hand last season before the current climate prevented what could have been an exciting end to the campaign. Town will be spearheaded by pacey forward and skipper Mark Roberts once again, while the return to fitness of Kristian Pierce is another welcome boost for the management team.

The signs are good regarding another promotion tilt next season, and it would be a surprise if Town were not right amongst it from the off.

Llandudno Albion:

Although they didn’t start the season well, Llandudno Albion have enough quality within their squad to be challenging for the title.

Manager Darren Jones has a close-knit group of players to work with, and their exploits in the FAW Trophy can give them plenty of confidence in their pursuit of silverware during the next campaign.

They have plenty of players who can make a difference in the final third, and in Joel Lloyd, Albion have an accomplished player at the back end.

Rhostyllen:

It has proven to be a rollercoaster few weeks for everyone at Rhostyllen, who were hit with a 54-point dedication by the FAW after a registration mix-up. That hasn’t prevented them from inclusion to Tier 3 North West, and manager Warren Duckett is sure to have a talented squad more than ready for the challenge.

Duckett enjoyed a standout playing career that has made a smooth transition to management. He will be significantly aided by the presence of prolific striker Tom Douglas, who was the Welsh National League’s top scorer last season.

Brickfield Rangers:

Brickfield Rangers made an eye-catching move to appoint Gareth Wilson and Matthew Cook as their new management team ahead of the season, so expectations will be high given their credentials.

Wilson is no stranger to the North Wales football scene having enjoyed tremendous spells at Prestatyn Town and Rhyl, with Cook another who is hugely respected within the game.

This will be a strong attraction for players next season, and Rangers will be organised and incredibly hard to beat.

Dark horse: Llanrwst United

The Rwsters’ enjoyed arguably their finest season in football last year, and they will be looking to build on that next time.

Leighton Griffiths has got the majority of his Welsh Alliance squad to commit, although they will be without the services of Leon Doran following his move to Holyhead Hotspur.

It was an incredible effort from the club to get their ground up to scratch following flood damage at Gwydir Park, and they are sure to fancy their chances of surprising a few once again.