Last season’s position: 22nd (relegated)

The Villagers’ stay in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division ended after two seasons.

The loss of defensive lynchpin Danny Meadowcroft to neighbours 1874 Northwich was a blow, while Ryan Broadhead moved abroad and Jack McKay sustained a serious injury on the opening day.

They struggled to recover despite the best efforts of Chris Smith in attack, who remained reliable and prolific before concluding the campaign with Sandbach United.

Dropping down a level will provide an opportunity for a young team to rebuild confidence.

Story of the summer

The theme has been change with Steve Lloyd stepping down from his role as manager along with number two Mike Alcock.

They remain on the committee at Townfield, with the former replacing Tim Burton as chairman.

James McShane, a senior player, is now in charge of the team and has appointed Gary Moore as his assistant.

Liam Page has been appointed as first-team coach while Adam Judge will look after the Villagers’ two young goalkeepers; Arron Lyons and Callum Shuttlewood.

There has been significant development in other areas too with Barnton Wanderers’ junior section ratifying a proposal they should merge with the senior club at their annual meeting last month.

New recruits

Luke Cawley MID (from Runcorn Linnets); Jack Nicholls DEF; Owen Preston FOR; Callum Richards DEF (from Malpas); Jack Samuel FOR

Pre-season quote

“The squad has changed a little from last season, but the core is still with us and hoping for a better season than last.

“We’ll be fitter as a team, and as a result we’ll be able to offer a greater threat later in games.”

James McShane (Manager)

How is August looking?

Aug 4, St Martins (h); Aug 7, Abbey Hulton (a); Aug 11, AFC Darwen (a) (FAC); Aug 18, Eccleshall (a); Aug 22, Cheadle Town (h); Aug 25, Stone Old Alleynians (a); Aug 27, Stockport Town (a)

Manager’s main challenge

A side that has lost more than 50 league matches in the past two seasons needs to learn how to win again.

New boss James McShane has kept together a group that he got to know during the closing stages of last season when a handover from Lloyd – who announced his intention to stand down in March – started unofficially in the Spring.

That gives them a head-start, and the signs have been encouraging during a run of victories in pre-season.

There is no pressure to be promoted back to the Premier Division at the first attempt, and that should give McShane the space he needs to develop his side’s identity.

Last season’s results: W4 D7 L33

First name on the team-sheet

Chris Smith

The striker is as close to a guarantee of goals as is possible, and that will instantly make Barnton competitive.

He will need support from those behind him, as well as others providing attacking threat from wide positions, but his return is a statement of faith in the club’s prospects.

No longer with them

Chris Bandell FOR (to Ashton Athletic); Jack McKay DEF (to Sandbach United); George Webster MID (to Widnes)

Past five seasons: 22nd (relegated from NWCFL Premier Division); Seventeenth; Third (promoted from NWCFL Division One); Seventh; Fifth (Promoted from Cheshire League Premier Division)

Pre-season results

Jul 10, St Michaels (a) 3-1; Jul 14, Ford Motors (a) 4-1; Jul 21, Newton Athletic (n) 3-1; Jul 28, Wem Town (a)