Yesterday we were informed that our Men’s First Team will move laterally from the North West Counties Premier Division to the Midlands Premier Division for the 2026/27 season.
This was both disappointing and surprising news to receive. We were not given any prior indication that this decision was approaching, and as a Manchester-based football club we are proudly rooted to the North West of England.
We are also aware that competing in the Midland Football League will lead to a significant increase in operating costs and will cause logistical issues for our playing staff, volunteers and supporters.
Nevertheless, we are determined to face these challenges head-on.
Our target for the coming season was to achieve promotion to Step 4 of the National League System. That very much remains our goal and our efforts over the coming weeks will be focussed on building and supporting a squad capable of doing just that.
After 535 games against 77 opponents we are sad to say goodbye to the North West Counties Football League, ending our 14-year affiliation.
We now look forward to working with the Midland Football League, which will see us reconvene with nine other former NWCFL clubs as well as first meetings with ten new clubs.
We’re currently putting the finishing touches to our pre-season schedule and will announce the fixtures shortly. We’re excited to welcome you back after the summer break as we prepare for a new chapter in the club’s history.
The FA League Allocations for the forthcoming 2026/27 Season have been announced this afternoon.
We have been moved laterally from the NWCFL Premier Division to the Midland League Premier Division, as shown in the second photo.
🤍🖤
We are delighted to welcome Lee Rick to West, alongside Steve Yarwood as joint managers of our Men’s First Team.
Lee told us, “I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with Steve at West. After meeting the Chairman and the Board, it’s clear to see that the ambitions and vision of the Club align with my personal ambitions and that’s something I’m really excited about.
“I’ve recently been part of the management team at Trafford, which is a club full of excellent, honest people and I loved every minute there.
“I brought my family to the Macron Cup final and the atmosphere and fan base is outstanding. I’m looking forward to working with Steve and building a team everyone can be excited about and proud of.”
During his playing days Lee spent 5 years at Hyde United, including in the National League North, before going on to represent Droylsden, Mossley, Ashton United and Glossop North End.
Having initially retired in 2019 Lee returned to Glossop in 2024, winning Manager’s Player of the Year, before hanging up his boots again last September.
Steve added, “I’m excited to work with Lee and can’t wait for the new season. He’s someone I’ve known a long time and trust. We’re hungry to do well for this club and will give 100 per cent every day to make sure we bring success. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Players are due to report for training in June and our pre-season schedule begins at New Mills on Saturday 11th July.
More than a Club - a film about West by James D’Arcy
Thank you to James for this great film about West. You can check out James’ other work at - https://linktr.ee/jdarcy400
Tomorrow’s supporters’ coaches will depart from the Bowling Green pub in Chorlton at 1pm sharp. Please make sure to arrive in good time.
We’re aware of some supporters having issues downloading their QR ticket - don’t worry, we’ll be ticking off names from the passenger list instead.
Please help us by boarding the coach with the person who bought your ticket, if you didn’t buy your own.
📸 @nashmall
Tomorrow’s the big day. West v AFC Liverpool in the Macron Cup Final. Over 900 of you already have tickets. Here’s what you need to know :
🆚 AFC Liverpool
🗺️ WHAM Stadium, Accrington Stanley
🏆 Macron Cup Final
🕗 3pm kickoff
🎟️ Supporters who haven’t purchased a ticket in advance will be able to pay on the day, by buying at ticket from the Wham Stadium ticket office then heading to the turnstiles.
• Adults (16 to 64): £12
• Concessions (65 and over / under 16): £6
• Children under 12: First child under 12 free with a paying adult, £2 per child under 12 thereafter.
Children under the age of 12 will not be admitted unaccompanied.
🐶 We have been informed that dogs are not permitted to the Wham Stadium, unless a guide/assistance dog.
🚌 The supporters’ coaches have completely sold out.
👨🎨 @vince.uals
