Welcome- and welcome back- updated

With the 25-26 Pitching In Isthmian season now over, thoughts turn to who may be joining us next season. Of course those decisions are out of our control as the FA will decide on allocations, but we thought we’d take a look at the clubs who might be coming our way next season- a list which includes a collection of old friends. Let’s start by looking at promotion. 

We’ll start in a rather unusual location, the Spartan South Midlands Premier. Now clearly we don’t normally cover the South Midlands, but then Haringey Borough certainly don’t reside there, and they have clinched that title nonetheless! Congratulations to all at the club, we’ve missed the joie de vivre that you bring, and- so long as the FA don’t decide otherwise- it’ll be very good to see you again. 

The Play Offs were won by Winslow United, and we suspect they are rather unlikely to come our way.

We also have some old friends returning to us (given where they are based there doesn’t seem to be an alternative) from Southern Counties East Premier. Whitstable Town have brushed aside all opposition and were confirmed as champions weeks ago. Congratulations, Oysterboys! The Play offs have been won by Punjab United, who are based in Gravesend at The Steve Cook Stadium and we suspect will also be with us next season. 

Combined Counties Premier North has a familiar name as champions, and our congratulations go to Ashford Town. The Tangerines have had a superb season, and might well be heading our way once more, whilst Windsor & Eton triumphed in the Play Offs. 

Combined Counties Premier South saw Cobham charge to the title- indeed, they triumphed by twenty points. The Play Offs were won by Horley Town, and we suspect that given Horley is just north of Gatwick Airport they’ll be heading our way. 

The Eastern Counties Premier saw a runaway triumph for Mulbarton Wanderers, who finished twenty one points clear of their nearest challengers. Mulbarton, for those unfamiliar with the geography, is a few miles outside Norwich- perhaps they might have a derby with Wroxham to look forward to next season. Fakenham Town triumphed in the Play Offs.

The Essex Senior League title race went down to the final day, and Little Oakley emerged triumphant, with Buckhurst Hill coming through the Play Offs. We suspect that both sides will head our way. 

By the way, Little Oakley is a few miles inland from Harwich. Buckhurst Hill is on London Underground’s Central Line, with the ground around a ten minute walk from the station. 

The Southern Combination Premier title was won by Steyning Town, who we suspect will be returning to us after only a season away.The Play Off Final was scheduled for Sunday 10th May, and we thought it would see Guernsey play host to Peacehaven & Telscombe- but it seems it is about to be moved to the mainland with the date and venue still to be decided. 

The Wessex League Premier Division title has been clinched by AFC Stoneham, who are well clear of the pack. Stoneham play their home matches a short take off from Southampton Airport, so we suspect they’ll head in a Southern direction, and we suspect that Play Off Winners Portland United will be heading in the same direction. 

Many congratulations to all of the champions, and the very best of luck to the sides competing in the Play Offs. We’re sure we’ll see quite a number of you in August!

Occasionally our top flight inherits sides who are promoted from Pitching In Southern Division One Central, although we suspect it is unlikely on this occasion. Leighton Town of Leighton Buzzard are the champions, whilst Hitchin Town triumphed in the Play Offs. 

Commiserations go particularly to Enfield, Rayners Lane and Northwood, each of whom have been relegated from this Division to Step Five. 

Now, the sadder stories. Often we inherit sides relegated from the two Pitching In Southern Premier Divisions, and we suspect we might be seeing AFC Sudbury once more, the Yellows finishing bottom of the Central Division. The other relegated sides are St Ives Town, Barwell and Royston Town, who we suspect won’t come our way. 

National League South relegation was confirmed for Enfield Town and Eastbourne Borough (as well as Bath City and Chippenham Town), We expect there's a good chance that the Towners will return to us, and that Borough will also head our way. 

We expect to receive our allocations from the FA later this month. New clubs will formally become members of the League at our AGM in June.