Vics, North West Counties League preview 2019-2020

North West Counties League Premier Division

Last season’s position: Fourth

A contrast to the previous campaign, when Vics were uncertain of their place in the North West Counties League until the night before the competition’s annual meeting, could not have been sharper.

Their run to the FA Vase semi-finals, and losing to Chertsey Town only after extra-time and a penalty shoot-out in the second leg, provided a series of highlights.

Steve Wilkes’ side did lift a trophy later, lifting the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup following a spot-kick success against Winsford, to cap a season of progress on the pitch.

An inconsistent start, unsurprising given the number of new signings getting used to playing alongside each other, left them playing catch-up to rivals in front.

READ > Vase run can help remove stigma Vics have, says chairman

Story of the summer

• Captain Brad Cooke departs to take over as manager at West Didsbury & Chorlton
• Front man Tom Kilifin arrives from Lancaster City with a guarantee of goals
• Vics unveil a bespoke away shirt, and a partnership with a local charity, to mark the club’s 145th anniversary

READ > Why Steve Wilkes needed no time to name new Vics captain

New recruits

Morgan Crowther MID (from Coventry); Martin Grundy MID (from Kendal); Jamie Hinchliffe MID; Tom Kilifin FOR (from Lancaster); Harvey Macadam FOR (from AFC Fylde); Michael Wilson DEF (from Clitheroe)

Pre-season quote

"I know what it takes to win this league and going on a run is the best way to breed confidence.

“To do that we’ll need to be more consistent than we were, particularly against our direct rivals for promotion.”

Steve Wilkes (Manager)

How is August looking?

Aug 3, Whitchurch Alport (h); Aug 7, Congleton Town (h); Aug 10, Silsden (h) (FAC); Aug 17, Skelmersdale (h); Aug 21, Runcorn Town (a); Aug 24, Squires Gate (a); Aug 26, Litherland REMYCA (h)

Manager Steve Wilkes experienced the highs and lows of management last season after steering Northwich Victoria to the brink of an return to Wembley. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

Manager’s main challenges

Replacing the experience and influence of Brad Cooke, a charismatic captain and leader, will not be easy.

Joe Camozzi is a shrewd choice by Steve Wilkes as successor, but his approach and demeanour is different.

Losing the pace and drive of Darryhl Mason, who is ruled out initially from playing by work commitments after changing jobs, is a blow too.

However there is plenty of potency in attack where Joel Brownhill and Rob Doran are joined by newcomer Tom Kilifin.

Last season’s results: W20 D7 L11

FA Cup Preliminary Round

FA Vase Semi-finals

Macron Cup Quarter-finals

Cheshire FA Senior Cup First Round

Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup Winners

Joe Camozzi, right, has been appointed as successor to Brad Cooke as Northwich Victoria's captain. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography

First name on the team-sheet

Joe Camozzi

One of Vics’ most underrated and consistent performers during a marathon campaign last time around.

His displays at full-back, composed and intelligent, earned for him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Now captain following Brad Cooke’s departure, he will lead by example while remaining as one of Wilkes’ most trusted players on the pitch.

No longer with them

Brad Cooke MID (to West Didsbury); Dom Craig MID (to Padiham); Jordan Darr FOR (to Clitheroe); Paul Ennis FOR (to FC United); Brian Matthews FOR (to Cheadle Town); Billy Whittle MID (to Prescot Cables)

Past five seasons: Fourth; Sixteenth; 22nd (relegated from NPL D1S); Third (in NPL D1N); Fourth (in NPL D1N)

Pre-season results

Jul 6, Llandudno (a) 4-1; Jul 9, Lostock Gralam (a) 2-1; Jul 13, Cheadle Heath (a) 2-2; Jul 16, Sandbach Utd (a) 2-1; Jul 20, Witton Albion (a) 1-1 (Witton win 4-2 on pens); Jul 23, Garstang (a) 0-2; Jul 27, Salford City XI (h) 4-4; Jul 30, Buxton (h) 1-2