Promotions, mergers, withdrawals and reprieves – How will the Gloucestershire County League look for the 2024/25 season?
The Gloucestershire County League could look different as expected for the 2024/25 season, with murmurs of withdrawals and reprieves set to be confirmed.
Chalford and Totterdown United secured their places in the division, following wins in the post-season play-offs at Oaklands Park – however it is believed that Filton Athletic, the side who missed out, are set to join them in being promoted.
This isn’t a new thing though, with Cheltenham Civil Service promoted two seasons ago despite losing in the play-offs.
How is this going to happen?
Avonmouth have been confirmed as being promoted to the Western League after they were included in the allocations for step 6 last week. They will be playing in the Western Division One for next season.
There aren’t expected to be any sides relegated into the County League, meaning all three sides who competed in the play-offs will be included in the division for the 2024/25 season.
And this is where it get’s interesting.
Rumours had been circulating around towards the end of the season that a side would be set to withdraw from the County League for next season.
Severn Sport understands that Little Stoke are set to depart the league, thus freeing up a space in the division.
Following Gala Wilton’s recent tweet advertising the vacant First Team Management position, it seems they are set to receive a reprieve after finishing second bottom this season.
Gala have advertised for a manager in the County League, so it appears Hardwicke will be the only side dropping down into the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
The league are yet to confirm their constitution for the 2024/25 season, but the expected line-up for the division will look something like:
Almondsbury, Broadwell Amateurs, Bromley Heath United, Chalford, Cheltenham Civil Service, Filton Athletic, Frampton United, Gala Wilton, Hanham Athletic, Henbury & Rockleaze, Quedgeley Wanderers, Ruardean Hill Rangers, Sharpness, Stoke Gifford United, Totterdown United, Wick
Of course, it is worth pointing out that the line-up is subject to change. The league are set to confirm their constitution within the next week or so.
