Severn Sport’s 5 Hellenic League Players To Watch

To begin the 2026/27 season previews on Severn Sport, Butler takes a look at the five players to watch in the Hellenic League this campaign.

Ahead of the Ultimate Gloucestershire Season Preview picks and show, we take a look at the five individuals named that Butler will be keeping an eye on during the season.

Jam Dare – Cirencester Town

Dare was one of the most sought after players during the summer, with a number of sides battling for his signature for the season. Cirencester won the race and it could prove to be one of the best signings of the summer.

This young man is quick, agile, brave and direct – everything you want in a winger at this level. Dare has experience playing at full back/wing back as well so he has the versatility depending on how the game is going for the Centurions.

If Dare can hit the ground running for Ciren, then when he comes up against some of the older defenders on the 3g pitch at the Corinium Stadium, then he has the capability to have absolute field days. One to watch for sure.

Callum McLean – Tuffley Rovers

I was really impressed with McLean towards the back end of last season. He joined Tuffley and grew into the role of a right back/centre back for Neil Mustoe’s side.

The young man adapted to the level well enough and showed glimpses against Gloucester City in pre-season of a really good defender and based on what I have seen on social media during pre-season, it doesn’t appear that Macaulay Herbert has been playing – so there is a natural vacancy alongside Eli Simpson at the back.

For me, if McLean continues to improve during the season at the same rate he did last term, then he could be in for one hell of a campaign.

Lewis Vye – Longlevens

Severn Sport followers will be no stranger to Lewis Vye. Countless appearances in the Team of the Month and winner of the Player of the Month last season when at Gloucester City U18s, Vye makes the step up fully after time with Frampton United in the County League.

There is plenty to like about Vye too. Can play anywhere along the front three or in midfield and he has a stature about him that shows he can be a handful for even the most experienced of defenders.

I expect Vye to get some decent minutes for Longlevens this season in an attack that will look to support Fin Gwillim, whilst potentially taking the load and pressure off him in the final third and Vye has all the tools in his arsenal to chip in with some crucial goals over the course of the season.

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Tommy Bond – Cheltenham Saracens

I wanted to include a Cheltenham Saracens player in this and when I went through the squad of players signed on, I went for Tommy Bond – mainly because of how much he impressed me during the win over Slimbridge at the start of July.

He showed great pace to get in behind and yes, I know, it was the first day of pre-season against a side only on their second session, but his decision making in the final third on the night was impeccable and given he will be part of a forward line that includes Jack Hughes and Ryan Dobbins, he has the chance to have a seriously good season.

Under the stewardship of Ryan Betteridge and Luke Finch, alongside on the field experience in Luke and Lewis Hitchman, Tom Hoskins, Leroy Odiero, Callum Dark and Harrison Iddles a lot of the younger players at Sarries have so much experience and knowledge to learn from and if he can find his stride early on then Bond has the licence to kill…off opponents at will.

Harley Hudd – Stonehouse Town

The final player to watch changed this week. It was set to be Jake Love at Brimscombe – who is unlucky to now just be an honourable mention.

Harley Hudd HAS to be in the list after the signing of Alfie Bradshaw ironically. Eyes will naturally be drawn to the new number 9 as he will play through the middle and Hudd becomes a secondary thought….which is dangerous!

Hudd is a young man who is strong, quick, smart on the ball, makes good runs off it, has a great left foot and can hit a ball and given that he will know there are competition for places throughout that Stonehouse front three, he will know that he will have to maintain form to keep his place.

If Stonehouse are to go one better this season and achieve promotion, then Hudd could be the catalyst behind it – especially if people overlook him for the others in the forward positions.