Squad Rebuild Continues as Mersey Valley Prepare for an Exciting New Era

Mersey Valley FC’s preparations for the 2026/27 Cheshire League season is gathering momentum, with the club confirming the core of its new-look First Team squad following an ambitious summer rebuild.

Following a challenging campaign last season, manager Jon Hudson has worked tirelessly to reshape the squad, creating a group that reflects the club’s new identity, playing philosophy and standards both on and off the pitch.

Manager Jon Hudson

“Last season was an absolute disaster, both on and off the pitch, and I take full responsibility for that. From the moment the season ended, I knew we had to be better. I ripped up what we’d done before and started again with a completely new approach, a new philosophy and a new set of standards.”

Over recent weeks, supporters have already been introduced to a number of exciting new additions alongside several key players who have committed their futures to the club.

The retained group includes familiar faces who will provide experience, leadership and quality throughout the season alongside a number of exciting new signings who have impressed throughout pre-season and have quickly bought into the club’s vision.

Rather than carrying a large squad, Mersey Valley will head into the new campaign with a focused group of around 20-22 players, ensuring every member has an important role to play.

The club has also strengthened significantly with the arrival of three exciting new signings, each bringing quality, experience and fresh competition to the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Sam Deering

The headline arrivals see Sam Deering and George Howarth return to Banky Lane – this time as Mersey Valley players rather than dual registration signings.

“As soon as I felt I could get them to sign it was a priority. They are two of the best players I’ve worked with, I’ve known them both for five years now and I am so happy that they have both committed to being Mersey Valley players. They are our now and we will look after them”.

Joining Sam and George are two hugely talented players looking to reignite their careers. Former Cheadle Heath Nomads midfielder Charlie Hill and ex-Stockport Town player Rourke Neal both arrive at the club after overcoming serious injuries that kept them away from the game.

Now fully fit and enjoying football again, both players have impressed throughout pre-season with their quality, attitude and desire to succeed. At just 25 years of age, they have their best years ahead of them and are expected to play an important role as Mersey Valley look to build a young, ambitious squad capable of achieving the goal of promotion back to Cheshire League 1 at the first attempt.

Manager Jon Hudson believes the three signings strengthen the squad considerably.

“Charlie and Rourke all bring something different, but what they all have in common is that they fit exactly what we’re looking for. Ability is obviously important, but attitude, work rate and buying into our culture are just as valuable. They’ve all settled in brilliantly, trained to a really high level and have already become part of what we’re building.

George Howarth

Competition for places is exactly where we want it. Every player knows they’ll have to earn the shirt every week, and that’s only going to make us stronger as a squad. This isn’t just about bringing new players into the football club. It’s about building a group that completely buys into what we’re trying to achieve. I’ve spent a lot of time identifying not only quality footballers, but the right characters. We want players who work hard for each other, who enjoy competing and who are prepared to put the team first every single week.

I’ve deliberately kept the squad relatively small. We want healthy competition for places, but we also want everyone to feel valued and know exactly what’s expected of them.

The levels we’ve seen in pre-season have been excellent. The attitude has been first class, the intensity has been exactly what we’ve asked for and the players have embraced every challenge we’ve put in front of them. I’m genuinely excited about this group. There’s a real togetherness already, plenty of quality throughout the squad and I honestly believe we’ve built something that can be very competitive this season.”

Players Departing

As part of the rebuild, a number of players will not be registered for the 2026/27 campaign.

Everyone at Mersey Valley FC would like to thank each player for their contribution to the club and wish them every success in the future.

Arthur Gibson

A special mention goes to Arthur Gibson, who leaves the club after securing a football scholarship in Texas, USA.

Everyone connected with Mersey Valley FC is incredibly proud of Arthur’s achievement and wishes him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter both academically and on the pitch.

The following players will continue their development back at Altrincham FC’s Academy – Jimmy Taffe, Chris Antoniades and Charlie Noble. All three young lads have got a huge amount of talent and we expect all to have big futures in the game.

Following the end of his dual registration spell, Callum Evans returns to his parent club Alsager Town and we wish him well for next season. Sam Phillips has also joined Alsager and we wish him well, this is double bad news as we also lose Gary Phillips from the coaching team.

Reece Skelton moves back to Premier Division side Vulcan FC, and we thank him for his efforts during his time with the club.

Also leaving are James Acton, Lee Downey, Jordan Downing, Dylan Fraine and Nathan Wilson – we wish them all the best for the next step and they will always be welcome back to Banky Lane.

Looking Ahead

With pre-season progressing well and the squad continuing to develop both physically and tactically, there is a growing sense of optimism around Banky Lane.

The foundations have been laid, the standards have been raised, and the focus now turns towards turning hard work on the training pitch into performances when the competitive season begins.

One Community. One Club. Stronger Together.