XI questions with | Leek Town

Across the country, supporters are preparing for the new campaign with renewed hope and ambition for the season ahead.

Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign getting underway on Saturday 8 August, we sat down with supporters from the NPL clubs at Step 3 to hear their thoughts on how things are shaping up.

Today, it's the turn of Leek Town fan Chris Bailey.

Last season you finished eighth, ending the campaign on a six-match winning streak. How do you continue that positive momentum?

I’m not sure we do, that season is done. 

You can’t compare season from season. We start afresh with new players. Was it a great finish - yes. It was absolutely exceptional, but we move on.

Manager Josh Brehaut has been in charge for two years now. How do you assess his leadership so far, and is he the man to take you to the next level?

He’s outstanding, absolutely outstanding. 

We came up and lost almost all of our championship-winning side for various reasons - it was an ageing side. 

Josh inherited a complete side, got us playing more expansive, and made a couple of signings. We then lost three of our best players to Hednesford, the likes of Ollie Harrison and Rob Stevenson. 

For the first year in the NPL, Josh had to build a completely new side - which we survived. I class him as one of the best coaches in the NPL.

What does a successful season look like for Leek Town?

The first aim is to survive and get to 40+ points as soon as possible. 

I’m a great believer that you need to improve every season. We did finish eighth, but we were constantly looking over our shoulders. 

I’d take 10th if we are in the position of always looking forward, rather than looking back. With the changes in the play-off structure, however, that will keep many teams in with a shout. I love it!

For anybody unfamiliar with Leek Town, describe your club’s style of play…

We pass it out from the back: we’re not a long-ball side. 

Every player in the side can play with the ball at their feet. We usually play with a back three or five, but it’s not defensive.

Sum up your transfer window so far…

What we’ve done in this window is sign potential. 

We've also signed a few loanees from last season and retained 12 of our existing squad. A great bit of work. We’re never going to be a club signing players from one or two leagues above. That’s just not our model. 

Apart from losing Louis Potts, I’m delighted with what we’ve done.

Which of the new signings are you most excited to see pull on a Leek shirt?

I’d say Alex Panter from Nantwich Town, a tall striker.

You can purchase any player from the NPL Premier. Who are you getting, and why?

I like Niall Watson, who has just joined FC United. He’s a tremendous player. 

But I’m not particularly into marquee signings, as I think they can be hit-and-miss.

Which new away ground are you most looking forward to visiting?

It’s a bit of a left-field one, and I know they are not a new team, but I’d say Whitby. I’m delighted they stayed up. 

We’ve done it two years running and loved it. I suppose everybody’s stock answer will be Bury - that’s going to be good for every team.

Who are you backing to be the league’s dark horses?

I’m going to say Cleethorpes, after an impressive campaign last year for their first time at Step 3.

Who wins the league, and why?

I don’t think it will be Bury, I’m not sure they can ‘do a Macclesfield’. 

It’s going to be the usual suspects. I like how Warrington Rylands play football, they’ll go really close. They’ve got a good manager too in Neil Reynolds. 

FC United are primed for it after making some good additions, so if I was pushed for one, I’d say them.

If you had a few minutes with the squad ahead of the opening game, what would be your final message to them?

Just play with passion and intensity, play like you have pride in the shirt. 

That’s all the fans ask for. Leave it all on the pitch.