Barnard Castle’s football teams target success in new season

The new football season has arrived and Barnard Castle’s two teams are targeting further success following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign.

The club’s Wearside League side finished fifth in the Premier Division and reached a cup final while the North Riding League team won promotion in its first competitive year.

Following a well-deserved summer break, Barney are back and manager John Close believes both teams are ready for the big kick-off.

Barnard Castle, whose home kit will be sponsored by the Teesdale Mercury this season, begin their Wearside League campaign with a fixture against Willington on Wednesday evening at Tens Field (7pm).

Barney Reserves, meanwhile, will be in action tomorrow (Saturday, 2pm) against Whinney Banks at Acklam Green Centre.

Scott Denton’s Reserves were promoted from Division Two last season, when the league was made up of three divisions. However, following the closure of the Wensleydale League, the North Riding has now been increased to four divisions and Barney will play in the second tier (Division One).

Summarising the mood within the club, Close said: “We’re looking forward to the new season and we’ll be looking to compete at the top end of both of the tables again.

“It looks like we’ll have two strong squads and we will be going for it again.”

The Wearside League Premier Division will be made up of 16 teams this season following the resignations of West Auckland Reserves and Sunderland-based team Silksworth.

Several players from West Auckland Reserves have signed for Barney, which should make up for the departure of key creative attacker Thai Saunders, who’s moved to Northern League club Billingham Town.

“Myself and Scott think we’re in a strong position because we seem to have retained pretty much everyone we had last year and with West Auckland Reserves in the Wearside League folding, a number of their players have come our way,” explained Close. “It looks like we’ll have more numbers and more strength in depth across both of our teams.

“Last year it was sometimes a bit of a struggle but this year we’ll be better placed as a consequence of

West Auckland Reserves no longer having a team. It’s unfortunate for them but a boost for us.”

The signings from West Auckland Reserves are Zack Blythe and Nathan Bell, who are goalscorers, plus midfielder Lucas Baker, centre-half Finley Hall and keeper Luke Bell.

Barney have also brought in midfielders Noah Ellis, from Esh Winning, and Keean Gillan, from Darlington U23s, as well as former player George Lee, a striker who’s returned from a spell living in New Zealand.

Barney’s impressive progress has seen crowds rise for home games with more than 400 attending May’s Alan Hood Charity Cup final at Tens Field.

Manager Close hopes the warm summer weather tempts the fans to turn up for matches like it did at the start of last year.

“It was amazing at the start of the season and the end of the season when people turned out to support us, it really helps,” he said.

“Our facilities are befitting of a decent crowd now and I’m pleased people come out to watch.”