TO say that Bangor City go into the Huws Gray Alliance season with high stakes is a massive understatement.

After a summer of turmoil following their relegation to the JD Welsh Premier League and a massive turnover of backroom and playing staff, the Citizens can finally look forward to competitive action as they look to make a return to the top flight at the earliest opportunity.

They also must deal with the ‘title-favourites’ tag after a series of high-profile signings that include the likes of Phil Baker, Marc Williams and Tom Field, who are going to compliment young talent such as Alex Boss and Jacob Farleigh considerably throughout the campaign.

City also have the vast knowledge of Craig Harrison at the helm following his shock move to the position of manager this summer, and there is nobody better to lead them to success given the trophies he accumulated at The New Saints of Oswestry Town during a glittering spell in-charge of the full-timers.

There is not much that the former Hartlepool United boss has not seen in the same, and he has worked hard to bring in the right blend of youth and experience that is essential for any side looking to secure honours.

Expectations are high, and rightly so for a club of this stature, and there is little trace of the squad that finished second behind TNS under Kevin Nicholson last term which might end up being a good thing going forward.

Key man: Les Davies

Davies is a cult hero with the Citizens’ faithful and has returned to the club to help them get back to where they rightfully belong, and the physical presence still has plenty left in the tank which could be enough to see him play a significant part in any success that comes their way.

Ask every centre half that has ever come up against Davies and they will tell you, he is an absolute nightmare to mark due to his ability to hold the ball of, his direct style of play and his formidable contribution aerially.

His partnership with Williams and Alex Darlington will arguably be the best in the division, with the trio proven WPL goalscorers and given their drop in standard it would come as a huge shock if they were not amongst the goals once again.

Player to watch: Robbie Parry

The wide midfielder has enjoyed a fine career to date and made an impact in the top flight last season at Llandudno, so he is another that Harrison will be relying on to produce the goods on a consistent basis to ensure their overall objectives are met.

Parry has the ability to take over a game at any given opportunity, and his ability to deliver from wide areas is going to be a massive asset to City’s formidable attacking options as the season progresses.

Verdict:

It is either going to be feast or famine for the Citizens, who must re-focus on matters on the pitch from the outset to give them the best possible chance of triumphing in the spring.

They are going to be everyone’s cup final and it will undoubtedly be a bit of a culture shock in the early part of the season, but it is imperative that they start the season well and avoid complications that usually come with a slow start to the season.

City have the capability, talent and experience to run away with the division, but they will also need time to gel in a competitive environment and it might come down to how quickly this happens.

Prediction: 2nd (Huws Gray Alliance)

First five games: Aug 11: Buckley Town (H), Aug 14: Ruthin Town (A), Aug 18: Guilsfield (A), Aug 21: Porthmadog (H), Aug 24: Denbigh Town (A).