Last summer saw a change in leadership at East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Division One North side, Arnold Eagles, one which would see them finish third in the final standings.

Grimsby Town Academy were promoted as undefeated champions, whilst Matt Button’s Arnold Eagles finished behind Dronfield Town on goal difference following a season which saw ten wins and two draws from their sixteen league outings.

Behind the scenes at their Calverton home, Arnold Eagles have been going through a transitional period, with long-term manager, Neil Matthews, having retired, among several, backroom changes.

“There’s a whole new coaching team involved going into this season,” explained Button.

“Neil (Matthews) retired last summer, after seventeen years with the club, then Ian (Shaw) after seven years at the end of the season.

“For me though, part of the fun is going to all these different grounds.

“Last summer we retained most players and won ten, drew two, of our games, but Grimsby was great.

“For us though, it was a really good season, more as the remit was to stay in the division.”

Now though, moving into 2026/27, and with a season opener to come away to local rivals, Hucknall Town, Button et al prepare to embark upon a tough, challenging season ahead, one which will see them face several, local rivals.

Alongside the opener with Hucknall, the Eagles will also oppose that of Newark Town, and Notts County Development, as well as sides from across the border.

“There’s a good mix of opponents,” continued Button.

“The teams from across Sheffield & Hallamshire will be strong in what looks a competitive division.

“We hope to be able to be able compete again and have around twenty-five players signed up, so we’re really looking forward to it.

“There’s a lot of support from the club overall, and we’ve got multiple teams from under-7s right up to the first team.

“We continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

The First Qualifying Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup takes place this coming weekend, the draw as pertains Notts-based clubs (in CAPITALS), is thus –

SHERWOOD vs. Netherton United, Corby Steelers vs. ARNOLD EAGLES, Long Eaton United vs. RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC, BASFORD UNITED vs. Higham Town

Meanwhile, the opening round of the EMWRFL League Cup sees the following ties drawn with regards Notts-based clubs (in CAPITALS) –

Stanground Cardea vs. SHERWOOD, Dronfield Town vs. HUCKNALL TOWN, NEWARK TOWN vs. Stamford, UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM vs. Northampton Town Development, MASFIELD TOWN vs. Grimsby Town, SJR WORKSOP vs. Wellingborough Town, NOTTS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT vs. Oakham United, Thurmaston DPC Vixens vs. ARNOLD EAGLES, YP (Sheffield) vs. BASFORD UNITED

Arnold Eagles will compete in the EMWRFL Division One North this coming, 2026/27 season, and they’ll oppose the following sides – Belper Town, Chesterfield Community Trust, Dronfield Town, Handsworth, Hucknall Town, Newark Town, Notts County Development, Staveley Miners Welfare, YP (Sheffield)

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @ArnoldEaglesFC the Eagles team ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.