Welcome to the very first edition of The Black & White Review. Your new one-stop catch up for everything happening at Retford United.
Following a historic promotion-winning campaign, Retford United are delighted to confirm the club’s first team management structure ahead of the 2026/27 season as preparations begin for life at Step 5.
Firstly, the club are thrilled to confirm that Ryan Hindley has committed to continue as First Team Manager for the 2026/27 campaign.
Ryan’s passion for Retford United is clear for everyone to see. He lives and breathes this football club and has played a huge role in helping drive the Badgers forward both on and off the pitch. Through every challenge, setback and success, Ryan has remained fully committed to the badge, the supporters and the ambitions of the club.
After leading the Badgers to promotion, everyone at Cannon Park is excited to continue building under his leadership as the club enters an exciting new chapter.
While preparations for next season continue, the club will also say farewell to Assistant Manager Jimmy Ghaichem, who departs Retford United to take up the manager’s role at Goole AFC. Jimmy has been a massive part of the success enjoyed this season and played a key role in helping guide the club to promotion. His passion, hard work and dedication throughout his time at Cannon Park have been invaluable and he leaves with the thanks and appreciation of everybody connected to Retford United. Although disappointed to see him leave, the club are incredibly proud to see Jimmy take the next step in his managerial journey and everyone wishes him every success at Goole AFC.
As one chapter closes, another begins, and Retford United are delighted to welcome Jas Colliver back to the club as Assistant Manager ahead of the new season. Jas knows exactly what Retford United means to the supporters and brings with him passion, experience and a huge connection with the football club and the Badgers faithful.
Joining Jas in the new-look management setup will be Craig Spink, who arrives as First Team Coach. Craig brings excellent knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to the coaching staff and everybody at the club is excited to welcome him to Cannon Park. With the management team now taking shape, attention quickly turns towards the 2026/27 season as Retford United look to build on the momentum of a memorable year and continue moving the football club forward together.
The Football Association have confirmed the league allocations for the 2026/27 season and, in a surprise decision, the Badgers have been placed in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division at Step 5.
After promotion was secured in dramatic fashion at Cannon Park earlier this month, the expectation across many was that United would remain within the United Counties League system. However, the latest FA allocations have instead seen the club moved across to the NCEL Premier Division ahead of the new campaign.
It is another unexpected twist in what has already been a historic and unforgettable period for the club. Supporters, players and management alike will now prepare for a completely fresh challenge, with new grounds to visit, new rivalries to build and a new league to attack head on.
The move means the Badgers will come up against a number of well-established Northern Counties East sides next season, in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and supported divisions at Step 5. With big away followings, passionate local support and several former non-league heavyweights in the division, it promises to be another exciting chapter in the club’s journey.
The club are also proud to announce that Retford United have been awarded the United Counties League Division One Team of the Month award for April after an outstanding unbeaten month.
The Badgers won five and drew one during April, continuing the incredible form that eventually led to promotion through the play-offs. Consistency, resilience and togetherness were on full display throughout the month as United kept pushing right until the very end of the season.
Technically, with us being the only Division One side to play and win in May, the Badgers probably should be collecting that award too… but unfortunately there’s no Team of the Month award handed out for May!
The celebrations are also set to continue off the pitch, with the club’s Presentation Evening taking place at Cannon Park on Saturday June 13th with a 7pm start.
After a season full of passion, drama and a play-off final that had absolutely everything, the evening will give players, staff, volunteers and supporters the opportunity to come together and celebrate a truly unforgettable promotion-winning campaign.
Everyone connected with Retford United is invited to join the club for what promises to be another special night at Cannon Park as the Badgers celebrate a season that will live long in the memory.
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