The race for the Mercer Cup looks as if it could be one of the most intriguing in a number of years with a handful of clubs feeling that they have a realistic chance of lifting the famous cup at the end of the season.

And the other end of the table is sure to be just as competitive with three sides dropping down to Division Two as the league begins to revert back to 12 clubs.

In terms of the title, champions Tummery are going to be the team to beat. The Dromore side have lost some players including Ruairi Sludden to Ballinamallard and he will be hard to replace but they shown can dig out results and that was crucial in landing them the Mercer Cup last year. Ryan Hanna still has a strong group to call on and whoever finishes above them will be in a strong position to claim the title.

One side who are tipped to make a push for the crown is NFC Kesh. Scott Robinson’s side made a slow start to the last campaign before picking up their form and with Dylan Aiken joining Ryan Campbell in attack they should have plenty of goals in their side. Robinson will be targeting a good start to the season and will aim to push on from there.

Kesh though are not the only contenders. Dergview pushed Tummery all the way last season and should be among those challenging at the top end of the table while Enniskillen Rangers and Enniskillen Town will be fancied to be there or thereabouts. Mickey Kerr has returned to the hotseat at Rangers and with Richie Johnston coming back from injury and Christopher Currie returning he will hope that they will be in the mix.

Town will be hindered in the early weeks by GAA commitments but when they have a full hand to select from then they have as strong a squad as any team in the division. They will be looking to stay in touch until those players return and then make a real push.

Strathroy enjoyed a good run in last season’s Junior Cup and Benny Boyle will be hoping that they can tranfer that form into the league.

Lisbellaw manager Kyle McCleery will be looking for a higher finish than last season while Beragh and Killen are more than capable of causing teams problems on their day.

Enniskillen Athletic and Magheraveely were involved in the scrap at the bottom last year and they will be keen move away from the foot of the table but if they can survive then they will feel that it is job done.

Mountfield are another who will be targeting staying in the division and that will be the same goal for the two sides who came up last year, Derrychara United and Mountjoy. Derrychara are in top flight for the first time ever and manager Andy Reilly has made no bones about the goal being securing their Division One status this season.