I didn't particularly enjoy it. Or at least enjoy Solihull Moors.

They were on route to promotion, had a big, powerful, direct side and it was more fun watching the underdogs - big up Gainsborough Trinity. But I also had nothing much better to do so carried on going down and that continued after promotion to the National League. There were a few changes that summer and one would change my mind on Solihull Moors.

Jamey Osborne.

I was young and unaware of non-league football at the time but footballers weren't moving like him. Crunching tackles. Gliding through the middle of the pitch. Shots from distance. Set-pieces. Right foot. Left foot. He was the bollocks. And after bagging a double against League Two Luton Town in the FA Cup, he joined Grimsby Town and I expected him to fly. I wanted him at Blues (or Birmingham City, for you non-Brummies).

I had found my place at Solihull Moors by this point and even started a Vital Football page with my pal. We did the odd away trip and had seen a squad overhaul take place following Marcus Bignot’s departure for Grimsby Town (I’ll let you connect the dots) and Liam McDonald’s arrival. A number of the big names moved on with various players from Step 2 and 3 arriving in their place. For every Oladapo Afolayan and George Carline there was a Tristan Dunkley or Pearson Mwanyongo. The team got poorer but I found myself enjoying it more as all these players came together trying to navigate a new division.

The following season saw the arrival of Darryl Eales as owner (at least, if memory serves correctly) and change was again made. Keith Yates was put in charge and money was laid down, Kyle Storer stands out but I also got my wish - Jamey Osborne was back.

You fucking beauty.

Solihull Moors was like most non-league grounds at the time. You could stand with a cup of tea and a burger on halfway and watch the game with a good view. I’d arrive early enough to take my spot, or get as close to it as possible, and watch how things unfolded with a prime view and I have one particularly vivid memory while stood there.

One Saturday in December, Solihull Moors were due to play Tranmere Rovers and the visitors led only for floodlight failure forcing an abandonment. The game got moved to the following Monday night which meant I could attend. Between the minus temperatures, Tranmere fans being pissed at the initial cancellation and Moors supporters used to the big boys beating them, there must have been no more than 200 fans in attendance. We needed something to warm the cockles and Osborne stepped up, thumping home from what felt like 35 yards.

Moors won 2-0 that night and it felt like the first step to the club truly belonging in the National League, getting the better of one of the big guns. He would also bag against Tranmere in the penultimate game of the season in a 2-1 win that secured the club’s survival.

From there, he and the team kicked on. He was a big driving force behind a second place finish under Tim Flowers, given free rein to glide from midfield and join the attack. Solo goals. Free-kicks. Driven passes. The lot.

A particular favourite memory was a home game in which Ozzy did an Ozzy thing, slicing past two and leaving the ball just far enough away to tease a third challenge to beat only for somebody to trip him before he got there. The ref claimed Ozzy wasn't in control of the ball and Flowers lost it, turning to anybody that would listen for half hour afterwards complaining "the best fucking player in the league hasn't got it under control?!"

Another memory that springs to mind is an FA Trophy affair with AFC Telford United. I was in two camps that day, wanting to back Moors but my cousin was playing in midfield for Telford. Ever-confident, he wasn’t overly worried about Osborne and to his credit, he and his midfield snuffed out the maverick pretty well. But they switched off for a moment and he skipped away, scoring from the edge of the box.

My Solihull Moors life began to slow down after that season. As most with partners and kids will know, it's not easy following one club religiously, let alone two, and during COVID I began to move on to the much larger task of taking in the entire National League rather than just Solihull Moors - a decision I have no regrets over.

Still, it meant continuing to cast an eye on Moors and watching as much as I could to abreast of developments. There were a few injuries, minimal pre-season appearances and a case of a talented player beginning to look after his body but when fit and playing, Ozzy was still doing Ozzy things.

His crowning moment ought to have come in 2024-25 under Andy Whing. Employed deep or high in midfield depending on the opposition, he had license to play and play he did. In April of that year he scored the winner against Wealdstone, bagged against Ebbsfleet United, shined in a play-off eliminator against FC Halifax Town and his passing range was on point as they dismantled Barnet in the semis. At the London Stadium he was at his best and scored an excellent goal from the edge of the box. It just wasn’t to be.

It’s a little sad in a way that a mix of injury and playing under Matt Taylor have contributed towards a fairly tame exit on the eve of the 2026-27 campaign but at 34, it’s fair to say his best years are behind him.

I guess in a strange way, all that is left is to say thank you.

It’s not an understatement that without Jamey Osborne, I may not have fallen in love with my local non-league club and subsequently non-league football and therefore would not have got some of the opportunities that have come my way in recent years.

It’s also not an understatement to say that Jamey Osborne has been one of the finest players to grace the National League over the last decade and the division immediately feels a little less enjoyable to cover knowing he isn’t around.

A man I can only wish all the best. Go well, Ozzy.

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Cliche, I know, but sometimes I reach the start of a new season and I’ve almost worn myself out before a ball has been kicked trying to do and look at too much during the summer. Not this year. Maybe it’s the diet making me feel better. Maybe it’s knowing I’ll be kicking a football this year after a couple of years away. Maybe it’s the lack of expectation I’m putting on myself. Whatever it is, I am positively buzzing and cannot wait for the new season.

It promises to another cracker as well. We waved goodbye to York City and Rochdale, who did ludicrous things last season. We also wave goodbye to Truro City, Morecambe, Braintree Town and Brackley Town, who did less ludicrous things. That may not be true of Morecambe in fairness, what a ride that was.

In their place arrive Barrow, who will hope to keep a manager for a full season, and Harrogate Town, who are probably most likely to keep their manager for a full season, dropping from League Two. AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers return after a year and two away following promotion from National League North while we are receiving two National League virgins from the South as we say hello to Worthing and Hornchurch.

Boreham Wood were seconds away from taking Rochdale’s promotion spot and want to go one better. They face challenges from fellow play-off alumni Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United, Southend United and Forest Green Rovers. Hartlepool United and Yeovil Town have made cases to get in amongst that group following wholesale summer changes.

FC Halifax Town, Woking, Tamworth and Boston United hope to build on top-half finishes while Altrincham and Solihull Moors will hope for more positive starts after an indifferent year. Wealdstone continue to fly the flag for the part-timers. Eastleigh, Gateshead, Sutton United and Aldershot Town will be wanting to avoid similar relegation concerns.

In this pre-season preview, you will find my thoughts on all 24 National League clubs in alphabetical order, including:

• Final reflections on last season

• The gaffer

• The summer

• The squad

• The prediction

Really should have changed the title of that first sub-section. Too late for that now.

You’re welcome or I’m sorry in advance. With no further ado, here’s the NL Notebook 2026-27 Season Preview.

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AFC Fylde

Final reflections on last season

The summer of 2025 felt like something of a reset for AFC Fylde post-relegation. Stewart Mairs was brought in as Director of Football and Craig Mahon arrived from Curzon Ashton to take the Head Coach position. Some key players stuck around, key additions were made and others developed quickly as Fylde raced into the promotion race with 10 wins from their opening 14 matches. One by one, contenders dropped from the pack and it was left to Fylde to battle it out with South Shields for the title. Defeat at Chester was a body blow but Mahon’s side were able to see off Southport and Merthyr Town to reach the 100-point mark and secure the title.

The Gaffer

Few people have more experience of non-league football in the northwest of England as Craig Mahon. The Wigan Athletic academy graduate had a 16-year playing career that saw him play over 550 league matches for Salford City, Burscough, Vauxhall Motors, Chester, AFC Fylde, Ashton United, Altrincham and Curzon Ashton across the top three tiers of the non-league game. Well-respected, he would go on to become player-manager at Curzon Ashton and impressed sufficiently to earn a full-time managerial gig at Fylde, one that has came with retirement but also a first-ever promotion on the CV.

The Summer

A fairly quiet one. Post-promotion, one that also saw Craig Mahon and Danny Ormerod achieve league awards, the club announced the addition of James Keyworth as Director of Football. They’ve given themselves a challenging pre-season with match-ups against Blackpool, Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic, coming out on the wrong side in each. They did at least beat Hyde United.

The Squad

A low-key build so far with AFC Fylde making just the four signings. Aaron Drewe, who provided countless assists for Woking last season, and Adam Lewis are in to improve the full-back positions while captain Corey Whelan has signed a new two-year deal. The midfield is exactly as it was but doesn’t lack experience of the level. Jon Ustabasi departs but Luca Thomas and Danny Ormerod remain at the time of writing as part of an attack boosted by Dylan Allen-Hadley and Cedric Main.

The Prediction: 19^th

I’ve found the final relegation spot tough and AFC Fylde have been in the mix. I like what Craig Mahon is about and I like the football his side played last season. His forward players were clearly capable of scoring goals and in Drewe, Whelan, Lewis, Merrie, Whelan, Mitchell and Mayor, they have players that have experienced this level or those above. I have a concern about physicality at both ends of the pitch, particularly in defensive positions, and also depth across the squad. Their business isn’t done but Fylde didn’t push the boat out with recruitment in their last stint at this level and seeing will be believing. I’m banking on consistency and stability being a key factor to keep them up.

Aldershot Town

Final reflections on last season

It wasn’t great. Tommy Widdrington, who had overseen a play-off push and FA Trophy win, departed of his own accord after 13 points from 14 goal-laden matches amid ongoing reports of difficulties with those running the club. John Coleman took the reins and oversaw a run of defeats, a huge pick-up in form and then a really poor end to the season leaving the Shots in 20^th and himself without a job. Amidst all that, there was a long overdue takeover – though new owner Deane Wood would land himself in bother with disparaging comments about Brackley Town – and Scott Davies was appointed manager shortly after the season ended. The end of a couple of eras but the birth of a new one.

The Gaffer

Or Scott, as he would prefer to be known. Scott Davies first joined Aldershot Town as a teenager on loan, helping the newly formed version of the club to achieve a first promotion into the EFL. His career didn’t quite hit the heights he would have hoped – including reasons he has been open and supported others with – and he ultimately found a home at Slough Town, where he became player-manager in 2022. A popular figure, he kept Slough in the National League South and has now earned a move up the ladder. He admits to being an emotional character and has yet to call time on his playing career but his focus has been getting Aldershot ready for the new season, admitting that he has been told things need to change.

The Summer

A complete rebuild and one actioned quickly - on Saturday 20^th June, the club tweeted “the final pieces of the puzzle” in relation to two signings made that day. The summer began with the appointment of Scott Davies from Slough Town and that was backed up by the employment of Mark Jones and Kevin Watson to be part of his coaching staff. As you’ll see from the graphic below, the squad has been overhauled with only Jed Meerholz remaining from their most used 11 players. Scott Davies said he wanted a quick and a fit squad and the signs suggest he may have achieved that.

The Squad

All change and Scott Davies has very much gone down the route of two players for each position, so long as you include Scott Davies himself. Hayes is a known entity in net and the same applies to right-back Efete and forwards Abrahams and Dinanga. Oshilaja, Dyce, Borgnis, Gilbert and Tuma are amongst those to have played for Davies at Slough Town in the division below. Oladunjoye has made his name in pre-season with an absurdly long throw. Harfield is their longest-serving player but hasn’t played for two years due to injury while Meerholz is recovering from an ACL. Nelson has been given an opportunity after impressing steppig out of the club’s academy programme.

The Prediction: 20^th

I’ve spent the last week bouncing Aldershot Town in and out of the relegation zone and I’m still not 100% sure how I feel. I have concerns around the knowhow of the squad with so many players finding their feet at a new level at the same time and it’s the kind of gamble that could go very wrong, very quickly. On the flip side, Aldershot recruited early, did so with a clear plan of action and it’s undeniable that there is talent amongst the group. If I’m totally honest, there is just something about Scott Davies that makes me believe he might just produce.

Altrincham

Final reflections on last season

The end of an era. Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel led Altrincham from the Northern Premier League to the National League, becoming a full-time operation and managing a play-off campaign. However, all good things come to an end and despite performances being a net positive, issues involving injury, form and general naivety led them to 10 losses in the opening 15 matches. Neil Gibson and assistant Lee Jones took the reins, initially as interim before earning the full-time gig. Some notable squad changes were made with results and selection inconsistent but enough to comfortably keep Altrincham in the division.

The Gaffer

Neil Gibson has now held two positions as a National League manager, first at Wealdstone and now Altrincham. He is yet to complete a full season, so while he has been successful in keeping both sides up, he has yet to showcase what a Neil Gibson team looks like having had to be adaptable while utilising what was left for him by the previous incumbent. The former Prestatyn Town midfielder entered the English game with a strong reputation for his work in Wales and has looked to communicate his vision when given the opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing it play out on the pitch after a full pre-season and a clearer recruitment process.

The Summer

A summer spent stabilising on the whole. The retained list saw a number of players listed as technically out of contract and so the club have been working out who stays and who goes. Olly Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott have joined Barrow, Tylor Golden to Boreham Wood and long-serving keeper Ethan Ross to Forest Green Rovers but the likes of Tom Crawford (named club captain), Lewis Banks, Jake Cooper, Sam Barnes, Charlie Olson, Matty Kosylo and Charlie Kirk have all stuck around. Elsewhere, Gibson has name-checked Kyle Taylor, somebody he has worked with before, as important to improving the fitness of his squad over the summer.

The Squad

A note to begin with: Gibson used various formations last season in a bid to find balance and I’m not totally clear as it stands on how they will line up this season. I’ve gone 4-2-3-1, but this may vary and players may play different roles. Evans is new in net hoping to replicate his form at Barnet a couple of years back. Banks is still recovering from a long-term injury while the departures of Golden, Sassi and Baines mean recruitment is still required defensively. The midfield is well-stocked but opportunity knocks amid change and injury, Crawford being the only player likely guaranteed his spot for opening day. Reddin and Weaver enter their third seasons hoping to step up, Barlow won promotion with Rochdale last season, Dennis is vastly experienced and Knowles was Altrincham’s top scorer last year.

The Prediction: 17^th

I’m finding it hard to place Altrincham. I listen to Gibson, look at his track record and his ability to adapt to situations and believe that they will go well, working out solutions as and when issues crop up. The squad contains decent experience and I think they head into the season with a better idea of what is required. I also see a squad that doesn’t look the most reliable or consistent on paper and is likely to see continued chopping and changing of personnel, not to mention an attempt to change things culturally after so long listening to the same voices. I see Altrincham being a side that has good and bad runs but mostly spends the season trying to find its new identity while avoiding any relegation concerns.

Barrow

Final reflections on last season

An utter disaster from start to finish. They made 17 summer signings but sat in 18^th after 19 matches as Andy Whing lost his job. Things were chaotic from that point. Neil McDonald was left in interim charge for five matches (three losses) and was replaced by Paul Gallagher (five straight losses). Dino Maamria was given the job and lasted a month (four losses in six) before player Sam Foley (seven losses in 11) took the reins for the rest of the season. Post-season, the club took responsibility for relegation but a later interview from chairman Paul Hornby suggested all manner of issues were going on with nobody taking responsibility for them. A club in need of a root-and-branch overhaul.

The Gaffer

Adam Murray is on the move again. The 44-year-old moved around quite a bit as a player and that has continued into management where he can now list Mansfield Town, Boston United, Barnsley (caretaker), AFC Fylde, Eastbourne Borough, Kidderminster Harriers and Barrow on his CV across 12 years, as well as coaching roles at Guiseley, Burton Albion, West Bromwich Albion, Port Vale, Besiktas and Cheltenham Town. He has had plenty of recent success at the level below, leading both Fylde and Kidderminster into the National League and Eastbourne Borough to a play-off spot. However, he struggled with the step up at Fylde and this represents an opportunity to showcase his ability to manage in non-league’s top tier.

The Summer

Paul Hornby’s interview was the key talking point for a period as he outed the various problems that led to the club’s relegation while seemingly failing to take any responsibility himself. In a bid to freshen things up, the club overhauled the football staff. Graham Coughlan, Simon Ireland, David Worrall, Ali Uzunhasanoglu and Karly Bland were all dismissed. Adam Murray was appointed as First Team Manager, acknowledging his “track record, current performances and philosophy” with Andy Taylor (assistant manager), Sam Rush and Luca Nicosia (performance analysts) and Tom Palmer (goalkeeper coach) joining him.

The Squad

I’ve received guidance through pre-season that Barrow have generally lined up in a 4-2-3-1, albeit with the odd switch. Wyll Stanway’s departure has provided Winterbottom with the number 1 jersey. Digie (Tamworth), Marriott, Crankshaw (both Altrincham) and Reid (various) arrive with recent National League experience while Kalambayi and Walker were part of Murray’s promoted Kidderminster Harriers side. Williams, Harper and Rose are EFL stalwarts while Earing and Whitfield have previously impressed at this level.

The Prediction: 4^th

Here’s where I’m honest. The appointment of Adam Murray didn’t inspire me initially. The early recruitment run didn’t either – how many of their new signings scream promotion on paper? And yet as pre-season has worn on, I’ve started to come around. A picture has begun to form and I’m seeing how the jigsaw pieces fit together. I have reservations around how many games some of their forwards will play but I do think they are impactful forwards. I’m anticipating Barrow sitting around mid-table after 10 games or so before all parties start to find their feet and additional quality is added to the side as the turnover continues. I’ve struggled a lot with the play-off spots but found myself more comfortable backing Barrow than others.

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Boreham Wood

Final reflections on last season

My lasting impressions of Boreham Wood under Luke Garrard was of a team that were experienced, hard to beat and not particularly easy on the eye. They returned after a year away a completely different side, one that was front-footed and fluid with boys that could play and produce magic. They entered the play-offs in September and never looked back, the old reliables doing what they do best while the likes of Zak Brunt, Abdul Abdulmalik and Matt Rush thrived further forward. They finished 4^th with 90 points and scoring 95 goals, seeing off Carlisle United in the play-offs and coming within seconds of a famous Wembley win. It wasn’t to be as Rochdale won the day but Boreham Wood can look back on an incredible 2025-26.

The Gaffer

Luke Garrard departed Boreham Wood after relegation and returned within a couple of months of their National League South campaign. Reinvigorated, he set about opening his team to play a more enjoyable style and it has worked beautifully to date, coming within seconds of back-to-back promotions and a long-awaited spot in the EFL. He remains as honest as ever and it’s clear the 40-year-old has a lot of love for a club he has now been a part of for 16 years, best evidenced by the new three-year deal he has signed this summer. The aim is clear – go one step further.

The Summer

“It’s about who you keep too” said owner Danny Hunter in a pre-season interview in which he reiterated that he’s getting older and his ambition to get Boreham Wood into the Football League means “I’m not selling, I don’t need to sell”. That started with his manager Luke Garrard, whose new deal was signed the day after the play-off final. Some stalwarts have moved on – Nathan Ashmore, Erico Sousa, Jack Payne, Femi Ilesanmi – but Junior Lewis is in as assistant manager, most of last season’s starting XI remain and Garrard has spoken highly of how few trialists have been needed in early pre-season games owing to the strength of the squad already available.

The Squad

Probably the most stable squad in the league. Gunter arrives on loan after Ted Curd and Nathan Ashmore’s departures. Golden is naturally right-sided but likely to start the season at left-back, particularly with Femi Ilesanmi departing. Charlie O’Connell can cover right-back and central midfield but it appears the centre-back slot next to Bush is his to lose. Allarakhia has experience at wing-back, offering Garrard the option to change things up. The attack contains real goal threats but remains light on numbers, expect additions to follow.

The Prediction: 1^st

For the first time in a few seasons, I’ve not been able to nail my colours to mast early and run with it. It feels like a year in which a number of sides are rebuilding or building on a strong year with nobody truly blowing the rest of the division out of the water with their summer business. It leads me to think that Boreham Wood, who have been adamant they are keeping their star men and building around them, are going to be in title contention. Garrard’s standards are high, his team have real belief in themselves, they have quality few possess at this level and should start the season strong. The only thing holding me back is not knowing what level of player they will be recruiting to supplement/improve the attack and how much they are willing to push financially if the ultimate goal is in sight. First or second, first or second... I’ve talked myself into this. Boreham Wood are winning the title.

Boston United

Final reflections on last season

For the third season running, Boston United endured an indifferent beginning and an excellent ending. The summer saw a fair turnover of playing staff and an inconsistent start to the season followed – the Pilgrims never won, drew or lost more than two games in a row across their opening 27. However, they had won only six and Graham Coughlan was relieved of his duties. Paul Hurst returned to the dugout and though his team only rose four league places, a three-point gap to the relegation zone became 17 thanks to just three losses in 18 matches.

The Gaffer

On paper, bringing Paul Hurst back to the club for the first time in 15 years was a real coup. The 51-year-old has built an impressive resume across 17 years in management, his first decade bringing three promotions and two Wembley finals in a season with Shrewsbury Town. His career hasn’t been quite as successful since, lasting less than a year in three of his last four jobs but he did win another promotion with Grimsby Town and that is what Boston United will be banking on – his proven ability to be successful in non-league football.

The Summer

Another summer of change as Boston United for a much quicker start than in years gone by. A new assistant manager has been employed with Hurst’s former captain Luke Waterfall replacing his long-time assistant Chris Doig, who joined Northampton Town. A number of players were released, key loanees returned to their clubs while star man Frankie Maguire rejected a deal to join York City. Recruitment has been low profile to date but Gavan Holohan is a long-time favourite of Hurst’s while Connor Teale, Dylan Hill and Lenell John-Lewis remain on board.

The Squad

I’m not 100% sure on what formation they have been using through pre-season due to trialists so have stuck with the 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 that worked so well under Hurst. Rooney and Grimes return after excellent loan spells last season with Sachdev, Faxon (both loans), Ward, Shipley and Mauro new in and looking to compete. It’s a new-look midfield with only Raikhy and Hill retained. The attack still needs work but Cursons and John-Lewis showed they are effective options to work from and I suspect moves are still in the pipeline for those positions.

The Prediction: 6^th

This feels like my big gamble across the top seven. There’s a couple of reasons for backing them. Firstly, Paul Hurst knows this division and has often been successful at this level, something he showed last season too. Secondly, I think they have the right tools at both ends of the pitch – players that can handle themselves and be a presence in both boxes. Thirdly, I think there has been so much change across the division that Boston entering with stability at both ends of the pitch while possessing good depth is a real positive and should set them up for a strong start. There are unknowns regarding the new-look midfield and there are concerns that this might be an ugly side at times but I’m happy to say I think they’ll recruit enough to have a strong campaign. Top seven.

Carlisle United

Final reflections on last season

An excellent season in so many ways but one that didn’t wield the expected result. Carlisle United are one of the National League’s biggest clubs on paper and the aim was always going to be an immediate return to the EFL. To achieve that, the club reviewed and improved their football department with Mark Hughes retained as manager. What followed was a 95-point campaign somehow only good enough for third place and a play-off semi-final defeat at home against Boreham Wood. It was an excellent response to back-to-back relegations and it was only their form against York City, Rochdale and Boreham Wood that ultimately cost them.

The Gaffer

The Carlisle ownership gave themselves time at the end of the season before announcing the departure of Mark Hughes and appointment of Rob Elliot. The former Republic of Ireland international started his post-playing career with Gateshead as player/technical director before stepping into the hotseat and leading the club to a 6^th place finish and FA Trophy glory. A spell with Crawley Town in League One didn’t go to plan so he returned to Gateshead in January, the side all but condemned to relegation only to produce a miraculous survival. He has admitted the aim is promotion for the upcoming campaign.

The Summer

More change to the first-team staff. Along with Mark Hughes, Frankie McAvoy (assistant manager), Sophie Birnie (Head Physio) and Greg Stebbings (Director of Performance) have moved on while Head of Recruitment Martin Foyle has joined League Two Port Vale. Rob Elliot is now first-team Head Coach, assisted by Louis Storey. Storey isn’t the only member of staff to move east to west with Josh Lucas (analyst) and Frazer Bell (Head of Sports Science and Medical) following Elliot from Gateshead along with new defenders Kenton Richardson and Brad Nicholson. All key contracted first-teamers remain at the time of writing. Elliot has acknowledged some pre-season knocks and niggles which have been unhelpful.

The Squad

Another outfit for whom I’ve selected a 4-2-3-1 but acknowledge this could turn into various systems – Rob Elliot likes to do some unique things tactically. Breeze looks set to depart so a new goalkeeper may be required. Defensive injuries have hampered pre-season with Mullarkey arriving on a six-month loan to cover, not to mention Bunker and Luamba lining up at the back. Harper has also played central midfield during pre-season with Whelan more advanced, a similar role to the one he played under Williamson/Elliot at Gateshead.

The Prediction: 2^nd

As noted with Boreham Wood, I’ve found the title winning selection a tough one and have ultimately put it between the Wood and Carlisle United. I’ll probably regret that – how likely is it that 3^rd and 4^th place bowl up and take 1^st and 2^nd the following season? Anyway, there’s plenty of reason to back Carlisle. For starters, while they’ve spent the summer wiping off a few big numbers they likely have the biggest budget in the division and I’ve no doubt if Elliot needs support that he will get it. They still retain Ajiboye, Kelly, Armstrong and Linney, who all of whom offer firepower. Big coaching staff changes, injuries before the season has started, it may take a period of adjustment and in this league, that could be enough.

Eastleigh

Final reflections on last season

A real disappointment. Kelvin Davis started the season as manager but dull football and poor results led to the club making a change. Chris Todd was appointed as Director of Football with Scott Bartlett moving over from Weston-super-mare. Todd lasted two months and though Barlett started well enough – 21 points from 16 matches – the wheels soon fell off and he was out of a job by mid-February. Concerned by the threat of relegation, Stewart Donald fell back on an old friend to secure survival and though results didn’t improve all that much, Keith Hill saw them over the line.

The Gaffer

True to form, Stewart Donald went back to his contacts book and found Matt Gray, whose first role after retirement was as assistant manager at Eastleigh. The now 44-year-old moved on, acting as assistant manager at Aldershot Town, Crawley Town and Sutton United, the latter of whom appointed him as manager. Within two seasons, he had taken the club into the EFL for the first time in their history and to Wembley for the EFL Trophy final. All good things come to an end and his next job was at Eastbourne Borough, one that went horribly wrong. The ultimate high, the ultimate low – it will be interesting to see how job number three goes.

The Summer

A relatively slow and low-key summer for Eastleigh. As above, Matt Gray has been installed as manager and is joined by long-time friend and assistant Jason Goodliffe. It’s not been a positive pre-season, the Spitfires losing against Horsham, Poole Town, Southampton, Valenciennes and Crawley Town, scoring just three goals in the process. Gray has laid out his concerns with the squad and the need for everybody to improve. Whether he can get the quality and standards he requires remains to be seen

The Squad

Matt Gray and Eastleigh have done a little cost-cutting and kept the squad small as they look to rebuild. Townsend remains in net and is one of six players to feature in their most used XI last season to remain at the club, including Cousins, who has been given the armband, and Blair, who was the subject of transfer speculation following a big season. Each outfield department has fresh blood with Hawkins the most experienced of a relatively young group. Randall played under Gray at Sutton United.

The Prediction: 22^nd

I have a bad feeling about Eastleigh and none of their actions over the summer have given me reason to believe. There was too much change last season and it’s quite clear they are looking to cut costs where possible. While one or two may step up, I’m not convinced that the new recruits improve the starting XI or squad, one that struggled during the second half of the season. I see a lot of reliance falling upon those that played more regularly last term, and they are likely going to have to be even better than they were last season to help raise the floor and ceiling of the squad. I think this might be the year the Spitfires are shot down.

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FC Halifax Town

Final reflections on last season

We all need to stop doubting FC Halifax Town. Every year, the Shaymen lose key players, replace them on one of the division’s smaller budgets and we all predict them to finish mid-table, possibly lower, and they consistently punch above their weight and challenge higher. After years under the stewardship of Pete Wild and his former assistant Chris Millington, Adam Lakeland took the reins and did an excellent job, pushing a new-look outfit into play-off contention. They fell short. In part because the top seven all achieved 80+ points and in part because they struggled to earn results against that same top seven, but this was another strong campaign for one of the division’s perennial underdogs.

The Gaffer

Within a week of the season finishing, Adam Lakeland had departed FC Halifax Town for recently relegated Morecambe. He has been replaced by another National League North success story in John McGrath. The 46-year-old Burton Albion legend began his managerial career with Mickleover, spending eight years at the club and reaching the play-offs before joining Buxton, leading the team to the FA Cup Second Round and back-to-back play-off finishes while developing various talents including Oli Ewing, Luke Brennan, Josh Popoola and Tate Campbell, who have all stepped up a level since. He will be hoping to replicate the successes of those that came before him.

The Summer

A typical FC Halifax Town summer in many ways: key players departing and development prospects arriving. Adam Lakeland and Sam Walker impressed sufficiently to earn a pay rise at Morecambe, who also signed Will Smith, while Will Harris and Jay Turner-Cooke have moved on after excellent campaigns. There was controversy around Harris and Turner-Cooke’s departures amid a potential contract breach and the saga did little to endear fans to owner David Bosomworth. Elsewhere, a lot of fringe players were allowed to move on but eight of their most used XI from last season remain. John McGrath has taken the reins, bringing Pablo Mills with him, while their first five signings have all been 24 or younger.

The Squad

It looks like Halifax have been running 4-2-3-1 one this summer so I’ll take the easy option. I confess that I’m yet to learn about Douglas, Gilsenan and Allen, so I apologise if they are in incorrect positions. The big news was the addition of Grant, who is set to end Johnson’s insane run of appearances for Halifax (he has missed around 11 games in nine seasons since arriving) due to a stylistic preference. Grant, Bardell, Flint and Douglas all played for McGrath at Buxton while Trusty and Maltby have also been playing at the level below. Morgan-Smith is the one signing with real experience of the level and arrives after winning promotion with Kidderminster Harriers. Hmami is expected to leave imminently.

The Prediction: 14^th

“We all need to stop doubting FC Halifax Town. Every year, the Shaymen lose key players, replace them on one of the division’s smaller budgets and we all predict them to finish mid-table, possibly lower, and they consistently punch above their weight and challenge higher.” I’m doing it again. Why? Sure, some of the reasons above. Another change of manager leading to more change on the pitch in terms of style and structure. Harris is gone and Hmami expected to leave and while you can point to them also being signed from the league below, they had more evidence of durability and knowhow compared to those arriving (37-year-old Morgan-Smith notwithstanding). The squad is alright, they’ve signed some talented players and the nature of having a budget like Halifax’s means they likely aren’t done yet as more options become available. They should be okay, I’m just not ready to say they will challenge for the play-offs this year, which I think is fine. And I look forward to having this same conversation next year after they finish 7^th.

Forest Green Rovers

Final reflections on last season

Positives to take and lessons to be learned. Forest Green went for wholesale change over the summer of 2025 with Mark Bowen appointed Director of Football and old friend Robbie Savage appointed as manager. A raft of squad changes were made and it looked to work a treat early doors as the Gloucestershire outfit put themselves into title contention. However, changes continued. New personnel, new positions, new shapes. A team in title contention became a mid-table outfit over the second half of the season and while they retained their spot in the play-offs, they were dumped out at the first hurdle by Boreham Wood.

The Gaffer

Robbie Savage. Over 650 career appearances. Around 350 Premier League appearances. Welsh international. Yellow card enthusiast. Wind-up merchant. Media personality. And now, football manager. Having helped with the creation of Macclesfield FC, he took over as manager and won promotion by a landslide before jumping ship to Forest Green Rovers. His first season was a mixed bag on the pitch (as above) while his interviews have often been entertaining, my personal favourites being his consistent use of the word magnificent, his emotional disagreement with Luke Garrard over an incident against Boreham Wood in a league fixture and him admitting he would have chosen Laurent Mendy or Kyle McAllister as Player of the Season instead of Tom Knowles, the official supporters’ choice.

The Summer

A cost-cutting summer for Forest Green Rovers. At the end of the campaign, the club announced that five first team backroom staff members would be departing – Dan Connor, John McMahon, Dan Watson, Tom Carter and Jake Roe – with Head of Academy Yan Klukowski promoted to work alongside Josh Bowen – son of Director of Football Mark – under Savage on the coaching staff. The club have also restructured their academy and scrapped their women’s and girls teams, understandably to much concern. It’s at least been quieter on the field where the squad has been slimmed down and additions fewer and further between than last year, Savage openly acknowledging he wants more stability.

The Squad

Savage did show flexibility last season but I will assume 4-2-3-1 will be the primary formation with each player top of each section starting their final pre-season game. Goalkeeper and defence is relatively clear with Ross likely to take the number 1 jersey (literally and metaphorically) while Agina, Obi and Ajayi are part of a new-look defence. Things are a little trickier to second guess further forward. Ewing can operate higher, McAllister played on the right most of last season, Clarke may drop deeper, Rees can play from the left. Opportunities will be up for grabs for those that take them.

The Prediction: 3^rd

I have two thoughts here and I’m open to being persuaded either way. The first is that this side should score goals. To have McAllister, Haughton, Clarke, Rees and Mellor joined by Berry and Patrick, not to mention the raw speed and power available down each flank and an attack first philosophy, goals should be the least of their worries. I also do believe Savage when he talks about more stability and not signing quite as many players. I expect further additions, but not over 25 like last year. The concern is obviously defensively. The new group is thinner on the ground and missing its key protector, and that’s without mentioning Ross hasn’t played for over a year and the centre-backs are stepping up a level. I think they’ll be competent but league winning? I think they fall short. I’m not 100% confident they finish as high as third but I do think they reach the play-offs again and they ought to do so comfortably.

Gateshead

Final reflections on last season

The signs were there in pre-season that Gateshead might struggle. Smaller budget, minimal prime age players, experienced personnel with unreliable records of availability, a reluctant manager. Achieving 19 points from their opening 16 was a solid effort but signs of a downturn were evident and 13 straight losses left Gateshead rooted to the bottom of the table and a guarantee for relegation. During that run, Rob Elliot returned to the hotseat, Louis Storey returned and additional investment meant key squad changes followed. A new-look Gateshead would go on to collect 31 points from 15 matches and in a minor miracle, beat the drop.

The Gaffer

After unsuccessful discussions, Rob Elliot moved across to Carlisle United and has since been replaced by Lee Cattermole. A former England youth international and Premier League regular, Cattermole retired from playing after a brief spell in Holland and began his coaching career with Middlesbrough’s under-18’s. The Northeast native takes on his first managerial job close to home, talking up the opportunity to be hands-on and explore within the role as well as Gateshead being a place where first-time managers have had success.

The Summer

All change again. Stephen Paylor has become the club’s joint-owner. Bernard McWilliams, who replaced Neil Pinkerton as chairman last year, has stepped down due to ill health and former chairman Graham Wood has stepped in as interim. Rob Elliot has left – the club acknowledged that terms couldn’t be agreed regarding budget and infrastructure – and he has taken various backroom staff and even a couple of players with him. Jacob Butterfield, who was assistant manager under Alun Armstrong, has joined Scunthorpe United. Lee Cattermole will now be supported by Ben Clark and Martin Smith.

The Squad

It appears on paper that Cattermole is continuing to use the 3-4-3 / 3-5-2 shape that worked so well at the back end of the season. There have been key departures with Richardson, Grayson, Nicholson and Butterfield moving on. Desbois remains in net with Lavery, Kyle Ferguson and Robinson joining a defence in desperate need of reinforcements. David Ferguson is better known as a left-back but has played centre of a back three in more recent times. Chapman and Anifowose are naturally wingers but have been given high-flying wing-back roles. Ward and Newton can also cover at wing-back despite predominantly being central players. Chadwick, Boatswain and Telford will hope for more consistent seasons.

The Prediction: 23^rd

Gateshead sort of got away with things last year and I’m not sure they’ll be so fortunate this time around. It’s evident from their summer transfer business that they aren’t cash-rich and seeing the likes of Elliot, Storey, Bell, Richardson, Grayson, Butterfield, Nicholson and Beck walk out of the door means a lot of knowhow and experience of both the division and the club has gone. It leaves the Heed with a novice Head Coach and a pretty inexperienced group of players, a number of whom will need to step up together through the spine of the team and take the bull by the horns. It may prove an important year for the development of many but as a collective it’s going to be tough.

Harrogate Town

Final reflections on last season

Harrogate Town have always been up against it in League Two but this was a season that went terribly wrong across the first two-thirds of it. By early February, the Yorkshire outfit were bottom of the division having embarked on a 20-game winless run that all but sealed their fate. They gave it a good shot thereon, making numerous changes during the January transfer window and collecting 21 points from their final 16 games, a run that left them with an opportunity on final day to secure an unlikely survival. They needed to better the result of one of the three sides above them but defeat at home to Barnet sealed their fate.

The Gaffer

Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager of any professional football club in England. The Yorkshireman has been Harrogate Town manager since 2009 – that’s 17 years for those counting – and it has been a success for the most part, helping the club rise from the depths of National League North to League Two as well as winning the 2019-20 FA Trophy. The son of owner Irving, Simon says he is aiming to refresh the squad and bring more goals and excitement to his team as they bid to make an immediate return to the EFL.

The Summer

One of the most stable clubs in the country as far as staff and personnel are concerned, there isn’t a huge amount to write home about for Harrogate Town, who have instead focused on building a squad to compete in the National League. In true fashion, they have gone for hard-working younger players with good attitudes to fit in with the culture of the club, providing opportunities for players that haven’t been able to reach the profile hoped at this point in their careers. The majority of their most used XI from last season remains.

The Squad

Throughout pre-season, Harrogate Town have regularly fielded a trialist or two, meaning it hasn’t always been clear on shape. Following a watch of highlights, I think they are starting out in a 3-4-2-1, but I’m open to being incorrect on that and a 4-2-3-1 being the preferred shape. Oxley and Watson have both had plenty of minutes in pre-season. Baptiste has started following arrival from Middlesbrough while Lees is a coup on paper. Payne did well for Morecambe while Hobson and McGuckin have both had a couple of decent loan spells. Burrell and Thomson were top performers at the level for Harrogate years back while Bradbury, Cass, Fox and McCoulsky all return hoping for a swift return back to the EFL.

The Prediction: 9^th

I’ll be honest, I’m not really sure what to make of Harrogate Town. Would I be shocked if they spent the season in the play-offs, building on a positive second half to last season? No. Would I be shocked if they finished 15^th during an indifferent campaign as they readjust to the level? Also no. I’ll drop them in between that. It should be a side that scores enough goals to be a threat in most games but while I like a lot of the defensive players on an individual basis, I think they will be a team that concedes goals, leaving them challenging around the bottom end of the play-off positions.

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Hartlepool United

Final reflections on last season

A very Hartlepool United campaign. Raj Singh spoke about selling the club, nothing was actioned, a decent-name manager & some noteworthy players joined. A sacking was made after an indifferent beginning, an interim placed in charge and the notable difference with this campaign is that the interim stayed in charge for the rest of the season. Nicky Featherstone led the side to an unspectacular but solid 9^th place finish. The most important part of their season happened during winter when American Landon Smith took ownership of the club, a long-awaited and hopefully positive change.

The Gaffer

Lee Clark. On the face of it, a bold call. The 53-year-old’s managerial career started promisingly with Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City but a mixed period in the Midlands was followed by short spells at Blackpool, Kilmarnock, Bury and Blyth Spartans. He would pop up in Sudan, Oman and Sudan again before overseeing Rotherham United’s inevitable relegation after four years out of the game. Hartlepool is something of a return home for Clark and a big opportunity given he has not completed a full season in management since 2013-14.

The Summer

All change. The club announced in March that they had enlisted support from Leigh Bromby’s company Bromby and Partners with the aim of transitioning the football department. Their Head of Football Operations, Chris Maxwell, is working closest with the club day-to-day. Lee Clark is new in as manager, Adam Clayton and Gary Liddle have joined his coaching staff while Chris Beech has been appointed Head of Recruitment. There has been a sizeable turnover of playing staff too with 13 players released and 14 players signed at the time of writing, including big-name additions such as Jack Nolan, Jordan Hugill and Will Harris.

The Squad

Classic recruitment stuff: Pretty much two players for each position and an opportunity to change shape should they wish to do so. It appears to be a 4-4-2 in pre-season so that is what I’ve worked with. There’s a nice balance to things on paper. Two young goalkeepers, four right and four left footed defenders with full-backs that can also play out wide. Nolan had a top season with Morecambe last year and comes highly thought of, Hugill is one of the bigger names in the National League this season while Harris and Popov had top spells with Halifax and Morecambe, respectively. Benn, McNally, Kouogun, Sheron and Miley will hope to build on good seasons and lead the new group by example.

The Prediction: 8^th

In a division of change, Hartlepool United are the one club to (at least on the face of things) really lay down some cash and make some eye-catching additions. They should finish in the top seven, perhaps with ambitions higher than that, and it almost feels like there is no excuse for them not doing it. I think their recruitment has been excellent. And given my personal affiliation for Reiss McNally and memories of Lee Clark as Blues manager, I want them to do well. I just cannot get my head around the appointment of Clark. This brand-new era, proper football operations, solid recruiters, money pumped in, a good squad and they’ve gone for Lee Clark as manager. I’m not against being proven wrong but I’m trying to judge their season against it starting under Clark, and I’m not sure this is going to be as clean as initially hoped.

Hornchurch

Final reflections on last season

A season that started strong, remained strong and ended with a first ever promotion to the National League. Improvement on a 9^th place finish was the aim and beginning the new campaign with a 12-match unbeaten run put them on the right path, as did responding to a first league defeat by going another six unbeaten. Form slowed down from that point but never in a way that put them in danger of not achieving their goals – The Urchins never once dropped out of play-off positions and a strong finish to the season meant a second-place finish. They cast aside Weston-super-Mare in a play-off semi-final and came from behind twice in the final to see off Torquay United in extra-time to secure promotion.

The Gaffer

According to Hornchurch chairman Alex Sharp, Daryl McMahon is the best manager outside of the Football League. A former West Ham United and Republic of Ireland youth player, the 42-year-old is now in his fourth job as a manager and can look back fondly on his career in the dugout to date. He has a promotion and play-off campaign on his CV at Ebbsfleet United, kept Dagenham and Redbridge on the cusp of the play-offs for a couple of years and has now overseen two promotions in three seasons at Hornchurch, all achieved while largely playing a positive brand of football. His chairman values him so much he signed a new three-year deal this summer and also became part of the club’s ownership group.

The Summer

The big change at Hornchurch this summer is the move to a full-time programme, one that has enforced staff and squad changes. As part of the staff changes, Rob Lee has been appointed as the club’s Director of Football while McMahon’s long-time friend Anton Ferdinand has joined the coaching staff. Key personnel from last season have departed due to the change of schedule including Harry Gibbs, Josh Rees and Josh Hare but some high-profile additions arrive in the form of Ryan Inniss, Jack Baldwin and Jack Powell.

The Squad

Hornchurch’s final friendly seemingly had them lining up in a 3-4-1-2, so I’ll run with that. If I’m incorrect, I’m sure I’ll be informed, hopefully politely. It’s all change in defence where Hare, Phillips, Gibbs and Edwards are out with EFL stalwarts Baldwin, Inniss and Dallison in to protect Nasta, who has signed permanently. Experience has been name of the game this summer with Kizzi, Powell and Ferguson all fitting the mould. Ling is right-footed but has tended to play from the left. McMahon does have the option to switch to a 4-2-3-1 should he choose and has plenty of striking options available to him.

The Prediction: 21^st

Another side I’ve had bouncing in and out of the bottom four. On paper, it looks tidy. Lots of striking options, some big meaty centre-halves and a manager that has performed at the level before with strong ties to his club now. I’m also looking at a side that is probably going to lack mobility, especially in defence, and I have reservations over reliability with a number of signings moving towards the latter end of their careers and mostly joining Hornchurch on their way down or having already made their way down. This might be an easy comparison given some of the players involved but it reminds me of the Ebbsfleet and Dagenham and Redbridge sides that struggled at this level. I’ve got them just going down but I wouldn’t be shocked if McMahon finds a solution.

Kidderminster Harriers

Final reflections on last season

Adam Murray took over as manager in the summer of 2025 and oversaw a squad overhaul in a bid to get Kidderminster Harriers working in his preferred way. The early results were positive if a little indifferent but things really began to click at the end of November as Kiddy went on a nine-match unbeaten run, including six wins on the bounce. Defeat at Macclesfield was followed by another seven games unbeaten and a six-match winning run to finish the campaign secured a top three finish. That run continued into the play-offs where Kiddy dispatched Macclesfield and South Shields to secure their return to the National League.

The Gaffer

Adam Murray chose Barrow in the off-season leaving Kidderminster with a big decision to make. The ownership landed on Paul Wotton as their new first-team manager, Dean Holdsworth labelling him “exactly the type of leader we wanted at this football club”. After a spell coaching at Plymouth Argyle in various roles, the 48-year-old took his first managerial role at Truro City, who he led back to the National League South. He followed that with a couple of years at Torquay United, keeping them competitive towards the top of the National League South but not being able to secure the promotion they craved. A Plymouth Argyle legend, I make this the most northern job Wotton has taken in his senior football career.

The Summer

A sizeable change. As noted above, Adam Murray has joined Barrow and taken some staff with him, leaving Paul Wotton to rebuild. He has brought Mike Edwards with him as Assistant Manager. It’s been an enjoyable pre-season – I make it four wins and a draw from five outings without conceding a single goal, though they have not played a team above Step 3 in that time. In terms of the squad, a number of key players have moved on – eight of their most used XI – including stalwarts Christian Dibble and Amari Morgan-Smith, not to mention Emeka Obi landing a job at Forest Green Rovers.

The Squad

I’m not entirely sure how Kidderminster will line up on opening day but I make their final pre-season XI to be a 4-2-3-1, so I’ll run with that. It could easily be a three-at-the-back. Wint will hope to follow the path of fellow academy star Ollie Whatmuff in being a success in the National League. Harries offers experience while Crompton and Tipton have performed well for other Midlands sides at this level. Brown returns after a year at Brackley, Dolan worked under Wotton at Torquay United, Amantchi and Walker are well-versed non-league strikers. Evans, Davis and Devine are the only three players remaining to have played regular minutes last season.

The Prediction: 24^th

Do I think Kidderminster Harriers finish bottom? Not necessarily. Are they the team I’m most confident gets relegated? Unfortunately, yes. Don’t get me wrong, there are things to like. Davis, Devine and Evans remain, Brown did well for Brackley last year, Crompton was excellent for Tamworth a year or so back, Amantchi and Walker are known quantities. I’m just underwhelmed by their business and it reminds me a lot of their last stint at this level, unable to push financially to really compete in a really strong division. They will be competitive and difficult to beat but I don’t think it will be enough.

Scunthorpe United

Final reflections on last season

My main memory of last summer and Scunthorpe United – promotion via the play-offs and warmth between management and ownership aside – was the questions being asked about the goalkeeping situation and depth in attack. Scunny then rocked up and went 11 without defeat to start the season and lost just one of their first 17. A three-match winless run was then followed by seven wins from eight. Way to make a statement. A tough run in February put paid to any loose title hopes but they ground out a solid 5^th place finish and beat Southend United in a play-off eliminator only to succumb to eventual winners Rochdale.

The Gaffer

Andy Butler had a playing career to be proud of. He made almost 600 league appearances in the EFL, won three promotions and was named club captain and Player of the Year on two occasions each. His early coaching career was mixed but when Scunthorpe United, the club he made his name with, needed him, he stepped up and passed with flying colours by winning promotion in his first season and making the play-offs in his second. The club are still finding their feet off the pitch but Butler has been a real leader for all things on it.

The Summer

A quiet summer all told with most of the items on Scunthorpe United’s news page being for tickets and the legends XI match between themselves and Manchester United for Iron Aid, a match that raises “significant funds for local charities and community causes”. United won 5-4. In terms of the first team, they have lost star man Callum Roberts while captain Andrew Boyce has also departed. Callum Howe, Reagan Ogle, Jordan Richards and Jacob Butterfield are experienced additions while Luke Brennan and Pat Jones will hope to plug the gap and then some out wide.

The Squad

Butler generally chose a 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 last season but was more than happy to mix things up when required, using a diamond or a back five. Jones and Campbell remain the two goalkeepers. Starbuck, Evans, Howe and Denton got the nod for their final pre-season outing with Rowley and Richards just in front. It’s the attack that is most interesting with places up for grabs amid the departure of Roberts. It was a front four of Gale, Howe, Brennan and Whitehall for that friendly but Jones and Beestin more than played their part last term and Butterfield’s experience adds a new wrinkle.

The Prediction: 11th

I’ve bounced Scunthorpe all over the top half and I still haven’t truly committed to anything, which makes having to commit to a pre-season prediction rather annoying. I like the additions of Ogle, Howe and Richards and think it will help make Scunthorpe sturdier – while fine defensively, they very rarely kept clean sheets. But they have lost Roberts, who was clearly too good for the level, and that puts more pressure on Whitehall in attack while the others, none of whom have truly cracked the level on a consistent basis, look to step up. I can easily Scunthorpe landing in the top seven again, I’m struggling to find reason to really commit on it with the new look attack.

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Solihull Moors

Final reflections on last season

Solihull Moors were always destined to struggle early on. Stephen Ward departed on the eve of the season and Matt Taylor didn’t take long to follow. A poorly built squad moved under the stewardship of Jimmy Quinn on an interim basis before Chris Millington was handed the reins and both could be proud of their efforts as Moors jumped off the bottom and into the top half, backed by a couple of key additions - including the popular return of Joe Sbarra. Form dipped for the final third of the season, a 10-match winless run putting paid to any loose play-off hopes but it mattered little given how far they had come from those early weeks.

The Gaffer

Chris Millington is a quiet leader but that one that has more than proven himself at National League level and is looking to take another step forward. Initially associated with Pete Wild, Millington stepped out on his own at FC Halifax Town and gained a reputation for player development, helping players such as Millenic Alli, Kane Thompson-Sommers and Adam Senior into the EFL all while keeping the Shaymen in play-off contention and winning the FA Trophy. With a bigger budget available, he will be hoping to improve on a promising start to a relatively late managerial career.

The Summer

A summer that has predominantly been about the football. There have been a couple of things, such as the outcome of the case against Conor Wilkinson and Darryl Eales scaling back his involvement with Gibraltar Lions, but there is a sense that Solihull Moors might be looking to take themselves more seriously this year. Alex Whitmore remains despite his departure being announced before the end of the season while fan favourite Joe Sbarra has re-signed for the club on a permanent basis. With Matty Carson and Jamie Andrews, who both impressed at this level last term, signing up, the club look to be moving in the right direction again.

The Squad

Millington is another manager willing to adapt. I think he’ll look to begin in a 4-2-3-1 but don’t be surprised to see that become a back three at some point. It appears as though Ford will be given his first opportunity to be a senior number one. He, like Warren and Mills, worked under Millington at Halifax. French looks set to remain first-choice at centre-back with Carson and Green battling it out on the left. Osborne hasn’t featured in pre-season, giving Shipston a chance to stake a claim. Tiensia has predominantly been fielding at left-wing in pre-season so expect an addition in that department. Wilkinson is available after a case against him was dropped and provides real quality to the attack along with Wakeling and Sbarra.

The Prediction: 13^th

Moors ended up bottom of my “could reach the play-offs” bucket and I could easily make the case for a top seven finish. They have three high-quality attackers, a top midfielder, Whitmore has re-signed and Millington has more than proven himself as one of the more resourceful National League managers. My doubts include the goalkeeping situation, partners for Whitmore and High in defence and midfield and a lack of depth in attack where it will be difficult to replace high-quality with high-quality if players are missing. I’m not quite Moors will have enough to reach the top seven, though I do wonder if 13^th will wind up being too pessimistic.

Southend United

Final reflections on last season

A mostly positive campaign for Southend United, who responded to the devastation of an extra-time play-off final defeat in June by finishing in the play-offs again and winning a trophy at Wembley. They began six unbeaten but the autumn and winter months were indifferent as the Essex outfit found themselves on the edge of the play-off positions with games in hand. Kevin Maher has tended to oversee strong finishes to campaigns and that continued here, Southend blowing fellow contenders out of the water and finishing 6^th with over 80 points. They couldn’t best Scunthorpe United in their play-off eliminator but did beat Wealdstone at Wembley to win the FA Trophy.

The Gaffer

Kieron’s Dyer career isn’t the easiest to sum up in a couple of sentences. Super-talented youngster, a big-money mover, an England international, too many injuries, a bit of controversy – he packed a lot into 17 or so years. His coaching career has been less eventful, working his way from academy coach at Ipswich Town to first-team coach under Paul Cook at both Ipswich and Chesterfield. His opening interviews were open, talking up his journey, name-checking the support from people such as Paul Cook and Bobby Robson and a preference for attacking football.

The Summer

All change. The management team of Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley and Darren Currie are out. Director of Football John Still. Chief Scout Jason Demetriou. Director Tom Lawrence. A large number of players, including Gus Scott-Morriss, Jack Bridge, Nathan Ralph, Cav Miley, Andrew Dallas and Collin Andeng-Ndi to name a few. Oliver Gage has been appointed Director of Football. Jonathon Duckett is in as Head of Recruitment. Kieron Dyer is new first-team manager, supported by Adam Atey. On the face of it, the process has been steady and well-managed but the proof will be in the pudding.

The Squad

As above, all change. Taylor, Goodliffe, Coker, Parillon, Austin, Cardwell and Kendall stick around. Boyes sits on the list but is expected to join Notts County imminently. The process of building a side has been relatively clear, Southend sticking with the same spine where possible and adding National League experience in the form of Sims, Oldaker and Hartigan. Two left-footed centre-backs have joined the ranks as well as right-back Daley-Campbell. The wingers are all very talented and offer different traits with all likely to play different roles across the attack while Dyer searches for the best balance. Kamara, Parillon, Popoola and Kendall started their final pre-season game with Coker deeper.

The Prediction: 5^th

One of many clubs I’ve had bouncing around the top half. There’s a part of me that wants to go big on them. I like the noises from the club, I’ve heard very good things about the new appointments at the top and it appears that they have a very clear plan regarding what they want to build and how. But it’s fear of the unknown. How does Kieron Dyer take to senior management? How quickly do all these players mesh together? What’s the feeling like for those that remain at the club having seen so many key players from last year move on? What does a post-Maher world look like? Do any of those wide attackers step up? I could talk myself into a top three finish as much as I could talk myself into a mid-table one. I like more than I dislike, and I think I’m going to back a top seven finish.

Sutton United

Final reflections on last season

A big summer recruitment drive was followed by a disastrous season opening as Sutton United lost seven of their first ten, leaving them bottom of the league table. Steve Morison departed and was replaced by Chris Agutter. The ex-Worthing boss quickly found stability and consistency - a side that had won one of their opening 16 soon picked up 37 points from 24. That run pulled the U’s away from danger as a number of players stepped up from experienced additions to academy talents. All but safe, they finished the season tamely but in a good position to build for Agutter’s first full season in charge.

The Gaffer

Chris Agutter has been in coaching a long time, enjoying roles at Brighton and Hove Albion, Eastbourne Borough, Hastings United, Stevenage and Worthing in various capacities. His first-team managerial career has been successful to date, turning Hastings United from relegation candidates to promotion winners and almost taking Worthing into the National League for the first time. Now at Sutton, he has successfully overseen their survival while playing an attractive brand of football and proving himself an honest, non-media trained and ambitious personality as evidenced during an end of season podcast with Sutton United Talk Time.

The Summer

Remove the social media nonsense – the new Twitter admin has rubbed a few up the wrong way – and the summer has been a relatively quiet one. Communication has been good regarding all facets of the club, stadium renovations have taken place and Chris Agutter has been given autonomy to shape his squad. Agutter has been open about his ambitions and a preference for adding experience to his squad, something he has managed with the signings of Will Nightingale, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Charlie Carter and Emmanuel Osadebe, while Jake Taylor has been appointed club captain. There have been some key departures but the club have felt prepared and got ahead of them accordingly.

The Squad

I’ll assume Agutter will run with a 4-2-3-1 but he’s open to tactical changes and this could easily switch into something different. The brilliantly named Spike Brits arrives to replace the departed Jack Sims. On paper, it looks like Donkor, Nightingale, Moore-Taylor and Topalloj was the expected first-choice back four but injury has presented opportunities for Kirk and youngsters Nzuzi and Urpens. Captain Taylor will likely spend time mentoring another academy prospect in Bell, with Carter, Mussa and Osadebe offering different qualities. The attack is full of speed, power and directness with Babalola having a positive impact in pre-season.

The Prediction: 10^th

Another club with plenty to like and enough to doubt. I’ve enjoyed listening to Agutter speak over pre-season and he is very clear when it comes to his aims. I’m usually positive when a manager communicates openly with a clear playing philosophy and principles and it makes me want to get behind Sutton. However, there has been disruption in pre-season owing to injury, particularly in defence, and I find myself looking at a squad of players that often treads between the lines of good player but unlikely to play 35-40 games and likely to be available for 35-40 games but I want to see more from them. I can see Sutton purring at some point during the season and being inconsistent during the other parts and it’s just whether they can find a consistency they have lacked since returning to the National League. A loose play-off chase it an absolute step up but I’m reticent to push further than that just yet.

Tamworth

Final reflections on last season

Another positive campaign for Tamworth, who continue to bely their status as part-timers to be a competitive National League outfit. As is typical for a mid-table outfit, there were ups and downs including runs such as one loss in ten, two wins from ten, and one loss in nine. There was squad churn as talented youngsters Beck-Ray Enoru and Kwaku Donkor earned full-time moves while Dan Creaney returned to the club. They finished the season with just six defeats in 21 and earned some big wins against the likes of Boreham Wood and Carlisle United. Back-to-back top half finishes cannot be sniffed at.

The Gaffer

Andy Peaks doesn’t look like your typical football manager but he has proven himself one of the shrewdest in non-league. His playing career was mostly spent bouncing around Midlands-based clubs with his longer spells spent at Stamford and Rushden and Diamonds, the latter of whom he would spend almost a decade with as manager. His move to Tamworth put him on the map, taking the club from relegation-candidates to back-to-back promotion winners and stable National League outfit, earning a full-time contract to boot. An honest, open manager that appears to have real trust from his players.

The Summer

A big summer for Tamworth. Firstly, there is the takeover – Dawn Group International have taken over the running of the club with new chairman Abdullah Ashraf going on the charm offensive to impress fans, committing to a “hands on” approach and wanting to reach the EFL for the first time in the club’s history. On the pitch, there has been sizeable change with long-term players such as Matt Curley and Tom Tonks moving on while Kennedy Digie and Stefan Mols have earned full-time moves. Ben Milnes, Jas Singh and Dan Creaney remain to help piece together a new-look squad.

The Squad

Plenty of change. Perhaps the biggest indicator of their need for change in wide and forward areas is their most used XI containing four centre-backs (Rye did admittedly play a bit at right-back) and three central midfielders while Mols and Lynch have stepped into the EFL. Singh continues in goal but there is a lot of change in front of him. Rye has signed permanently, Parkes, Fogarty, Lyttle and Calder all stay in the division while Handley and Bailey are given the opportunity to step up. Tonks, Bates and Riley have been replaced by Dyson and Bramble. Tshikuna joins back up with Tamworth, Roberts impressed for Brackley (both may also play wide) while Donnelly excelled in a loan spell for Kidderminster and Hutchinson the same at Step 3.

The Prediction: 12^th

I’m quite positive on Tamworth. They’re a club in which you look less at the individuals coming through the door and more how they form the collective. They’ve got proper centre-halves, they’re physically strong, have reliable, fit footballers, plenty of speed and directness and a team that can attack in efficient ways. Without having obvious standout individuals, you can probably back Tamworth to be a team that scores 60+ goals and it’s just whether they can finally drop underneath the 70-mark for goals conceded. Good manager, solid squad, I’m confident they survive and the question is more how high is their ceiling?

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Wealdstone

Final reflections on last season

After a brief spell as interim helped keep the club in the National League previously, Sam Cox was appointed as manager in the summer of 25 and things could scarcely have started better, winning three on the bounce and keeping the side in the top-half of the table during the first half of the season. Things were beginning to tail off by that point however and a run of one win in 13 led to Cox losing his job as the relegation threatened clubs began to close the gap. Gary Waddock took the reins and an early burst of results was key as the Stones survived with comfort. The Stones did reach the FA Trophy final but lost out to Southend United on the day.

The Gaffer

Gary Waddock was something of a surprise appointment given he hadn’t been in management for almost seven years. The 64-year-old earned Republic of Ireland caps as part of a near 20-year playing career and success followed in management with promotions at Aldershot Town and Wycombe Wanderers. After a three-year spell at with Aldershot Town in 2019, Waddock moved to supporting up-and-coming managers at Cambridge United and Walsall before stepping back into the dugout at Wealdstone. When asked “why now”, he said he wanted to be a number one again. So far, so good.

The Summer

It was confirmed in April that Nick Semaca had completed the paperwork to become the majority shareholder of Wealdstone FC. Not a huge amount has changed in the short term, Rory Fitzgerald staying on as chairman. The club have confirmed they are looking for a new CEO while Richard Hopwood (COO) has moved on. Semaca did an interview in July discussing the club’s new stadium site and there has been a push to gain 2k season ticket holders. Pre-season has been positive with victories over MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon, impressive given the number of trialists looking to earn a contract – Wealdstone have been on the slower side with squad building while Nathan Tshikuna, Dominic Hutchinson, Enzio Boldewijn and Deon Woodman have moved on.

The Squad

Plenty of change as Wealdstone look to move forward. I gather Gary Waddock is sticking to the 3-5-2 / 3-4-2-1 that has become commonplace at Wealdstone. The squad is thin on the ground though it sounds as if more bodies will be added before opening day. In terms of what is in the building, the Stones can feel quite positive on paper. Baptiste is set to continue as number one, Francis-Clarke and Newton are well equipped at the level, Henry and Wells-Morrison return permanently to compete in midfield, Harris had a good season at Sutton United and Norris is a coup on paper. They compliment the likes of Cook, McAvoy, Kadji and Obiero, all of whom had strong seasons last year.

The Prediction: 16^th

I feel good about Wealdstone. I think they know what they are as a football club, it’s clear that they’ve got additional investment and have been able to sign some proven National League quality. They look well-equipped technically and physically to the start the season, a number of the squad are of a good age and looking to take the opportunity to progress their careers and it looks a group that should be competent at both ends of the pitch. The main unknowns are how much depth the squad will have and how Waddock will take to his first full season as a manager in the 2020’s. I’m predicting they start the season strongly and fall away but have a relatively comfortable season.

Woking

Final reflections on last season

Much-needed stability. After years of managerial turnover and ownership and financial concerns, Neal Ardley and Jody Brown were employed to steady the ship and they did just that, keeping the club in the National League in 2024-25 and after an indifferent beginning to 2025-26, they hit a run of three losses in 18, moving into the top half and settling. And then stability went out of the window. A number of match postponements, difficulties with their pitch, a run of defeats – most of which were on the road – and a slide down the table partly due to games in hand. Ardley was sacked, Craig Ross and Jake Hyde steadied the ship before Jermain Defoe arrived, helping the club to a top-half finish.

The Gaffer

I wrote a lovely paragraph about Jermain Defoe OBE. He was one of my favourite players growing. He was a guest at my cousin’s wedding. Total waste of time. A couple of weeks before the season began, he walked out. Craig Ross and Jake Hyde have taken the reins again with Jody Brown left to fight the more public fires. At the time of writing, there is no Woking Manager / Head Coach.

The Summer

Jody Brown completed an interview in July where he spoke of summer changes. He claims the club are “far far ahead” of where they were this time last year regarding recruitment, infrastructure and conditioning. They have a new head of operations, market manager and head of performance. In terms of recruitment, he acknowledged the departure of Olly Sanderson and Harry Beautyman but says they have been replaced by four or five players, suggesting more depth in forward areas. And then shit truly hit the fan with Defoe’s departure leaving fans with a feeling of uncertainty and not entirely sure which side is in the right. So much for stability and being ahead.

The Squad

Settled in one area, all change in the other - just look where the red writing features on the right-hand side of the above graphic. Fan favourite Jaaskelainen continues behind a lot of the same defensive options. Asare replaces the departed Aaron Drewe while Ogie is a much-needed left-footed option to take the pressure off Richards. Sohna arrives to give the midfield some forward thrust and he is joined by Dulson and Clarke in stepping up a level. Kelly’s return on a permanent basis is a boost while Adarkwa and Ayres gives the front line some additional height.

The Prediction: 15^th

At the end of the previous campaign, I was ready to get behind Woking as a potential play-off chaser. The longer the summer has worn on, the less enthused I’ve felt. Yes, the departure of Defoe doesn’t help and it creates a feeling of chaos that is unhelpful at this stage of the summer but it’s not really about that. The squad is fine but not one that necessarily stands out. The defence is solid enough. The attack looks fun on paper but mixes players looking to push past previous injury woes or step up as pros for the first time. Then you factor the unknown of who will take charge permanently and how they want to adapt the squad. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cards finish in the top half but I’m struggling to find reasons to back them for a top seven finish and it leaves me with them in lower mid-table.

Worthing

Final reflections on last season

Worthing entered 2025/26 hoping to go one better but things didn’t start brilliantly. Chris Agutter’s side were sat in mid-table after nine games and he had been courted by Sutton United, moving up the ladder. His replacement was none other than Adam Hinshelwood and the rise began quickly, entering the play-off positions by the end of October and topping the table by early December. The race for promotion was a tight one with everybody enduring ups and downs yet when it mattered most, Worthing stepped up, winning six of their final eight to secure a first-ever promotion to the National League as champions.

The Gaffer

Adam Hinshelwood was no stranger to Worthing FC upon his return last season. His association with the club began almost 12 years prior with an 18-month spell as manager and he returned a couple of years later to start a lengthy reign that brought promotion to National League South. His work caught the attention of York City, who came close to an EFL return under his watch, before rejoining Worthing and earning a second promotion. Hinshelwood has a long family history in football, beginning with his grandfather Wally and continuing today with Adam’s son Jack, currently at Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Summer

The rise continues. Barry Hunter penned an open letter in early July which mentioned early bird season tickets are up by 50%, stadium development is continuing, a foundation has been set up and trial numbers for younger sides have been excellent. It’s excellent stuff and things are developing on the pitch too, Hinshelwood able to keep most of last season’s squad together (Sam Beard – who received a fantastic opportunity in Marbella – and Jack Spong the most notable departures) while adding a mix of talented youngsters and known entities.

The Squad

Firstly, I confess that I’ve had to do some digging around on certain players I’ve not come across previously and I do apologise if anybody is in the wrong position. Foulkes is the number one in from Dorking Wanderers. Cook and Colbran receive support youngsters Moore and Adjetey-Brew to begin the new campaign. Wadham and Aguiar have played under Hinshelwood previously while Husin was a mainstay at Southend United before injury. Hutchinson and Nathaniel-George provide more direct wing play with a number of other forwards looking to take their opportunity at a higher level.

The Prediction: 18^th

Of the four promoted sides, I’ve felt more comfortable backing Worthing to beat the drop. I think they are comfortable in their own skin as a football club, which always provides reason to be positive. Adam Hinshelwood has operated at this level previously and shown himself to be competent, and he has clearly had a say regarding recruitment leaving him with a squad that know he works. The squad itself has enough about it on paper, managing to mix both an influx of quality with squad stability giving them good foundations to build on. I’m not expecting Worthing to come up and take the division by storm but I’m also mindful than an 18^th place finish might be doing them a disservice.

Yeovil Town

Final reflections on last season

They got over the line with minimal fuss, which was a positive end to what threatened to be a disaster of a season. Mark Cooper was gone by the end of August, a disastrous 4-3 home loss against Gateshead – Yeovil led 3-0 – spelling the end for his time. Richard Dryden took interim charge before Danny Webb was appointed... only for him to leave after one match. Richard Dryden was then put in charge until the end of the season but with their league position dropping, Billy Rowley was poached from Walton and Hersham. Form was mixed over the remaining months but the Glovers never really found themselves in real danger of the drop.

The Gaffer

Billy Rowley took the long route towards management. It started around 20 years ago, working in youth development at Chelsea, Fulham and Millwall before joining Walton and Hersham. Initially assistant, he helped the club rise up the divisions before taking the hotseat for himself in 2024, departing in November 2025 with the club well on their way to promotion. Upon appointment, Glovers chairman Prabhu Srinivasan stated “in Billy Rowley, we found exactly what we were looking for” after referencing a preference for “progressive, attacking football, a strong identity and commitment to developing players”.

The Summer

Yeovil’s summer got off to an unusual start as Walton and Hersham raised a formal complaint to the FA, including concerns Billy Rowley was courting their players. At the end of June, Yeovil released a statement saying there was “no current investigation” having already signed three of Rowley’s former Walton and Hersham players. They aren’t the only new additions with Rowley given the autonomy to take a sledgehammer to the playing squad, backed by a decent budget to make changes – only three of their most used XI from last season remain with 14 of their 20-man squad fresh in.

The Squad

Billy Rowley appears set on a 3-4-2-1 system so I’ll run with that. There is definitely scope for positional changes here. Gubbins may or may not be playing in the centre of a back three, Norville-Williams can play left wing-back, Jones and Daly can operate on both flanks and further forward, Muller was initially a centre-back before stepping into midfield at Sutton, Obeng can play on the right, Powell can drop into the middle of midfield. The truth is, I’m still learning plenty about Rowley and this squad. There is at least strong National League experience in Radcliffe, Gubbins, Westbrooke, Muller and Spasov entering the building to support those that remain.

The Prediction: 7^th

The last of a number of teams I’ve had bouncing in and out of the top seven. I’m backing them. I’m impressed by Rowley and the clarity of his vision and I think their recruitment has been spot on in terms of making that vision come to life – at least on paper. The squad is of a good age – every player except goalkeeper player and coach Matt Gould is aged between 20 and 29 – and there is good National League experience through the spine of the team to work around. I also think a lot of the players signed come in on the back of strong seasons in which they have contributed and been readily available. Finally, if they need to bolster, the funds are going to be there. I’m loathe to go too big because there has been a lot of change and it may take this group some time to find their feet (or they may hit a wall early and have to show their mettle) but I like what I’m seeing.

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Sure, the people given these “awards” aren’t likely to ever see them. And even if they did, will they care that a 32-year-old man that has just finished a bag of popcorn while sat in a pair of shorts on his settee said they did the best at something in the National League? Probably not. Maybe they’ll nod in approval.

I’ve made my entire existence sound criminally sad there. Wow.

Anyway, I’ve started. And in truth, I fancy the distraction from what has been a long couple of days working in strong heat and around an ill child. Not to mention our car situation – if you’re thinking of purchasing anything from Stellantis, don’t.

Pointless starting ramble over. Here are my awards for the season.

Manager of the Season: Jim McNulty (Rochdale)

I held no ill will towards York City or Boreham Wood, I was really willing Rochdale to get over the line. A lot will be made of the impressive style of football and points total but this has been a whole package of positivity. They’ve had a consistent ideology and built their culture around that, creating sustained progression and growth and at the top of that, Jim McNulty. The 41-year-old is an emotionally intelligent leader, somebody that has created an environment of trust and openness with the development of his players and the cohesion of the group as a whole evident. This was always likely to be the year where push came to shove and while recruitment helped, there was also a switch in the team – they became serious. The pretty football was matched by a resilience, never-say-die-attitude, willing to do the dark arts and back each other up. We’ve seen some unbelievable managerial performances this year but I can’t look past this year’s play-off winning manager.

Player of the Season: Ollie Pearce (York City)

It’s always tempting to be the smartest person in the room with selections like this but sometimes, the obvious answer is the correct one. We have a striker that 1) was a league winner, 2) scored 34 goals and 3) had 9 more goal contributions than any other player. Let’s not forget that Pearce was also largely employed as captain across the second half of the season for a team that was winning at a rate rarely seen at this level. He scored the opener against Yeovil Town on the penultimate day, the winner against Tamworth the week before and netted 8 in 12 against the rest of the top seven, showing he wasn’t a flat-track bully. There was some unbelievable individual performances in the National League this season – to the point that there are some notable omissions from my team of the season – but I think Pearce tops the list.

Young Player of the Season: Abdul Abdulmalik (Boreham Wood)

As a football fan, you want to watch footballers having fun. Abdul Abdulmalik had a lot of fun. The young forward joined Boreham Wood before the return of Luke Garrard and given how his new gaffer had previously set up his team, you could perhaps understand any concern. Instead, Garrard has adapted, allowed his team to play on the front foot and created scenarios for Abdulmalik to receive the ball a lot and commit the opposition a lot. His goals against Aldershot Town and Brackley Town were glimpses of his talent and it’s why I picked him as one of my five National League transfer targets for NTT20.

NTT20.COM

Transfer Targets: National League

Quick Note: At this time of year, our tradition at NTT20.COM isn’t Christmas lists or Black Friday deals — it’s the transfer window. January approaches, our watch begins, and with it the return of TRANSFER TARGETS…

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9 months ago · 15 likes · 2 comments · NTT20

Goal of the Season: Gwion Edwards vs Forest Green Rovers

This was a very, very tough decision this year. A couple of Abdulmalik strikes as linked above. Alex Hunt’s worldies vs Tamworth. Lewis Simper vs Gateshead. A couple of halfway line strikers from Miguel Azeez and Regan Booty. So many strong efforts. But I’ve gone with Gwion Edwards. Why? Well 1) it’s a brilliant team goal and 2) there’s individual quality and 3) the strike is excellent. It starts with Archie Mair finding Ludwig Francillette, who then pings the ball into midfield for Jake Cain. He’s relaxed and finds Yann Songo’o, who finds Raheem Conte first time. Conte’s marker cuts the line so he skips inside and finds the feet of Admiral Muskwe, who finds Edwards and moves towards the box. That creates space for Edwards to skip inside of two Forest Green Rovers defenders and whips the ball beyond the keeper in off the bar.

Assist of the Season: Zak Brunt vs Braintree Town

I’ve got so, so much time for Zak Brunt. What a footballer, and perhaps the glue that holds together one of the most rampant attacks in the division. This moment encapsulates his quality and intelligence, finding space between the Braintree Town defence and midfield and as Regan Booty plays the pass, Brunt looks over his right shoulder to see where striker Matt Rush is and whether his marker is coming out to greet him. Spotting both Omrore stepping out and Rush moving into the newly open space, Brunt rolls the ball to his left and his second touch is a delicious backheel that sends Rush in on goal for the first-time finish. Absolute class.

Save of the Season: Luke Hutchinson vs Sutton United

Another early season moment that stuck with me. I find judging goalkeeper saves difficult – I’m not a good enough judge of footwork, stance and reading to assess the perfect saves so I often rely on that feeling of “how has he kept that out” and list anything that makes me feel that way in the moment. Looking back through my list, I’ve gone with this from Luke Hutchinson. The free-kick is delivered and Sutton get first contact. Hutchinson has to react three times here. Firstly to Jay Harris, who decides to knock the ball back for a team-mate rather than shoot as some players may have. Then to Liam Vincent, who does shoot but gets it wrong, rolling the ball across the six-yard box. And thirdly to Ashley Nadesan, who shoots cleanly and on target from six yards. After Vincent’s effort, Hutchinson drops to the ground in anticipation and his reaction to get across to Nadesan’s effort is excellent, also pushing the ball away from danger in the process. Top-class.

Team of the Season

GK: Jed Ward (Yeovil Town)

When Jed Ward left Wealdstone, I wasn’t expecting to see him back at the level. When Jed Ward was recalled by Forest Green Rovers, I was confident he would remain in the EFL. Quite why he found himself at Yeovil Town last season I don’t know but he has done himself no harm at all, proving himself to be one of the strongest goalkeepers in the division. He has to be an EFL goalkeeper next year.

RB: Gus Scott-Morriss (Southend United)

It’s sometimes easy to overlook players who perform consistently across various seasons and I nearly did the same. However, Gus Scott-Morriss finished the National League season at a right wing-back with 15 goals while continuing to be one of the most creative wide men in the division. No wonder he’s off to Oldham Athletic.

CB: Kyron Gordon (Rochdale)

A contender for player of the season. Kyron Gordon has epitomised the growth of footballers at Rochdale in recent years, developing into a top defender, a top creative force and also something of a leader having taken the vice-captaincy. He’s ready for the next level and fully deserved his promotion.

CB: Malachi Fagan-Walcott (York City)

Hearts have just had a 750k bid rejected for Malachi Fagan-Walcott if reports are true and if that doesn’t tell you the level of this lad, nothing will. He’s tall, quick, powerful, makes defending look easy, tactically adaptable to the point of becoming an attacking force from his wide centre-back position. Another who should go on to have a fine career.

LB: Mark Kitching (York City)

Mark Kitching is a promotion winner again. The 30-year-old has a tendency to go under the radar but has proven himself uber-consistency during spells with Stockport County, Oldham Athletic and York City. Playing consistently in a left-sided centre-back role, Kitching has been both a more than competent defender and attacker for York, making others around him look better too.

RCM: Alex Hunt (York City)

A third York City player in a row. How does a football team dominate football matches so consistently with and without the ball? Having a top-quality defensive midfielder is key, one that can tackle, one that can play, one that can be a goal threat and be a creative force. Hunt started 44 matches for York City, registered 14 goal contributions and earns his spot in here.

LCM: Ryan East (Rochdale)

Speaking of midfielders that can do a bit of everything, we have Ryan East. He made 43 starts. He racked up 13 goal contributions. He played various midfield roles to enhance the tactical qualities of his team, happy to play with the game in front or behind him while having a telling impact. Classy.

RAM: Zak Brunt (Boreham Wood)

I’ve already expressed my love for Zak Brunt above. What a footballer. The diminutive attacker returned to Boreham Wood to deliver his best ever season, ending with 15 goals and 14 assists from a season in which he helped glue together one of the most potent attacks in the division.

LAM: Regan Linney (Carlisle United)

There were so many options for the fourth attacker that I almost decided against choosing one. Abdul Abdulmalik. Callum Roberts. Kyle McAllister. Devante Rodney. Jack Nolan. Josh Stones. I’ve sided with Linney. He’s been a consistently important figure for Carlisle, raising their levels with his individual brilliance, key to their third-place finish.

ST: Ollie Pearce (York City)

My player of the season.

ST: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (Rochdale)

Another contender for player of the season. Dieseruvwe was the signing of the season in the National League, his presence an enormous net positive for Rochdale who utilised his qualities to great effect, and whose qualities made those better around him. His knack for scoring important goals, including those against Braintree Town, York City and Boreham Wood, stand out but he was so much more than just a bagsman.

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People of a certain age will understand. Life takes over. Partner. Kids. Wife. Work. Car. House. Time just runs out sometimes.

But I’m back, I’m under a new guise and I’m back with the big one: The Enterprise National League club-by-club end of season review.

What a season it was, encapsulated best by an utterly ridiculous title race that went down to the final day. York City won the title but Rochdale had their own success via the play-offs and deservedly, two of the best teams to ever grace the National League secured promotion back to the Football League.

Their form meant that Carlisle United, whose 95 points would have won them the title in years gone by were left in 3^rd while Boreham Wood finished 4^th on 90. It took 81 points to even gain entry to the play-offs with Scunthorpe United, FA Trophy winners Southend United and Forest Green Rovers producing excellent seasons. It was Boreham Wood that made it to Wembley but all five will face off again next season.

FC Halifax Town thought they were in with a shout of the top seven until late on in the campaign with Hartlepool United finishing not far behind. Woking and Tamworth also broke the 60-point mark with Boston United rounding off the top half with 59.

The Pilgrims led a group of teams that all changed manager having feared the drop to regional football. They were joined in mid-table by Altrincham, Solihull Moors and FA Trophy runners-up Wealdstone while Yeovil Town, Eastleigh, Gateshead, Sutton United and Aldershot Town were perhaps a little grateful that the bottom four couldn’t muster the points to turn this into a relegation battle for the ages.

We wave goodbye to three clubs relegated at the first attempt in National League South champions Truro City, National League North champions Brackley Town and relegated League Two outfit Morecambe. They are joined by Braintree Town, who fought bravely in year one but couldn’t sustain it. It’s never been tougher sustaining yourself in non-league’s top tier.

In the below piece, you will find a review of all 24 National League clubs, including:

• The basic stats

• Pre-season prediction

• What really happened

• The numbers

• What happens next

I’m hoping to be a more visible presence week-to-week next season under a new guise but for now, please like, share, comment and hopefully enjoy!

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Aldershot Town

Final position: 20^th

Top goalscorer: Ryan Hill (9); Most assists: Josh Barrett (9); Clean sheets: 6; Worst discipline: Ryan Hill (13Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Boyce-Clarke

Hill Nightingale Meerholz Inwood

Hargreaves Widdrington Tetek

Warren Thomas Barrett

Pre-season prediction: 12^th

Surely, surely, Aldershot Town are not going to concede 83 goals for a third season running? I want to trust them, but I don’t. Their style of play makes them one of the most entertaining sides in the division but we’re already seeing signs that consistent selection in defence may be hard to come by and that doesn’t bode well for a side that play such an open brand of football. The good news is that they will score goals. They have at least five players that hit double figures for goal contributions in the National League last season. I’m here to see lots of goals and lots of fun.

What actually happened?

Aldershot didn’t concede 83 goals. They conceded 87. They also scored the second most goals of any side outside of the top seven. However, this was less fun and mid-tabley and more erratic with peaks, troughs, evident frustration, too much change and a lowly finish.

It began under Tommy Widdrington and was shaping up to be like every other recent campaign – goals being banged in at both ends. By the time he resigned on 14^th October, Aldershot had 13 points from 14 matches and sat near the relegation zone having conceded 31 goals (3^rd most) and scored 27 (divisional best) - each of their opening eight matches saw at least four goals scored!

John Coleman took the reins and could not have taken it on at a worse time, in the middle of a run in which they would play six of the top seven and local rivals Woking within eight matches. They lost all eight. However, as I pointed out on socials, I could see what Coleman was trying to build towards and success would follow.

Across the winter months, only York City and Rochdale picked up more points than The Shots, whose PPG was the second best in the league over that period. Consistency played a big part, seven of the players that started game one of that run started the final game of it.

It wouldn’t last. They hit another tough run – six matches including five of the top seven and Woking – and their season died at that point. Sure, they beat Morecambe but they were pretty much safe thanks to results elsewhere and the campaign petered out, leading to an emotional John Coleman interview in which he said change was needed over the summer. It was announced the following Monday that Coleman would leave after the final game of the season.

The foundations were never really in place for Aldershot replicate their feats of previous years but it also ought to have been better than a 20^th place finish and drab finish. While he won’t oversee it, Coleman is right about the need for change.

The numbers

Aldershot Town got used to losing football matches this year. No side spent more time trailing than the Shots, who spent a whopping 43.4% of all league minutes in a losing position. They went on the second longest losing run (8 matches), suffered the most home defeats (14) and the joint second most losses overall (26). Indeed, their home record was poor, collecting 21 points from their 23 matches (joint second worst) and conceding the joint most goals at home (46). That last number counted towards a total of 87 goals conceded overall (third most) a record of conceding 1 or fewer goals on 18 occasions (joint second fewest) and a record of keeping just six clean sheets (second fewest).

They were at least entertaining. Only Solihull Moors scored more goals of any side outside of the top seven (69). This means that Aldershot Town sat second for most goals per game total (3.39) and third for goals per game total at home (3.43). Their seven draws was the third fewest in the league.

If goals aren’t entertaining enough, how about discipline? No side saw more red cards than the Shots’ 10 (and impressively, it was 10 different players) while their 114 yellow cards was only bettered than Sutton United. But it wasn’t just Aldershot being bad boys – they drew 103 yellow cards out of opponents, the fourth most of any side.

What happens next?

Time to hit the reset button. The club announced a change of ownership in January, have seen both managers and various employed first-team staff depart and will also see a fair bit of squad churn follow.

Chairman Deane Wood, who is already on the backfoot following disrespectful comments about Brackley Town, has handed the reins to former player Scott Davies and the ex-Slough Town boss has wasted little time getting his squad ready for the new season, making several signings already. His positivity has been a breath of fresh air already but even he appears to understand where the club are at present. The long road ahead has begun.

Altrincham

Final position: 13^th

Top goalscorer: Jimmy Knowles (11); Most assists: Jimmy Knowles (6); Clean sheets: 10; Worst discipline: Tyler Golden (11Y; 2R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Hutchinson

Golden Sassi Cooper Jones

Marriott Crawford

Reddin Kosylo Kirk

Knowles

Pre-season prediction: 7^th

I’m backing them again. Let’s not forget that at the start of last season, all the talk was about how they replace Chris Conn-Clarke yet Alty didn’t flinch and found themselves right back in the play-off picture, developing players and falling just short. The process is consistent, the squad age profile is strong and the spine of the team remains intact. I would be surprised if Alty aren’t in play-off contention as we reach April.

What actually happened?

They did not finish 7^th. And yet I felt weirdly validated in the early portion of the campaign as they rattled off good performance after good performance, predominantly being let down by what happened in both boxes.

The problem was that what happened in both boxes was turning positive performances into 10 losses from 15 matches. They conceded at least two goals in 10 of those opening 15. This was a group with the softest underbelly in the division and it wound up costing Phil Parkinson his job.

Where did it go wrong? There are plenty of reasons that tell its own story. Ethan Ross was set to miss the campaign. All three senior centre-backs would be absent come opening day leading to emergency additions to cover for a while. The attack had been ripped apart and had to start over again. While the coaching and structure was strong, the knowhow and understanding wasn’t, leaving those that knew how to handle things a little outnumbered.

Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel were relieved of their duties in October with Neil Gibson and Lee Jones stepping in on an interim basis before taking the permanent role until the end of 2026-27.

It’s been a mixed bag.

They have been a mid-table outfit across their 30 games in charge, an improvement on what came before. Their defensive record has also improved with there being a clear, visible improvement in the groups attitude towards defending. But it has also come with change. Captain Lewis Baines and long-serving Elliot Osborne were allowed to move on while others arrived and departed, few of those arriving playing key roles due to form/fitness. Shape and personnel changes have remained a factor on the pitch too with Gibson trying to find a formula to work from.

Gibson has spoken openly on performances and a running theme has been a group that are trying and occasionally succeeding in carrying out his aims but struggling to do so consistently within matches. I’m sure he is relishing the opportunity to reset and recruit over the summer.

For now, Alty can feel comfortable knowing that a season that saw more change than anticipated has ended with a comfortable mid-table finish and an opportunity to step forward next season.

The numbers

The big thing to note with Altrincham is the difference in their home and away form. Alty picked up an extra point at home per game than on the road (the biggest difference in the National League), registering the most home wins of any side outside of the top seven (13) but producing the joint fourth worst away record (17 points from 23 matches).

Another thing to note is their lack of staying power. Alty registered the joint third fewest goals in the second half of matches (26), scored the joint fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (10) and had the joint worst points swing of any side for goals scored after the 75^th minute (-9). Little wonder they only drew six games (division low) while their lack of ruthlessness means only two sides scored 3 or more goals on fewer occasions (4).

And one more thing, they sucked against top half teams. They collected just 15 of their 57 points against top half teams (4 wins, 3 draws & 17 defeats), just 26%. The 30% of total points collected against the bottom four was the second highest behind Braintree Town.

At least they were entertaining on the discipline front. For a side that were considered pretty soft early on in the season, they racked up an impressive 109 yellow cards (third most) and nine red cards (second most) while also drawing 102 yellow cards from their opposition (fifth most).

What happens next?

Neil Gibson and Lee Jones are set to stay on at the time of writing and, as noted above, they will be relishing the opportunity to oversee a bit of a reset in the summer and stamp their authority on things.

Gibson and Jones have now done two half(ish) seasons at this level and done okay in both, keeping Wealdstone and Altrincham in the division so it will be interesting to see how they get on over a full campaign with more autonomy. Gibson speaks like a guy that knows what he wants but has always shown a willingness to adapt to what he has taken on.

As for the rest of the club, it will be interesting to see what approach they take. Do they hand Gibson the keys for a bit or look to replace Rob Esteva/Marc Tierney at the top to provide a link between management and board?

A well-run club, but one in an interesting position as far as on-field matters are concerned.

Boreham Wood

Final position: 4^th

Top goalscorer: Matt Rush (25); Most assists: Zak Brunt (14); Clean sheets: 17; Worst discipline: Femi Ilesanmi (5Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Curd

O’Connell Reynolds Bush Ilesanmi

White Booty

Sousa Brunt Abdulmalik

Rush

Pre-season prediction: 16^th

It can be a tricky balance trying to match Boreham Wood in their current guise against the Boreham Wood I’ve known for years prior. Luke Garrard will have his side well-organised, they will do the basics properly and play with an energy out of possession that will make games difficult for opponents. They have players that have performed consistently at the level before and a power in the team that will make them a threat. The main question is how many goals they score. I’m not sure they have the firepower to push much higher than the bottom half.

What actually happened?

Sometimes, I look back at my notes and think “man, I was so close yet so far away”.

They did the basics. They played with energy. They made games difficult for opponents. But booooooy did they have firepower. And in truth, that firepower proved more important than the things you associate with a Luke Garrard team.

Boreham Wood knocked this campaign out of the park. They arrived with a confidence and self-belief that wasn’t shaken by an opening day loss to Rochdale and those positive traits stuck with them right until their final outing of the season at Wembley against Rochdale.

They entered the play-offs places in September and never left. The old reliables proved they still has gas in the tank as they stepped up and led by example while the likes of Abdul Abdulmalik, Zak Brunt and Matt Rush thrived further forward – they registered 53 goals and 21 assists between them.

This wasn’t a classic Garrard team. They were younger, hungrier, smaller, played with risk as forwards played with freedom supported regularly and quickly by those behind. It played out beautifully and it’s somewhat insane that 90 points and 95 goals was only good enough for a 4^th place finish.

I’m a huge fan of how Garrard attacked the play-offs. He was on the front foot, talking up how Boreham Wood were “tailor made” for the environment and listing their achievements. They saw off Forest Green Rovers, beat Carlisle United on their own patch and were mere seconds away from glory at Wembley.

It wasn’t to be. A last minute equaliser and penalty shoot-out loss followed and Boreham Wood will have to do it all again next year. Regardless, this was a memorable campaign for a club that continues to punch upwards.

The numbers

Boreham Wood scored goals and scored goals early. They ranked second for goals scored (95) and number of matches in which they scored 3 or more goals (16). They also ranked first for away goals (47). As for early goals, they recorded the second best first half record (24 wins, 13 draws and 5 losses), the second most first half goals scored (45), the most first goals in a game (33) and no side spent more time leading football matches (43.8% of minutes played).

They weren’t just early birds. Their 50 second half goals was the second most recorded and only Forest Green Rovers conceded fewer goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (9). That may help explain The Wood spending the third least time trailing (14.9%) and recording the third best goal difference (+37), both only bettered by the top two.

Elsewhere, home form was impressive. Their 53 points from 23 matches was only bettered by York City and Rochdale while only Rochdale could better their 17 home wins. They were nothing if not entertaining on the road, recording 3.52 goals per game total. And their 64 yellow cards was the second fewest collected, showing that for all the attacking fun, it was often good natured.

What happens next?

Just before the play-off final, Danny Hunter did an interview with the club channel. He was asked about rumours of Zak Brunt to Doncaster Rovers, to which he replied along the lines of “he ain’t going anywhere - none of them are. The players signed contracts in good faith and work for the club.”. Basically, if you want these guys, pay up. Since writing this, Hunter has done another interview with the club channel reaffirming this.

As part of that second interview, Hunter said he is 64 now. He wants to see his football club reach the EFL. I think there will be moving parts – if not the young whippets then maybe the elder statesman passing 34 now – but Garrard will be backed. I’m remaining cautious but I’m excited to see what they manage to do this summer.

Boston United

Final position: 12^th

Top goalscorer: Lenell John-Lewis (11); Most assists: Frankie Maguire (9); Clean sheets: 9; Worst discipline: Jordan Richards (10Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Lovett

Teale Gallagher Lankshear Carson

Richards Sloggett

Hill Maguire Hiwula

John-Lewis

Pre-season prediction: 15^th

It was tempting to get carried away with how Boston United finished last season, storming to safety after an impeccable final third of the season but this is a new campaign, a first pre-season under this management team and with a fair amount of squad churn too. Is the starting XI better than last season? I’m not personally sold. But I think there is a belief within the club, a simplicity and focus about their style and enough on the pitch to avoid trouble.

What actually happened?

A decent prediction, I think.

After a miraculous escape from relegation in 2024-25, Boston entered the new season with eight new signings in their XI and four debutants coming off the bench which shows the scale of change and why this wasn’t going to be as simple as riding into the new season with the same form and a promotion challenge. When you look back at the summer additions, a good chunk were lads looking to really make their mark in the professional game for the first time.

And so an inconsistent season began. Across the opening 27 matches, Boston won six and lost 13 but never won, drew or lost more than two games in a row and went no more than five matches unbeaten or winless. They sat 16^th in the table, three points above the drop zone and Coughlan would be relieved of his duties.

Was it a surprise? In some respects, yes. You only have to see where The Pilgrims were when Coughlan arrived. In other respects, no. Coughlan had been brutally honest in his assessment of how he saw things and it didn’t always come off well. His frustration towards naivety within the squad was evident.

Paul Hurst was announced as manager a couple of days later, returning to the club he managed around 15 years prior. As with the managerial change the year before, it has been an overwhelming success.

Across their final 18 league matches, they lost three. Those three losses were against York City, Rochdale and Carlisle United. Coincidentally, those three were the only sides to outperform Boston on a points-per-game basis over the final months of the season. While Boston may have only jumped up four league places post-Coughlan, that three-point gap turned into a 17-point gap and relegation concerns were quickly subsided.

How did Hurst do it? Recruitment and consistency played a big part. The addition of former National League title winning captain Jamie Grimes was big while Jake Rooney and Tom Cursons were positives. Hurst was able to find consistency in selection and the return of Frankie Maguire was well-timed – 14 of his 16 goal contributions this season came during that aforementioned 18-match run.

For the third season running, Boston United finish strong and while this one didn’t bring an unlikely promotion or survival, it was just as impressive and the challenge is now building on it for a stronger start next year.

The numbers

Here is the issue with some mid-table teams. They’re often not extremists and it’s rare that raw data points jump out to draw the kind of conclusions I’ve written above and below for others. So, I’m going to provide what stood out and if anybody else has great Boston United statistics, hit me with them. Or follow the excellent @bostonutdstats

• Boston United drew the second most National League games (14)

• Only two sides scored fewer goals at home than Boston United’s 25

• Boston United received only one red card, only bettered by two sides, but drew an impressive seven red cards, a joint high

• Boston United conceded 11 penalties, only Sutton United conceded more

• Boston United’s 11 points against the bottom four was the lowest of any top half side by at least four points\

What happens next?

I assume this feels quite exciting for Boston United fans. Paul Hurst wouldn’t be at Boston United if his stock was high and moves to Ipswich Town, Scunthorpe United and a return to Shrewsbury Town didn’t go too well but he is a proven commodity at this level having twice won promotion out of the National League with Grimsby Town, not to mention his exploits in non-league with Ilkeston Town and Boston United previously. He has lost his long-time assistant Chris Doig but Hurst had had success before they came together.

I’m on the side of cautious optimism when it comes to Boston. They are settled as a full-time operation, positive plans continue to happen off the field and it’s easy to see Hurst cutting through the squad to create a smaller (38 players used this season) and more reliable group. They might be dark horses.

Brackley Town

Final position: 21^st

Top goalscorer: Shane Byrne; Connor Hall (6); Most assists: Scott Pollock (4); Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Zak Brown (10Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Maxted

Morrison Dean Lilly

Nottingham Byrne Price Roberts

Pollock Brown

Lowe

Pre-season prediction: 19^th

The main question I’ve been asking myself as I position Brackley between 19th and 21st is “will they survive”. I’m backing them to do it. The squad has pedigree, physicality and leadership, the club and management team are settled and I also believe that when push comes to shove, Cowan will receive backing to add players where he believes necessary. I also fancy them to be a threat from set-pieces too. Cowan has been keen to set standards from the off in pre-season and I think it will stand them in good stead.

What actually happened?

A season that can be split into four.

Part 1: Belonging. Ten matches. Four wins. Four draws. Two losses. Every win and loss decided by the odd goal. A positive start was always going to be key for Brackley Town and they got it. Stability counted for a lot, Brackley adding a bit of quality but largely sticking with the group that got them over the line and in a division where change reigned, their knowhow and togetherness proved important as they competed and came out on the right side more than they didn’t.

Part 2: Adaptation. Two things were always going to be problematic for The Saints: depth and goals. The opening 10 were followed by a run of 12 league matches that saw Brackley score five goals and collect four points. It was a period defined by a need to adapt as the relentless schedule left Cowan chopping and changing amid niggles and knocks and the odd longer-term absence. Having been competitive early on, Brackley were now struggling.

Part 3: Stabilisation. The bad run ended on Boxing Day as Brackley earned a surprise win against Forest Green Rovers. It would spark an eight-game unbeaten run, four wins and draws apiece. The return of Danny Newton, coupled with the loan additions of Byron Pendleton and Ben Wodskou, led Cowan to find consistency in selection. The stability of the XI, addition of youthful legs and improved balance helped the Northamptonshire outfit improve and pick up some big results, even after the departure of Cowan to Shrewsbury Town.

Part 4: Whing. The unbeaten run ended after the appointment of Andy Whing. I’m not privy to what happened internally but it was an absolute disaster on the pitch as Brackley collected three points from 14 on route to relegation while conceding goals at a rate they hadn’t all season. They were 14^th at the point he arrived and demoted with a couple of games to spare. There were formation changes, personnel changes and the lack of stability appeared harmful. Whing tried to remain positive but the evidence was there.

Hindsight is always beneficial and I wonder if looking back, the Brackley Town board may have chosen to stick with Gaz Dean and Shane Byrne a little longer. Looking at the good points of their campaign, stability, consistency and togetherness was a big part of it and bringing in an outside voice arguably destabilised them. Perhaps it was a little too soon for Whing after being sacked by Barrow. Perhaps there is more than is apparent to a distant observer.

In any case, this felt like a relegation that didn’t need to happen and even more frustrating when you consider the road they took to make it in the first place.

The numbers

Here are some statistics that I’m sure will annoy the life out of Brackley Town followers. Brackley Town spent more time level in matches than all but one other team (55.9%). Brackley were one of two sides to not lose a match in which they scored the first goal. Only one side scored the first goal on fewer occasions (11; 9-2-0 record). Only one side spent less time leading football matches (13.1%).

Why? Goals. Second fewest goals (40); joint fewest home goals (19); joint third fewest away goals (21); joint second fewest first half goals scored (16); fewest second half goals scored (24) and scored 3 or more goals just twice (fewest).

And so the oldest squad in the division (average age of 29.1) did the following. They had the worst second half record (5-20-21). They conceded the second most goals in the final 15 minutes (25). They conceded the joint third most second half goals (48). And it got worse on the road where they picked up just 14 points from 23 matches (second worst), the fewest away wins (3) and joint second most losses (15). At least home they were just a bit boring (second lowest goals per game total at 2.09).

What happens next?

Andy Whing remains in charge and the retained list was quite something. Gaz Dean has retired. Shane Byrne, Jonny Maxted, Michael Nottingham and Connor Hall are amongst those departing. Only Kyle Morrison remains under contract with Morgan Roberts, Zak Lilly and Matt Lowe amongst those in negotiations. We could be seeing quite the squad churn.

I guess the primary question is whether I believe Brackley Town will be returning to the National League instantaneously and my honest answer would be no. We are going to see a brand new team next year and while I’m not anticipating any real trouble, I don’t think we’ll be seeing the Saints challenging for automatic promotion.

Braintree Town

Final position: 23^rd

Top goalscorer: Lewis Walker (10); Most assists: Chay Cooper (6); Clean sheets: 12; Worst discipline: Aidan Francis-Clarke (13Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

M Terry

Francis-Clarke Langston F Terry

Pinnington Vennings Babic Drake

Cooper

Walker Akinde

Pre-season prediction: 23^rd

Braintree fought against the tide last season and came out swimming but it feels like the waves may hit harder this season. I expect them to be competitive but I think the loss of speed and directness in attack isn’t easily replaceable and the same goals for a goals against tally that was the best outside of the top seven. My belief is that we are at minor miracle territory with Braintree’s survival and it would be a lot of fun if they manage it.

What actually happened?

I was bang on, unfortunately.

I was in two minds on how to approach Braintree this season. Seeing the state they left themselves in the previous season, it was pretty easy to pitch them as relegation candidates and while they were always going to be up against it, they hadn’t helped themselves. However, I’d taken to Steve Pitt and the way he had gone about the job while rooting for the underdog is just what us Brits do. I wanted him to succeed against the odds.

The budget needed cutting once more and with funds limited, Pitt chose to stick with what he had, bring in trialists and utilise local contacts. A 3-0 win over FC Halifax Town on opening day set the right tone but they quickly ran into some top sides – five of the eventual top seven in their first 9 – and a pattern was set.

This wasn’t a relegation in which you could point to good spells and bad spells. From early September up until the final three games of the season, Braintree did not lose more than two games in a row. They rarely put in poor performances back-to-back and often remained competitive. But they couldn’t muster up unbeaten runs, failing to win back-to-back matches all season. This was a team that often competed well but when push came to shove in both boxes, Braintree fell short.

Meanwhile, there was a lot of change. Change of personnel. Change of systems. Only Aidan Francis-Clarke (21), George Langston (22), James Vennings (25) and on loan goalkeeper Mason Terry (20) managed more than 27 starts. They added around 14 players on loan at various points. Those aged 26 or older managed around 18% of all available minutes. It certainly provides context for a group that gave what they had but lacked that extra bit game management and ruthlessness that separated them from the pack.

As the season drew to a close they beat Truro City but drew at both Morecambe and Brackley Town while failing to pick up points against Altrincham, Aldershot Town, Gateshead (a game they were excellent in until conceding an injury time worldie) and Wealdstone. Following that make or break run it was matches against top half sides and they fell short. Braintree were relegated with a couple of games to spare.

Pitt has been honest about the club’s situation throughout his tenure and his words seem to ring true with those close to the situation. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, it just wasn’t to be.

The numbers

Steve Pitt claimed towards the end of the season that if he had a striker that could score goals regularly, his team may have survived. He may have had a point.

Braintree’s 38 goals was the fewest. Their 19 at home was the fewest and 19 away second fewest. They scored 13 first half goals (fewest), failed to score in 41% of matches (second most), scored 3 or more just three times (second fewest) and failed to earn a single point after falling behind at home (8 attempts). It’s little wonder no side spent less time leading in matches (12.5%) and most time drawing (56.6%). Small margins.

What Braintree were was a young side (youngest average in the league at 24.2) that started bright but often faded. Their 7-7 goals record across the opening 15 became 6-24 over the next 30. They had the worst record when scoring first (1.92 points from 12 matches) and the second worst record when conceding first (0.22 PPG). A lack of consistency wasn’t helped by their use of 40 players, joint third most.

And so Braintree collected the joint fewest wins (8), second most losses (26), worst goal difference (-38), second fewest home wins (5), Joint fewest away wins (3), second most away goals conceded (50), most own goals (6), worst first half record (5-25-16) and second worst second half record (8-18-20). They failed to record back-to-back victories and their longest unbeaten run lasted three matches. They collected just two points from 14 matches against the top 7 and ten points from 24 matches against the top 12.

A team that fought bravely against the odds but came up short when push came to shove all too often.

What happens next?

An interesting question. Steve Pitt spelled it all out post-match on final day: the club needs investment, it needs fresh blood and the dynamic of National League South has changed dramatically over the last few years.

While writing this section, Braintree were put under a transfer embargo, suggesting the problems aren’t going away. Is Pitt remaining in charge? Can Pitt get the funds he needs through sales and additional investment? And can things be wrapped up in time to have a go next season? Braintree are a club that could go various ways this summer. I’m hoping it’s more positive than negative.

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Carlisle United

Final position: 3^rd

Top goalscorer: Regan Linney (19); Most assists: Regan Linney (9); Clean sheets: 18; Worst discipline: Regan Linney (9Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Breeze

Ellis Feeney Thomas Harper

Macadam Gilliead

Wearne Armstrong Linney

Kelly

Pre-season prediction: 2^nd

I don’t know what I expected from Carlisle United heading into this season but it has all felt very sensible and to the point that I’m willing to get behind them as far as challenging for the title is concerned. The bleeding was stopped towards the end of the season and there is a continuity that puts me at ease. They have used a consistent shape throughout pre-season, have serious quality in the final third and the ambition and resource to push again if needed. I think they will be the side to push York City.

What actually happened?

Okay. Carlisle United finished third, 13 points and 39 goals off the eventual title winners. However, Carlisle United won 29 league matches, amassed 95 points, scored 87 goals and ultimately didn’t achieve promotion in what proved a freak season at the top.

Let’s just take that 95-point total. That’s three points less than Chesterfield in 2023/24. Six more than Leyton Orient in 2018/19. Three more than Macclesfield the year before that. Their PPG was higher than Sutton United in 2020/21 and Barrow in 2019/20. They would have won the league in five of the past 14 campaigns and finished in the top two in nine.

And then I’ll mention the previous two campaigns. In 2023/24 and 2024/25, Carlisle United were relegated. They finished bottom of League One and second bottom of League Two. They had won 17 of their previous 92 league matches and lost 58.7% of them. They used a whopping 42 footballers during their League Two relegation. Regardless of how big the club is or their financial spend, to respond to those two seasons with one like this is a positive.

And yet, the league table doesn’t lie. Carlisle had one of the league’s biggest budgets. They had the big-name manager. They had a squad full of players used to plying their trade in the EFL. They watched Rochdale, with a smaller budget, finish second with 106 points. And then in the play-offs, they hosted Boreham Wood in front of over 12k fans and lost in extra-time after a daft red card. It rankles.

Perhaps what hurts most is that when push came to shove against the top sides, Carlisle fell short. Remove games against York City, Rochdale and Boreham Wood and the Cumbrians amassed 2.35 points per game, which amounts to 108 across 46 matches. But they lost 3-0 and 5-0 against York City. They lost 2-0 and 1-0 against Rochdale. They drew 3-3 (a game they were 3-1 up in with 11 to play) and lost 2-0 against Boreham Wood. And then lost to Boreham Wood at home in the play-offs. That was the difference.

Carlisle United got a lot of things right this season. Their summer decisions by and large paid off, changing a lot of the surrounding staff while stabilising on the field. They were occasionally scintillating but predominantly organised and played to the strengths of some top National League players. In most years, a 95-point season would look far more successful. But when they came up against the cream of the crop, they fell short.

The numbers

Carlisle United had a very good season. They won the third most matches (29) and lost the third fewest (9). At home, they lost three matches (second fewest), scored 53 goals (second most) and scored 3 or more goals on 11 occasions (2^nd most). Away from home, their 45 points, 14 wins and 27 conceded all third best. They also kept the third most clean sheets (18).

Carlisle start matches strongly, recording 28 goals and conceding just 8 across the first 30 minutes of matches. This led to Carlisle scoring the first goal on 34 occasions and they achieved 2.65 points per game in matches where they took the lead. However, between minutes 31 and 45, they recorded 13 goals scored and conceded 16 goals and they were one of three sides to fail to record a win when they conceded first, picking up four points from 11 matches.

What happens next?

As it stands, Carlisle are set to stick as they are. Mark Hughes remains in charge, a lot of the backroom staff are sticking around. A few big wages are off the books but they haven’t messed too much with the core of the squad with only Alex Gilliead (a loanee that picked up a big injury) and Terell Thomas departing from their most used XI.

It’s early days but Carlisle look set to be one of the most stabilised sides heading into the new season. The blueprint has already been set and it’s just whether they can pick up those extra few points against the best sides in the division to get over the line. Next season really ought to be the one that sees them return to the EFL.

Eastleigh

Final position: 17^th

Top goalscorer: Aaron Blair (17); Most assists: Archie Harris (8); Clean sheets: 4; Worst discipline: Temi Eweka (13Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Townsend

Humphries Eweka Pierre

Brindley Lundstram Evans Cousins Harris

Blair Saunders

Pre-season prediction: 11^th

I semi-fancied Eastleigh to push up the table this season but I’m finding it difficult to justify as it stands. That’s not to say another mid-table finish loosely following the play-off chasing pack is a bad thing and I do see the Spitfires as a club doing better work than they have in the past. But I’m not convinced we will still a positive evolution stylistically and I’m not 100% confident they get most of their first-choice XI on the pitch consistently enough. I’m waiting for the trigger point that allows me to really get behind Eastleigh and that hasn’t come this summer, but that’s not to say it won’t come this season.

What actually happened?

I was partly right in not wanting to get behind Eastleigh but I probably gave them too much credit thinking Kelvin Davis might get more time than he did.

This season just felt very Eastleigh. A football club that has reached the play-offs once over the last decade and continues to find itself behind the curve on the pitch.

Kelvin Davis started the season, looking to build on a first full season in charge, one that saw them finish 13^th while beginning to reduce the average of the side and reliance on some older players across the group. However, the style wasn’t pretty, a couple of big names had departed and those arriving were always going to need a little time to find their feet. It didn’t happen quickly enough and after nine games, culminating in a late FC Halifax Town comeback and loss at home to Braintree Town, Davis was gone.

Scott Bartlett felt like a surprise choice to take his place but it became apparent that the link may have come through former player and player-manager Chris Todd, who was appointed Director of Football. Todd leaving after two months didn’t necessarily help Bartlett’s cause but the early signs were fine, if not exciting. His opening 16 matches saw five wins, six draws and five losses, four of which were against sides that would go on to finish in the top nine. There was plenty of chopping and changing and the odd frustrated post-match but from afar, it felt like a case of “let’s see where this goes”.

The wheels fell off after New Year however, beginning with a 4-1 loss at Aldershot Town. It began a run of eight matches that saw the Spitfires collect five points and concede a whopping 23 goals, ending with an embarrassing 4-0 loss at Morecambe. Bartlett was sacked on the same evening.

As often tends to happen at Eastleigh, Donald fell back on his old mate Richard Hill to see out the final 13 games of the season in an attempt to keep the team up. It worked, but not necessarily how all parties probably envisaged it. Eastleigh won two and lost six of their opening eight matches under Hill but crucially, the two wins were home matches against Truro City and Brackley Town, with five of the other six against top nine opposition. They won the games they needed to win. From there, they saw the season out with eight points from five and finished the season on a high, beating Scunthorpe United 1-0, collecting their first clean sheet since the end of September.

If 2024-25 felt like a positive step forward after a year of stability, 2025-26 was a big step backwards. Three managers, three different ideas and yet nobody really outperformed anybody else. Eastleigh drifted through it all, remain a National League side and prepare for another new season knowing they have to be better.

The numbers

Eastleigh. A football team that generally got weaker as games wore on.

They started games tight. Only 10 goals were scored in the opening 15 minutes of Eastleigh matches, a divisional low. But only one side conceded more second half goals than Eastleigh’s 50. No side conceded more goals in the 15 minutes directly after half-time and only one team recorded a worse record when leading at half-time.

Their defensive issues were key to this. They conceded 80 goals across their 46 league matches and 43 in 23 at the Silverlake, ranking 21^st for both. They ranked 24^th for clean sheets – the Spitfires managed just four across the entire campaign – meanwhile only two sides scored three or more goals in fewer matches, doing so just four times.

Was their much change across managers? Not particularly. Kelvin Davis recorded 1.11 points per game, Scott Bartlett 1.08 and Richard Hill 1.08. There was an increase in goals scored and conceded between Davis (1.11 - 1.44) and Bartlett (1.29 - 1.83) but little between Bartlett and Hill (1.23 - 1.77).

One more statistic which doesn’t really fit with the rest but is interesting nonetheless: Eastleigh drew 108 yellow cards from their opposition, the second most in the division.

What happens next?

More of the same?

Former Assistant Manager – you may get the picture by now – Matt Gray has returned to the club this summer. He had a rough time of things with Eastbourne Borough in National League South but holds plenty of credit from his work at Sutton United.

Based on the life cycle of Eastleigh managers, Gray’s task will be to build on what remains and ensure his side are nowhere near the battle for survival, preferably pushing a little higher. While some strong players remain through the spine of the team, it feels like a big summer to get the side ready to compete. I’m tempted to say we are going to see another finish between the 13 and 17 range.

FC Halifax Town

Final position: 8^th

Top goalscorer: Will Harris (22); Most assists: Josh Hmami; David Kawa (6); Clean sheets: 12; Worst discipline: Jay Turner-Cooke & Cody Johnson (12Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Johnson

Warburton Hobson Latty-Fairweather

Bray Hugill Johnson Turner-Cooke Cappello

Harris Hmami

Pre-season prediction: 13^th

As with previous seasons, Halifax enter with a squad full of players either new in the door or looking for a big second season at the club. The pattern is familiar and despite the managerial change, I’m not anticipating a huge change culturally. Lakeland has done similar jobs during his career, proving himself adaptable and able to develop talent. I see an up-and-down season as people find their feet and Halifax enjoying the comfort of mid-table.

What actually happened?

What happens every year. Myself – and I assume a few other National League followers – decided that Halifax probably wouldn’t continue to laugh in the faces of our predictions by outperforming their budget season upon season despite continuing to lose key players. And they even lost their manager this time.

And as happens every year, Halifax had the right guy in charge, recruited excellently and pushed towards the higher echelons of the division.

It was a big change last year. The blow of losing Pete Wild was softened by his assistant Chris Millington taking the reins. This time around, it was all brand new as Adam Lakeland was drafted in from King’s Lynn Town. And where Halifax had previously allowed players a year to develop before stepping up, they were now needing footballers to step up immediately upon signing.

They started slowly as anticipated with two wins and four losses from their opening nine but a five-game winning streak propelled the Shaymen into the play-off spots and in part turned that start into a run of one loss in ten. The one loss, at Southend, was followed by a 2-2 draw with Eastleigh that Halifax turned around late on.

That run ended abruptly with four points earned from the next seven but it again sharpened up Halifax, who responded by losing just four of the next 18. The final play-off berth became a tussle between themselves and Southend United for the most part but it wasn’t to be as a tough end to the season, combined with the Shrimpers hitting form, left Lakeland’s side out of the picture.

This was a strong first campaign in charge for Lakeland. His first at the level. The first at the level for a number of players, or at least first full season at the level. Sam Johnson remains ever-present while Shaun Hobson is well-versed but the likes of Cody Johnson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Will Hugill, Josh Hmami and Will Harris all stepped up to the plate and made Halifax are a really competitive outfit. Typically, Halifax end the season with vultures circling around top National League talents that may make the next step.

It wasn’t to be as far as a play-off finish was concerned. However, the Shaymen lost their opening two matches and went on to pick up 2.03 points per game against the sides that ultimately finished below them. The challenge is clear: improve and earn more results against those at the top.

The numbers

Despite the big summer change, Adam Lakeland managed to work around stability and youth to create a side that weren’t easy to play against and rarely gave up.

They used just 29 players over the course of the season with seven of those managing at least 70% of all minutes played – all seven playing through the spine of the team. It’s impressive consistency for the National League’s second youngest side, an average age of 25.0.

What followed was a team that knew what it could do. They earned 12 penalties, a number only bettered by York City and Scunthorpe United. They also sit third for most yellow cards drawn from opponents (104) and joint fourth for most red cards (5). It all must helped given goals scored in the final 15 matches helped them earn 17 points, the second most in the division, and while they did drop ten points in that period, their +7 goal swing was only bettered by the top two.

What happens next?

FC Halifax Town start over again. Adam Lakeland has dropped a league to take charge of Morecambe, they will likely lose a number of key players to clubs with bigger budgets and new manager John McGrath will be tasked with building a new side.

The club haven’t specified their retained list at the time of writing but I expect McGrath to work under the same conditions as those previously, being left with a talented group but also losing some key components. He has done some excellent work with Buxton over the last couple of seasons and fits the mould in terms of what Halifax tend to look for. I’m fully expecting to predict a lower finish next year for the Shaymen and here’s to them proving us all wrong once again.

Forest Green Rovers

Final position: 7^th

Top goalscorer: Kyle McAllister (16); Most assists: Kyle McAllister; Jayden Clarke; Laurent Mendy (6); Clean sheets: 12; Worst discipline: Laurent Mendy (7Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Isted

Pemberton Mendy Kanu Kengni

Whitwell Clarke

McAllister Haughton Buyabu

Knowles

Pre-season prediction: 6^th

I am not confident when it comes to Forest Green Rovers’ chances this season. The number of signings and final pre-season XI’s suggest this is less building on solid foundations and more ripping them apart to start over again. It’s a ballsy approach and my concern isn’t just the statistic above relating to experience, but also how key players from last season are seemingly being cast aside with more change not only likely but probably needed. Why top seven? While I have concerns about culture and too many people learning on the job at the same time – including the manager – it is difficult to deny the quality that remains in the building and even if Savage makes a pig’s ear of things, there is enough in the building and the budget for a new gaffer to work with.

What actually happened?

My prediction feels a little harsh reading back. And yet, Forest Green did finish in the top seven and their individual quality was a big part of that – Kyle McAllister (22), Tom Knowles (15), Jilli Buyabu (12), Nick Haughton (12) and Jayden Clarke (11) all recorded over 10 goal contributions over the campaign.

The campaign could not have started better for Savage. Despite overhauling the squad and importing his new signings straight into the starting XI for opening day – nine full debuts – the results were positive. They were unbeaten across their first 13 matches, conceding just seven goals. While there was plenty of change, Kairo Mitchell, Ryan Inniss, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Kyle McAllister, Tom Knowles and Nick Haughton were all involved and the feeling was good.

That run eventually ended against Rochdale and they followed it up with defeat against Carlisle United. There were plenty of reason to be positive during those performances and the good feeling continued as they moved to another unbeaten run, this time spanning eight matches. However, it wasn’t quite the same. They were scoring a few more but also conceding more, lacking the same level of control.

On Boxing Day, Forest Green Rovers lost to Brackley Town and it sparked the run that ended any title hopes. Twelve matches. Two wins. Six losses. They conceded 21 goals, failing to keep a single clean sheet. They were still scoring but not at the same rate as the previous run. Why? Change.

It was well documented that Forest Green Rovers made a lot of signings during the 2025-26 campaign but it was at a fairly steady pace during the first half of the campaign. They replaced an injury Luke McNicholas with Harry Isted. Kairo Mitchell got injured and was replaced by Temi Babalola. Come the new year, that changed.

Kabe Kircough. Tate Campbell. Sean Etaluku. Ricardo Rees. Elijah Morrison. Chibuzo Nwoko. Jay Mingi. Ashqar Ahmed. Joshua Osude. D’Mani Mellor. They all signed after Boxing Day. Tre Pemberton and Neil Kengni saw less game time. Ryan Inniss and Jordan Moore-Taylor were hardly seen after Christmas. Nick Haughon found starts harder to come by. Kairo Mitchell disappeared. Jayden Clarke and Kyle McAllister started being moved around the pitch. Laurent Mendy spent more time at centre-back having excelled in midfield. There were formation changes, to the point that Savage admitted heading into the final games that he wasn’t sure what his best formation was. Forest Green Rovers named the same back four or five no more than two games in a row after Christmas and made at least one change to it in all but two matches. They made two during the opening eight matches. Some of it was injury related, granted, but it was a lot of change in a short amount of time.

And that’s why a team that were so strong in the early part of the season fell short. Too much change. They made the play-offs but were knocked out at the first hurdle against Boreham Wood.

It’s a tough season to recap. In many ways, it felt similar to that under Steve Cotterill last season: Strong start, iffy finish. And the iffy finish, combined with what felt like two squad overhauls doesn’t half bring the feeling down. But Savage is also right to take the positives. Yes, they finished four places lower than the previous campaign but also finished with just two points less having improved the home record and scored more goals. From afar, they were more entertaining. And if it is true that the budget has been lowered, then fair play.

True judgement on this season may depend on what follows. If they build on their work and push higher, it may be seen as a success. If they don’t, well, they might find themselves starting over.

The numbers

Robbie Savage said early in the campaign that he likes making substitutions and changing things up. The numbers suggest he’s not bad at it. During the second half of matches, Forest Green had the third best record (26 second half wins), joints third most goals scored (48) and fewest goals conceded (20). They were the best second half starters (16 goals scored, 3 conceded between minutes 46 and 60), conceded the fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (7) and had the third best record of any side when their opponent scored first.

Savage’s boys were also excellent in front of their own fans. Only York City recorded fewer home losses (3), only York and Carlisle United scored more goals than FGR’s 49 and their home and away swing was 0.82 points per game, the third highest in the division. Elsewhere, Forest Green conceded 1 or 0 on 33 occasions, only bettered by the top two. They drew more yellow cards than any other team, opponents collecting an impressive 112 combined.

Where the Gloucestershire outfit fell short was change. They used 40 players, the third most in the league. This in part probably explains why after 23 league matches, they were joint top of the table and why they were a mid-table side afterwards.

What happens next?

Robbie Savage was keen to point out after the season finished that Forest Green Rovers have a strong 16-18 to build on next season and they won’t need to make so many signings. I could take him at face value but seeing is believing.

For starters, it’s not as if the spine of the team is set and they need to add to it. They need a goalkeeper, two centre-backs, probably a midfielder and at least one attacking midfielder and striker. That’s essentially the whole spine of the team to rebuild. Then you consider discussion around McAllister likely leaving. A lot of the players that joined in January are going to have to step up quickly.

I’m expecting another play-off push and their budget means it’s a real likelihood. A title push? Again, seeing is believing. I’m cautious for now.

Gateshead

Final position: 18^th

Top goalscorer: Kain Adom (10); Most assists: Keaton Ward (6); Clean sheets: 7; Worst discipline: Fenton John (9Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Brooks

Richardson Ferguson Nicholson

Ward John Butterfield Home Hurst

Adom Chapman

Pre-season prediction: 21^st

Gateshead appeared something of a model club for a while, having a clear identity and playing style that was the envy of most but difficulties arose amid numerous sales and departures and a couple of off-field problems and the wheels fell off last season. I’m not necessarily convinced the wheels are fixed and back on the car. Just three of last season’s most used players remain, there is quality across those with first-team experience but questions to be asked around reliability and the squad is thin, mostly backed up by up-and-coming academy talent. The National League is as competitive as ever and it’s easy for established clubs to get caught. There is a chance Gateshead get caught.

What actually happened?

Here’s the thing: I probably should have gone bigger on Gateshead’s final league position given how low I was on them. Their manager was taking the job reluctantly, the experienced personnel in the group – David Ferguson aside – didn’t have too many minutes behind them, the squad was full of young academy talent or incoming players with minimal experience. And should I have really expected the club to turn things around mid-season and put some money behind the operation? I couldn’t have possibly known that might happen.

Gateshead won three of their opening five and sat 15^th come the end of October having won five and drawn four of their opening 16, a solid effort. There was a bravery and occasional chaos about their game that made them fun to watch and meant they attacked with numbers and individual quality but the signs of a demise were evident early on. They were running at –6.87xGD after five matches (using Sofascore’s model) and –15.00xGD after ten matches. This was not a good football team and once injuries hit, it got worse.

It’s unfortunate given their obvious ability but Kenton Richardson and Joe Grayson have unreliable fitness records. Jacob Butterfield had something of a staged return after a nasty knee injury last season. The midfield was sorely lacking power and Kain Adom aside, the forwards weren’t really thriving. They surprisingly beat League One AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup but things went very, very wrong from the point.

Gateshead played 11 league matches in November, December and January combined. During that run, they played York City, Forest Green Rovers, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and Rochdale, as well as five others. They lost every single one. They scored just six and conceded 31 goals. They were also knocked out of the National League Cup, FA Cup and FA Trophy during that period.

During that run, Alun Armstrong stepped back. Rob Elliot and Louis Storey returned. Additional investment was found. Tiernan Brooks and Kain Adom may have been sold but Storey was joined in the side by Brad Nicholson, Mark Beck, Sam Bowen, Levi Amantchi, Billy Chadwick and Keaton Ward.

Elliot lost his first three matches in charge but a three-week break helped them reset. It didn’t start perfectly with defeats against Boston United and Brackley Town but the early signs were positive and on 17^th February, the team in last place recorded their first win since 30^th September, beating FC Halifax Town away. They followed that up by beating Truro City then drawing 4-4 with Morecambe.

The race for survival was on. More additions to the squad followed and Gateshead looked a brand-new proposition. Across a 15-match period, Gateshead were the 2^nd best team in the division, collecting 31 points from 15 matches. They beat York City and Scunthorpe United and drew with Carlisle United and Southend United. They stopped conceding goals at the same rate and with two games to spare, they were safe. Rob Elliot and Gateshead were this year’s miracle survivors.

The numbers

Gateshead’s survival was in spite of an awful first half to the season and huge turnaround of players.

They were bad defensively. Their 90 goals conceded was the second highest total in the division. They conceded 3 or more goals on 17 occasions (2^nd most) and had the third worst goal difference (-36). Their home form wasn’t much better, recording 13 home losses (joint second most), scoring 25 goals (joint third fewest) and conceding 44 (third most). In fact, they recorded the biggest home v away points swing in favour of away matches, recording an average of 0.26 points per game away from the Gateshead International Stadium.

Other numbers help paint the picture of how good of a job Rob Elliot did. They hit the longest winless run – 16 matches – and the longest losing run – 13, most by at least 5. They drew the fewest yellow cards from opponents (63, the lowest by at least 13). They scored the fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (7) and the joint third fewest second half goals total (26). They also spent the second most amount of time trailing (42.3%).

But they did turn it around at least. A big turnover of players helped – Gateshead used 46 players, the most in the league – and while they conceded 1 or 0 on 18 occasions (joint second fewest), 13 of those came during a 17-match period between February and April, helping to secure their survival.

What happens next?

Hopefully change for the better.

Gateshead felt like a model club for a period with Mike Williamson then Rob Elliot taking them forward but it quickly unravelled amid off-field issues. Elliot’s return, coupled with changes in the boardroom – Stephen Paylor has been announced as joint-owner – has given the club a lease of life. They are now in a position to move forward.

Where does that take them next season? It’s difficult to say. At the time of writing, there has been no confirmation on the retained list with various loanees and short-term contracts to be reviewed. I suspect we will see a fair amount of change to the playing squad as Elliot looks to stamp his authority on things. Stabilisation may be the priority as they look to start afresh.

Hartlepool United

Final position: 9^th

Top goalscorer: Alex Reid (12); Most assists: Jamie Miley (7); Clean sheets: 17; Worst discipline: Cameron John (5Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Hayes*

Benn Kouogun Parkes John

Hunter Sheron

Campbell Miley Daly

Reid

*Reiss McNally 11^th most used; Nick Hayes selected ahead as most used goalkeeper

Pre-season prediction: 9^th

I really like what Hartlepool United have done this summer. With the exception of Danny Johnson, every player signed sits between the ages of 23 and 29 and most have good experience of playing at or above the level. It is a squad built to play in a clear shape, has players that can run and power in the right areas, while also having the potential to be adaptable. What stops me from going bigger on them is the continued off-field noise, Singh’s penchant for changing out managers and Grayson not having had success in England for a while now. I like the look of things, but I need to see it with my own two eyes before I get excited.

What actually happened?

Hartlepool United had a very Hartlepool United kind of season.

It began with a summer of hope. Raj Singh was going to look to sell again. A big name appointment arrived in the form of Simon Grayson. They signed lots of new players, a mix of up-and-coming talent and guys that have been there and done it. Everything set up for a strong campaign.

Then the season began and it got even more Hartlepool United. Raj Singh was sticking around because... of course he was. The team were solid defensively. Vibes were fairly positive but it was clear they needed a little more excitement and creativity and once they found that, they might take off.

You could take the early part of the season a number of ways. A seven-match unbeaten run = good. Four defeats in 15 matches = good. Drawing seven of 15 matches = room for improvement. One win in 11 = bad. Winning four of 15 matches = bad. Strong defensively. Bad going forward. And then we got even more Hartlepool United.

Simon Grayson couldn’t find the right formula so began to chop and change. The back five was dropped in favour of a four then a five then a four then a five then a four. There wasn’t clarity on who should start in the middle of defence. The attack was switched up. A couple of slightly odd additions were made to the squad. What felt like a strong summer process quickly became a little bit messy and at the first sign of trouble, despite Singh bigging up his new manager in the summer, Simon Grayson was sacked with the side in mid-table.

Oh.

Was there a plan? Not really. Grayson was replaced by club legend Nicky Featherstone, who quickly oversaw an unbeaten run to put them back into play-off contention. And to be honest, that was about that. The Pools bounced between 8^th and 10^th for the rest of the season, never winning or losing more than two matches in a row. There was the odd change of shape, the odd short-term addition, the odd injury to contend with but Hartlepool levelled out on the pitch and finished near enough where most probably anticipated they might in pre-season.

However, there was some huge news amid all that.

On New Year’s Eve, it was announced that Landon Smith had purchased a full controlling stake in the football club and Raj Singh was stepping aside. As with every takeover, optimism follows alongside caution but it has given fans a sense that much-needed change is on the way. It may have been a middling campaign, but it finishes with hope for the future.

The numbers

Hartlepool United were not a particularly enjoyable team to follow this season despite their positive league performance.

They had the lowest goals per game average in the division at 2.46 with both sides scoring in 43% of their matches, second bottom. Their 54 goals was the lowest of any top half side while they were awarded the joint fewest penalties (2). At least they were strong defensively, finding themselves part of a group of six to manage at least 17 clean sheets in the regular season. It’s little wonder the Pools drew 14 matches, second highest in the division.

Elsewhere, you could make an argument for there being a softness or naivety about the side. They collected 63 yellow cards, the fewest in the National League. They also conceded the third most goals of any team in the final 15 minutes of matches (23). Probably the difference between 9^th and 7^th.

What happens next?

Bromby and Partners have been employed and given a directive to establish a clear structure for the football department leading to a lot of change. Nicky Featherstone and Joe Monks have been moved on with Lee Clark appointed as Head Coach, supported by Gary Liddle as First Team Coach and Chris Beech as Head of Recruitment. Meanwhile, only Max Kouogun, Jamie Miley, Nathan Sheron, Reiss McNally and Jay Benn officially remain part of the first-team squad at the time of writing.

Where does this leave the club? I don’t know. It’s another case of me needing to see to believe. Lee Clark has lived a nomadic life in recent years. Chris Beech has a big job on his hands as far as recruitment is concerned. I confess that I’m not really sure what this is going to look like. If pushed, I’d be suggesting lower mid-table at the time of writing.

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Morecambe

Final position: 22^nd

Top goalscorer: Jack Nolan (19); Most assists: Jack Nolan (8); Clean sheets: 6; Worst discipline: Miguel Azeez (11Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Blackman

Kacurri Songo’o Francillette

Payne Azeez Lewis Cain Edwards

Nolan Tollitt

Pre-season prediction: 24^th

In truth, a position doesn’t really matter. The hope is simply that by the end of the 2025-26 season, Morecambe Football Club is still in existence. Please, please sell up.

What actually happened?

You read back the pre-season prediction and relegation doesn’t seem so bad. The frustration is that this is a football club who finally got over the toughest hurdle and somehow managed to shoot themselves in the foot.

On 17^th August, just over a week after the National League season began, Morecambe were taken over. It became something of a public mess but Panjab Warriors had finally got their way, becoming owners of Morecambe FC, saying they felt blessed. They promised to make sure everybody finally got paid, to sort out the ongoing HMRC stuff and when it came to the footballing department, they did some unique stuff.

Derek Adams was gone, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal. The 30-year-old became the first Sikh to take charge of a professional British football club. The ex-Wigan Athletic coach would be joined by Lee Tomlin as his Assistant Manager while Patrick Noubissie, a former Swindon Town player and Cameroon National Team Physiotherapist, was appointed as Head of Recruitment. A wave of players joined and six days after the takeover was complete, Morecambe played and won their first game of the season in what was a genuinely beautiful moment as Daniel Ogwuru won it late on.

The good fortune didn’t continue, perhaps understandably so in the circumstances. More signings arrived with some more successful than others as Johal looked to stamp his authority on things, opting for a brave tactical approach as they kept hold of the ball, piled bodies forward and left the back gate open. There were some enjoyably barmy affairs such as the 4-4 with Solihull Moors, 4-3 win over Wealdstone and 4-0 win at Boston United but they were dotted between a number of heavy defeats such as 4-0 at Aldershot Town, 3-0 at Boreham Wood, 5-0 at Truro City, 5-2 against Gateshead, 3-0 against Southend United and 4-2 at York City. And this may have been easier to stomach had Johal not nailed his colours to the mast with some strong comments such as:

“We saw on Saturday at Solihull what can be achieved after just four days of training so after four months I think we will have an amazing team and I am confident we will have one of the best footballing teams in England.”

He created a rod for his own back and while there is little doubt that his team were occasionally playing some lovely football, the ballsy approach wasn’t earning enough points as Morecambe fans were forced to watch the same mistakes occur game after game. Meanwhile, the ownership were coming under pressure not just for their refusal to make a change in the dugout but also because one of their members had been sanctioned by HM Treasury under the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime. The man in question was removed.

In January, Ashvir Johal also left the club with the side having spent pretty much the entire season rooted in the bottom four.

Jim Bentley returned to the club, stepping into the dugout to try and complete the unthinkable. It didn’t exactly go to plan. They had some good moments, spanking Eastleigh 4-0, Sutton United 5-0 and even beating Rochdale 4-2 away from home but he couldn’t turn things around completely. His 18 games wielded 17 points, his team scoring 33 but conceding 43. They were relegated with a couple of games to spare.

Bentley oversaw around two-fifths of the team’s league matches and may not be seen as entirely blameless for the team’s relegation but so much of the damage has been done prior to his arrival. Despite some of the names at the club, it would have been a near-miraculous job to turn it all around and Bentley knew it. The 49-year-old was honest, fronted up and called out what he saw, acknowledging the need for change at the club, change he will now help oversee with a new role at the club.

In the grand scheme of things, Morecambe still have a football club and regardless of what league they were going to begin 2026-27 in, that is success. Yet this felt like a missed opportunity given how the season unfolded. If change for the better is to follow, it’s going to have to begin in National League North, a division they haven’t been in for over 30 years.

The numbers

Okay. Morecambe were relegated this season and part of the reason is that they were an abomination defensively. Let’s break down those numbers first.

Most goals conceded (103). Joint most goals conceded at home (46). Most goals conceded away from home (57). Third most penalties conceded (10). Second fewest clean sheets recorded (6). Most second half goals conceded (60). Most games conceding 2+ goals (31). Most games conceded 3+ goals (18). Most goals conceded in the final 15 minutes of matches (28) and in turn, joint third worst points swing in the final 15 minutes of matches (-7) and worst record when scoring first (1.56 points per game).

It’s therefore not a big surprise that Morecambe didn’t win many and lost plenty. They ranked third bottom for wins (9), joint second bottom for losses (26) and second bottom for goal difference (-37). They had the worst home record (18 points), recording the fewest home wins (4) and joint second most losses (13). Only two sides spent more time trailing (35.2%). They failed to win a single point at home in matches they conceded first in (10 attempts). Their longest unbeaten run lasted just 3 matches (joint lowest).

At least they were entertaining. Hilariously, despite being relegated, Morecambe scored 4 or more goals on 7 occasions, the joint second highest in the league. Five of those came away from home – no other team scored 4 goals away from home more than twice. And it meant that Morecambe averaged 3.67 goals per game overall and 4.09 away from home, both divisional highs.

What happens next?

Change. As noted above, Jim Bentley has taken a new role at the club and they have since appointed Adam Lakeland as new first-team manager, joined by regular assistant Sam Walker. The first-team squad has had a sledgehammer taken to it as the club look to start over with just eight first-team regulars from last season remaining.

The appointment of Lakeland makes me feel confident that the club are going to try and do things differently. Even if a couple of those remaining decide to move on, there is experience within the club on and off the field and I expect them to recruit a squad that understands the rigours of National League North football.

The question is whether that will end in an immediate return to the National League. It won’t be easy but Morecambe have a real opportunity if they get this summer right.

Rochdale

Final position: 2^nd

Top goalscorer: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (26); Most assists: Devante Rodney; Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (9); Clean sheets: 20; Worst discipline: Kyron Gordon (11Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Whatmuff

Gordon Ebanks-Landell Perry

Adebayo-Rowling East Gilmour Moss

Rodney Dieseruvwe Barlow

Pre-season prediction: 4^th

Rochdale have a very particular style that has worked well for them but they were probably missing two things: the quality and knowhow to beat the best sides in the division and real bite and energy out of possession. Captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell is fit to start the season, the starting XI and depth looks stronger on paper and they have definitely added more energy, bite and power to the squad, not to mention knowhow. As above, I’d like to see a little more ruthlessness and adaptation from McNulty – it could be the difference between another play-off finish and aiming just that little bit higher.

What actually happened?

Those who have read what I have had to say about the National League and Rochdale this season know that I always go back to one game: Forest Green Rovers away.

Rochdale had had a tremendous start to the season. They continued where they had left off the previous campaign, the squad stable but aided by additional quality at both ends of the pitch. They had a little extra power and it was working as they cast aside teams in a confident, controlled manner. There were two hiccups. One: Brackley Town away when Jim McNulty made 11 changes to freshen up his team amid a run of four matches in nine days. The other came against FC Halifax Town.

On Saturday 4^th October, Rochdale travelled to unbeaten Forest Green Rovers. By the end of the game, I was happily committed to Rochdale winning the title. We’ve all seen teams burn bright and fade as the season goes by but there was something different about Jim McNulty’s side on this evening. It was a tight game with few chances and few box entries and required an attitude to doing the basics, doing the difficult stuff, working as a unit, managing and controlling the game with and without the ball and taking any rare opportunity that came your side’s way. Kyron Gordon headed home the only goal from a set-piece and Rochdale saw it out. As the game wore on they did what they had to and showed a gamesmanship that had often been missing in order to see the game out.

Rochdale were serious.

They carried on in fine fettle. Defeat at York City (4-1) was rough but they followed it up with five wins in a row. They lost against Hartlepool United at the end of the year and followed that up with seven straight wins, beating Southend United, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers in the process consecutively.

But Rochdale had two problems. The first was that York City were picking up points at a phenomenal rate with both clubs running at the pace famously set by Wrexham and Notts County a couple of years back – there was no margin for error. The second was postponements earlier in the season that left Rochdale playing a lot of football. Between February and early March they played ten matches in 32 days, had a week’s break then moved into seven matches in 23 days.

It was the defensive record that cracked. Across their first 32 matches they had conceded just 21 goals, ten of those coming during their four losses. Then they dropped a two-goal lead against FC Halifax Town. They conceded two at home to Brackley Town. Three at Southend United. Two against Tamworth. Two against Scunthorpe United. Four against Morecambe. All those came within ten matches of each other. Whether down to physical or mental fatigue, it was something they could ill afford with the margins so tight.

Yet when they needed people to step up, they did. Devante Rodney and Ian Henderson scored 89^th and 97^th minute goals to see off Sutton United. Luke Hannant scored an injury time winner to see off Wealdstone. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored a 99^th minute winner against Braintree Town after the hosts equalised in the 91^st minute. It led to the showdown of all showdowns: Rochdale vs York City on final day. A hard-fought game looked to have been won by a 95^th minute winner courtesy of Dieseruvwe but moments after the pitch invasion cleared, Josh Stones stole promotion with the latest of equalisers. Brutal.

Onto the play-offs. Victory over Scunthorpe United was steady, taking a two-goal lead and just about seeing it out. At Wembley, their luck was running out as Boreham Wood took a two-goal lead but Rochdale are a serious outfit. They don’t give up. Tyler Smith pulled one back and in the 97^th minute, the big man stepped up again. In the penalty shoot-out, Oliver Whatmuff denied Callum Reynolds and Matt Rush and Rochdale were up.

It’s insane that a team that achieved 107 points in the regular season didn’t win promotion but it shows the level that both York City and Rochdale reached this season. Like Notts County, Rochdale had to do it the hard way and when they needed it most, their key men stepped up. A remarkable campaign that ended in the perfect way.

Rochdale are back in the EFL.

The numbers

Here are a list of statistics that prove that Rochdale were a very good football team:

Joint most wins (33), second fewest defeats (6), third most goals (88), joint fewest goals conceded (41), second best goal difference (+47), best home record (56 points), most home wins (18), joint second fewest home losses (3), second fewest goals conceded at home (20), second best away record (50 points), second most away wins (15), second fewest away losses (3), second fewest goals conceded away from home (21), most clean sheets (20), best first half record, third most first half goals scored (44), fewest first half goals conceded (17), second best second half record, third fewest second half goals conceded (21), second biggest points swing after 75 minutes (+11 points), scored in 44 matches (joint best), conceded 1 or 0 in 36 matches (best), only team to score in every home match, best starters over 15 minutes (13 goals scored, 3 conceded), second most time leading (43.6% of minutes played), least time trailing (10%), second best record when taking the lead (2.68 points per game), second best record when opponent scored first (1.3 points per game), joint most first goals scored (34) and never lost back-to-back football matches.

And they did it all without having to be nasty about it. Third fewest yellow cards received (67). Did not receive a single red card. Joint fewest penalties conceded (2). Second fewest yellow cards drawn (76).

A very strong, well-organised, well-disciplined football team.

What happens next?

In early August, Rochdale will kick off a new league campaign, only this time it will be an EFL league campaign.

Rochdale have made a strong start in terms of building for next season, keeping hold of eight, maybe nine of what they would argue is their strongest XI with only Oliver Whatmuff – on loan – and Kyron Gordon – out of contract – likely to depart. Jim McNulty has been linked with other moves but stays put for now and the club appear to be in a good place as far as structure is concerned.

How far can Rochdale push next season? I can see them following a similar path to Oldham Athletic and Barnet, promoted in 2024-25, where the primary aim will be learning and stabilising in a new environment with one eye on those play-off positions.

Scunthorpe United

Final position: 5^th

Top goalscorer: Callum Roberts; Danny Whitehall (18); Most assists: Callum Roberts (9); Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Joe Rowley (12Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Mahady*

Starbuck Evans Boyce Horton

Rowley Ewing Westbrooke

Roberts Whitehall Denton

*Alfie Beestin 11^th most used; Alfie Mahady selected ahead as most used goalkeeper

Pre-season prediction: 20^th

I’ll be honest, I found the final relegation spot a difficult one to call and Scunthorpe United came close amongst many others. Why are they down there? While the name carries weight at this level, Scunthorpe United are still rebuilding and their squad building this summer suggests they will likely be relying on those that played key roles in their promotion, not necessarily a bad thing but I don’t think I’m looking at a preferred starting XI that is obviously better than last season. Why survival? Because I think they are both more settled than others as a club, have more unity and when the going gets tough, I think they will show the same fighting spirit that helped them win promotion.

What actually happened?

What happened is that I was terribly, terribly, TERRIBLY wrong. Scunthorpe United knocked it out of the park.

When it came to the Iron, I think I focused too much on things that didn’t matter. Newly promoted sides have tended to struggle, the goalkeeper situation was a hot topic, the new signings didn’t look like game-changers, over-reliance on individuals. Then I looked at the wider structure of the club (no youth set up) and looked after conversations around finances. I was glued to the idea that Scunthorpe would be looking over their shoulder.

I failed to see the obvious good at the club. Ownership that cares. A manager that cares. The togetherness of the football club. The star quality in their front line. The leadership in the dressing room from a group that have spent a good period of time playing together. Scunthorpe were not just a unified club but also one that possessed serious talent and experience for the level.

I was made to worry about my pre-season prediction almost immediately as the Iron began the campaign 11 unbeaten, winning seven. When setbacks came, they responded positively. A first loss of the season against Carlisle United was followed by a five-match unbeaten run and a three-match winless run was followed by seven wins from eight, including back-to-back-to-back wins against Boreham Wood, Forest Green Rovers and Southend United.

Andy Butler didn’t overcomplicate things. He trusted his players to perform in whatever shape or specific role he asked them to carry out for the team and they responded excellently. Branden Horton was formerly an attack-minded left-back but grew into a central defensive role. Joe Rowley was previously an attacking midfielder but was now patrolling deep in midfield. There were moves to three at the back or diamond systems and players adapted. When injuries and recalls struck, Butler had no hesitation bringing players back and using them.

By early February, Scunthorpe were hanging on the coattails of those at the top but any loose title ambitions were hit hard by a six-game winless run that saw them drop to sixth. Again, they responded positively, winning six of their final 12 to secure a home tie in the play-off eliminator with relative comfort. The play-offs perhaps went as expected, hosting Southend United in the eliminator and walking out 1-0 winners thanks to an excellent Callum Roberts strike but they ran into a Rochdale side that felt destined to go up in the semi-finals.

Club stature probably dictates that Scunthorpe United should be challenging towards the top of the National League: they have a long-standing EFL history and their 4.6k average attendance was only bettered by three others. But they were also a newly promoted football club and one looking to get back on their feet after years of mismanagement. There was no perfect finish but this was an excellent campaign.

I was wrong to doubt them.

The numbers

Of Scunthorpe United’s 46 league matches, 70% ended with both teams scoring, the highest percentage in the division. They kept just nine clean sheets on the whole, three fewer than relegated Braintree Town, but conceded only one goal on 23 occasions, meaning they conceded 1 or 0 in 32 matches, a record only bettered by the top two and Forest Green Rovers. It does also mean that 19.5% of their matches finished 1-1.

A couple of other statistics collated that help provide reason for Scunthorpe’s uber-impressive campaign. The Iron were solid on the road, losing just 5 of their 23 matches (third fewest). They earned 13 penalties during the campaign, resulting in 11 goals, a number only bettered by York City. And they were one of four teams to achieve at least a point per game from matches they conceded first in, taking 21 points from those 20 matches.

One final quirk of their campaign. They had the most even split of points accrued against top and bottom half sides – 49 and 51 percent, respectively. Scunthorpe’s job is less being able to compete with those at top but actually be more consistent and avoid slip-ups against those lower down the table.

What happens next?

I confess that I’m a little unsure at present. A lot may depend on how much of the squad they can keep together going into next season, especially with star player Callum Roberts out of contract this summer. How much change are we likely to see and how much money is on hand to replace them with similar quality and experience?

I’m going to keep my powder dry for now. It feels a lot like a wait-and-see job given certain contracts and the need to recruit in defensive areas of the pitch. I’m positive about those that remain for now such as Starbuck, Horton, Rowley, Ewing, Beestin, Jones and Whitehall, it’s just how well they can build around those guys.

Solihull Moors

Final position: 14^th

Top goalscorer: Joe Sbarra (10); Most assists: Ben Worman (11); Clean sheets: 12; Worst discipline: Tyler French (7Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Walker

Clarke French Whitmore

Lipsiuc High Osborne Green

Sbarra Worman

Wakeling

Pre-season prediction: 18^th

I’ll be honest, I expect a tough season that will result in lots of change and things could get worse than this prediction. Stephen Ward has gone, Matt Taylor is already under pressure from the fanbase and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him depart. The squad has been built for Taylor, or so it feels, meaning whoever comes in will want to make changes to suit their preferences and will likely be backed to do so. That last part is key. Darryl Eales has never been afraid to put his hand in his pocket to benefit the club and that could prove their saving grace.

What actually happened?

I’m rarely one to be so blunt when it comes to discussing footballers and managers but the decision to appoint Matt Taylor felt utterly bizarre when it was announced, proved to be the absolute disaster it felt likely to be and now Solihull Moors are having to start over after so many steady years in the National League.

Taylor was appointed on 23^rd January 2025. He was sacked on 3^rd September 2025. In that time he managed 26 league matches. They won four, drew eight and lost 14, scoring 21 and conceding 42. Unsurprisingly, none of the 19 National League teams that played across both seasons in that period picked up points at a lesser rate. The squad building over the summer looked pretty on paper but removed any true athleticism from the team while defender James Clarke started the campaign still in midfield. Across the opening seven matches of this season, they were conceding double the xG they were creating on average. It was abysmal.

Darryl Eales made the call and Taylor was out. Jimmy Quinn oversaw the next month or so with a shock win at York City the highlight of a six-match run that saw Moors collect ten points and step out of the drop zone before Chris Millington, formerly of FC Halifax Town, was appointed.

Millington kept things simple. He moved his side towards a 4-2-3-1, put his key players back into their rightful positions and made three signings that helped transform what the team could do: Scott High, Joe Sbarra and Tyrese Sinclair. Darius Lipsiuc moved out wide to excellent effect, James Clarke returned to full-back and with the exception of changes in attack, things were relatively settled. Between Millington’s appointment on 1^st October and victory over Morecambe on 24^th January, Moors ranked as the 8^th best side in the division, winning eight of their 16 matches and scoring 36 goals, transforming their attacking output.

It wouldn’t last. Sinclair returned to York City after his loan spell. James Clarke joined promotion chasing Boreham Wood. Jamey Osborne and Conor Wilkinson’s injury issues flared up once more. There was a change in formation to get around the lack of real wide options in the team while short-term additions became flavour of the month. It felt like Moors knew they weren’t going up, knew they had enough to survive and were just getting through to the end of the season when they could restart. There was a ten-match winless run and having done so much good work to turn a big xG deficit into a positive, they started falling back into old ways.

In truth, it was always likely. Solihull Moors were set up to fail from the moment the previous campaign ended and it’s credit to Millington, his staff and the players remaining that they were able to turn things around so quickly. However, those same players weren’t starting from a strong base so performance levels dropped, injuries hampered them and they fell backwards into the pack. The most important job was done.

This never felt like a season to really judge Millington. It’s clear that he needs supporting to implement change at the club and help it begin to look forwards once again.

The numbers

It’s taken me a beat to draw conclusions from the numbers collated for Solihull Moors so let’s write this out and see where we land.

Despite scoring just five goals in their first seven matches under Matty Taylor, Solihull Moors scored 71 goals in total, the most of any side outside of the top seven. Moors also scored four or more goals on seven occasions, joint second best. They also conceded 42 goals at home (5^th most) and 48 goals in the second half of matches (joint third most). Curiously, they ranked second for goals per game total at home (3.74) but second bottom for goals per game away from home (2.48).

Elsewhere, Moors ranked joint second for most draws (14). They sat third for most red cards accumulated (8) but conceded just two penalties (joint fewest). They failed to win a single point when behind at half-time (ten attempts). They collected 27% of their overall points total from matches against the top seven and 29% in matches against the bottom four, meaning they took an average of 0.96 points per game from teams that finished between 8^th and 20^th.

So what does all this tell us? Firstly, Solihull Moors had the talent to be brave, front-footed and score goals and they generally played a more attacking game at home than on the road. Secondly, they were probably a poorly conditioned team based on their early improvement and later struggles under Chris Millington, the high conceding of goals and inability to respond in matches and high red cards total as frustration grew.

What happens next?

Change. Long-serving players James Clarke and Alex Whitmore are big losses on paper, Jamey Osborne and Conor Wilkinson continue to endure their injury issues while big players from last term in Joe Sbarra (who has been linked with a return after being released by Doncaster Rovers) and Darius Lipsiuc depart after their loans. Laurie Walker is also out of contract and in discussion as things stand.

I’m positive on Millington after his work at FC Halifax Town but as a football club, they work in quite a unique way at this level and the challenge will be different in the West Midlands. I’m looking forward to seeing how that is navigated when it comes to recruitment, especially with so many gaps to fill across the squad. A fascinating summer is upon Solihull Moors.

Southend United

Final position: 6^th

Top goalscorer: Andrew Dallas (17); Most assists: Harry Boyes (9); Clean sheets: 17; Worst discipline: Gus Scott-Morriss (12Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Andeng-Ndi

Taylor Goodliffe Gubbins Ralph

Scott-Morriss Austin Appiah-Forson Coker Boyes

Dallas

Pre-season prediction: 3^rd

For several seasons now, Southend United have been one of the best performing sides in the division and unable to make it count for various reasons, be it points deductions, off-field issues or, like last season, unique circumstances. It feels like, outside of a shortened pre-season, there are fewer excuses this season. They have a settled squad, quality and depth across the pitch and genuinely start in good nick. I think this is the year they make a proper break for the top three.

What actually happened?

Southend United started strong, finished strong and still wound up finishing 6^th owing to an incredibly strong season for a number of top sides.

The summer was relatively quiet. The football department were dealing with the emotional hangover of a play-off final defeat and the logistical element of that defeat coming in June, leaving them with less time than the rest of the division to get their affairs in order of the new season. Ben Goodliffe signed permanently while Harry Boyes, Sam Austin and Andrew Dallas were big-name additions but the squad that ended the previous season so strongly remained largely intact.

They began the season six unbeaten and would continue in a similar vein, winning far more matches than they were losing yet they found themselves hovering around the final play-off spot for much of the campaign. The difference between Southend and those that would finish higher was the ability to put together a serious unbeaten run. Southend never went winless for more than four games and never lost more than two in a row but they also never won more than three games in succession and their best unbeaten run of seven matches came right at the end of the campaign.

It feels weird to pick holes in their season. They finished 6^th and accumulated 81 points, a total that would have had them finishing 4^th and 3^rd in recent seasons. This was also a big improvement on 2024/25 despite finishing just one place higher, Southend picking up 13 extra points and improving their goal difference by 25. The positives are there for all to see.

Perhaps the big reason was the lack of consistency through the spine of the team. The goalkeeping situation was never truly solved, Nathan Ralph missed a lengthy portion of the season while Goodliffe had trouble keeping his place after October. Noor Husin managed six starts before a nasty knee injury ruled him out for the season with the midfield never settled while Andrew Dallas had various partners but nothing consistent alongside him. Every squad member stepped up at one point or another but unlike those at the top, it was difficult to predict exactly who would play each week and perhaps that lack of selection consistency played a part in the team never quite managing to find the consistency of those that finished above them.

Still, they made the end of season play-offs and it was a source of frustration that they couldn’t replicate the success of their previous campaign, conceding an early goal and struggling to get back into proceedings with too many poor decisions or executions at key moments costing them.

Fortunately, they had one opportunity left to salvage their season: The FA Trophy final at Wembley. Kevin Maher and his staff took on Southend United at their lowest ebb. There were players still at the club that had played without payment during those early years. The fans that had stuck with the club through thick and thin during the darkest days. They had earned this moment and their penalty shoot-out win felt like the perfect end to this chapter in Southend United’s history.

The numbers

Southend United were a stable outfit and one that has form for coming on strong both in matches and the season as a whole. They used just 27 players, the second fewest in the division with their one red card speaking to the discipline instilled by strong management.

They started games positively, recording the second best goals return over the opening 15 minutes of games (12 scored, 3 conceded) and conceded the second fewest goals in the first half of matches (18). However, it was the second half in which they excelled. Kevin Maher’s side ranked joint third for most second half goals scored (48). They ranked joint third for best points swing after 75 minutes (+7), scoring the second most goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (26) and conceding the second fewest (9). Yet interestingly, Southend were one of three sides not to win a football matches after conceding first (0-6-8 record).

Southend’s excellent defence was important, conceding 47 goals (third fewest). That was particularly relevant at Roots Hall where the Shrimpers lost the joint second fewest matches (3) in part to conceding just 19 goals (fewest) and being the only side not to concede more than two goals at home.

What happens next?

It’s all change at Southend United. CEO Tom Lawrence has moved into the boardroom and away from the day-to-day. John Still has joined Chelmsford City. Jason Demetriou has gone. Kevin Maher, Darren Currie and Mark Bentley have moved on. Oliver Gage has been appointed as Director of Football and Jonathan Duckett as Head of Recruitment. At the time of writing, the managerial search continues while rumours persist about some big-name players moving on.

Justin Rees has put the changes down to necessity, believing that key roles needed resetting and new processes put in place. It remains to be seen who else arrives but it is quite clear that we are going to see enormous change, something Rees has acknowledged as a risk. The wider plan is clear though: Get into the EFL.

Can they do it next year? I think the proof is in the pudding. Who gets appointed as manager? What squad changes are made? The club are losing an incredible amount of experience across one summer so there will be big leadership gaps as processes change across the board. They might reach the play-offs and could loosely trail the promotion contenders but I’m hesitant to suggest promotion at the moment. I need to see what changes are made.

Sutton United

Final position: 19^th

Top goalscorer: Lewis Simper (12); Most assists: Lewis Simper (6); Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Hayden Muller (13Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Sims

Muller Pruti Taylor

Eccleston Taylor Muller Ogbonna

Simper Harris

Njoku

Pre-season prediction: 5^th

I would be lying if I claimed that this was the strongest iteration of the National League but the positive is that it represents opportunity, an opportunity I can see Sutton taking up. After a flaky, very mid-table first full season in charge, I think Sutton and Morison have learned more about what they want and need to be successful. The squad is still relatively young and I’m expecting some inconsistency but it’s also more experienced than last season, possesses real pace and power across the pitch and a couple of players already looking capable of stepping up. Partly because of what I’ve seen and partly because of gut feeling, I’m ready to get behind Sutton as a threat this year.

What actually happened?

Within the first month of the new season, my prediction was rendered laughable.

The U’s got on the front foot with their summer recruitment, attacking the window quickly in order to improve their squad and build on a solid first year after relegation. They brought a number of players up from the division below as had become their blueprint while also adding much-needed experience. Having initially pitched them to finish mid-table, I popped them in the top seven believing they might be the side to breach what looked like a clear big five.

It quickly became apparent that that wasn’t going to happen. They drew their first two but quickly hit a run of seven defeats in eight leaving them stranded at the bottom of the table. Steve Morison lost his job and it was probably for the best for both him and the club.

Chris Agutter was appointed as Morison’s replacement in early October after a strong period in charge of Worthing in National League South and he quickly set about turning Sutton into an outfit that continued to work hard but played with more structure and composure.

Sutton had won just one of their opening 16 league matches but responded positively as October turned to November, winning four of five to escape the relegation places. From there, Agutter was able to find a semblance of consistency with the number of changes to the starting XI game to game dropping from 3.47 to 1.75. Hayden Muller was quickly reinstated and would go on to play a key part, the midfield was improved by the signings of Jake Taylor from Eastleigh and Kai Jennings on loan from AFC Wimbledon, talented youngster Charlie Bell was given more opportunities and the likes of Lewis Simper and Brandon Njoku began to thrive. Further squad changes were made and Agutter looked to have found a group of 13/14 that he trusted.

While Sutton weren’t necessarily consistent, they had found steady form, collecting 37 points across 24 games through November to March. Their goal difference and underlying numbers began to level out and the U’s ranked as a top 8 side over those months leaving eight points clear of the drop with a few games to go. The job was pretty much done.

Some of the club’s homegrown talents were given an opportunity as Agutter began preparing for the new season over the final few weeks. Results tailed off and their league position dropped as a result but they were confirmed as a National League side for 2026-27 and had set themselves up nicely to kick on.

In an end of season podcast, Agutter discussed his aims and ambitions while also discussing the challenges of the previous campaign. He felt that he had a select group of players that were performing and generally struggled when some of those were absent. He also spoke about the team’s running stats and the improvement of those across the season. He was a little disappointed with how they finished and the aim is to be a much improved outfit the following year.

The numbers

Primarily, Sutton United were youthful and unstable.

They used a whopping 43 players over the course of the National League campaign while the average age of the team was 25.0, making them the joint second youngest team in the division. Only five players over the age of 26 played for Sutton United in the league, playing a combined 57.4 90’s, or around 11.3% of total minutes played.

Their naivety was evident. The U’s collected more yellow cards than any other team (120), collected seven red cards (fourth most) and conceded 15 penalties (more than anybody else, I’m told this number exceeded 20 when all competitions are included). The London outfit also recorded the worst points per game record in matches they were leading at half-time (1.6) while winning just two penalties, joint fewest.

For all the issues faced, Sutton United were unique this season. They were the only team to earn a higher percentage of their overall points total against top half teams (51%). It helped that their record against the bottom four was so weak – they recorded just seven points from their eight matches against the relegated crew, the joint fewest in the division and the lowest of any side outside of the bottom four.

What happens next?

Chris Agutter didn’t hide away from his ambitions heading into the new season – he wants to go and challenge for a spot in the play-offs, if not higher.

There is plenty of work to do. Lewis Simper has departed at the end of his contract while Kai Jennings’ loan return and Jay Harris’ release mean the squad have lost three of their top four goal contributors from last season. Brandon Njoku and Edon Pruti have both been linked with moves while the age of both Junior Eccleston and Charlie Bell mean they will be courted. We could yet see plenty of change.

The challenge will be recruitment. Agutter has already alluded to adding a couple more experienced bodies to support Jake Taylor while the midfield and attack is going to need revamping amid departures. I’m cautiously optimistic about Sutton’s chances next season but as ever, seeing will be believing.

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Tamworth

Final position: 11^th

Top goalscorer: Oliver Lynch (12); Most assists: Teo Kurtaran (6); Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Tom Tonks; Alfie Bates (8Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Singh

Rye Liburd Digie Hollis Fairlamb

Mols Bates Tonks Kurtaran

Lynch

Pre-season prediction: 14^th

I spent the early part of the summer fearful that Tamworth could endure second season syndrome but I think they have freshened up sufficiently to be okay. Peaks holds a lot of trust in the squad that he puts together and I think their work this summer has been about evolution rather than revolution, making signings that can feasibly improve the starting XI while knowing those already at the club are ready to take the baton if things aren’t working as planned. There is little denying the departure of Creaney – 24 goal contributions – is a blow, but the Lambs are in good hands, know what they’re about and can look forward to another enjoyable campaign.

What actually happened?

A lot of what I spoke about above.

Tamworth had a very good first season back in the National League, earning a top half finish and enjoying a lucrative FA Cup run. Andy Peaks had been given a full-time contract and the squad largely stayed intact. Additions were made with aim of enhancing what was already a strong, experienced spine that knew how to navigate football matches.

It was a slow start – three defeats in four – but Tamworth soon found their groove, losing one of the next ten – away at York City – to find themselves in early play-off contention. Consistency was key. Duku had a strong start to life in a Tamworth shift, Beck-Ray Enoru was further showcasing his development and while Kwaku Donkor had managed to take Matt Curley’s place at right-back, changes had been few and far between across the back four and deeper midfield roles.

The sticky patch came after that run. Over the next ten, Tamworth would win twice. Now, it’s worth noting that across those ten matches they faced nine teams that would finish up in the top half of the division and wins over Boreham Wood and Southend United were impressive but it did begin to raise alarm bells about the need for the evolution I discussed in my pre-season prediction.

Change came. Dan Creaney returned while Manny Duku departed for Rochdale. Beck-Ray Enoru (Notts County) and Kwaku Donkor (Sutton United) earned moves into full-time football. Haydn Hollis was dropped in favour of Jordan Liburd. Attempts to use a back three were abandoned. Teo Kurtaran signed, Ben Acquaye returned from a lengthy injury and Oli Lynch was progressing sufficiently to play an important role.

The new year brought another positive run of form, losing one of the next nine and that form would continue over the second half of the season, the Lambs losing just six of their final 21 league matches, including one of their last nine at home. During that period they would pick up some big wins against Boreham Wood, Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers, showcasing the continuation of their journey. They re-found the kind of consistency necessary for a part-time outfit to thrive at this level.

All in all, this was a relatively quiet campaign for Tamworth but that’s probably what they wanted. They were never threatened by the bottom four, they never threatened the top seven but they progressed nicely and gave themselves a platform to build from next season. Another top half finish, another solid campaign, another job well done.

The numbers

You never quite knew when a Tamworth match was finished.

Tamworth had the joint third most positive goal swing in the final 15 minutes of matches, earning seven points more than they lost in the dying embers of matches. Yet they also had the second worst record when scoring first (averaging 1.74 points per game). An impressive 67% of their league matches ended with both teams scoring (joint 2^nd highest). Despite all that, Tamworth were one of four sides to not win a single point having been behind at half-time, unable to turn any of those 12 matches around.

Elsewhere, Tamworth did improve their form on the road but still wound up conceding 47 goals – only Morecambe and Braintree Town conceded more. They conceded three or more goals on eight occasions and seven of those came away from home. Perhaps the travel, their part-time status and being the second oldest squad in the league (average age of 28.7) did not help.

Finally, Andy Peaks said earlier in the season that he was hoping his team would earn that big victory against top opposition and it’s fair to say they achieved that – Tamworth collected 24% of their overall points total against the top seven, the joint second highest percentage.

What happens next?

So the generic answer is more progression. Tamworth don’t appear to be in a rush to make it to the EFL and are focusing on evolution rather than revolution each season, Andy Peaks making small changes to the side as and when he feels it’s the right time to make a change rather than forcing it. The approach has worked well so far and there appears to be little appetite to overhaul things.

That said, reports suggest a takeover is being finalised for a US-consortium to take on the club which could change the dynamic. The word is that they are looking at long-term success supported by improved facilities and community projects meaning any takeover is unlikely to rock the boat in the immediate future. It’s one to keep an eye on.

Truro City

Final position: 24^th

Top goalscorer: Luke Jephcott (7); Most assists: Connor Riley-Lowe (6); Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Shaun Donnellan (8Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Stone

Oxlade-Chamberlain Donnellan Harrison Riley-Lowe

Dean

Bell Hasani Jephcott Law

Johnson-Fisher

Pre-season prediction: 17^th

I have a good feeling about Truro. While a lack of knowhow can be used against them, they also come into the National League as a breath of fresh air with a squad that knows each other inside out and an approach that should see them take the game to their opposition. Travel will be mentioned, but it’s worth noting that most clubs will have to travel a fair distance to get to them – home form will undoubtedly be key – while they achieved almost as many points on the road last term. I see the Tinners hitting a good run of form in the first part of the season that will leave them in a positive position and able to learn on the job without less stress attached.

What actually happened?

It’s always right there. A lack of knowhow. Why do I write this stuff and ignore it?

I did truly believe that Truro would start the season brightly. They had kept the vast majority of their promotion winning squad together and felt they had an opportunity to catch teams off guard. Instead, they started the season with a real naivety that just never left them. Never quite good enough defending their own box. Never quite ruthless enough attacking the oppositions.

It started at Wealdstone, succumbing to a 2-0 loss that saw them muster just four shots and concede via a set-piece. Then came a 2-0 loss against York City. And another 2-0 loss at Tamworth. They kept the scoreline to 1-0 against Southend United and finally scored their first goal at Boreham Wood only to lose in injury time. A 3-0 win over Boston United was much needed but by the end of September, Truro had played 13 matches, lost 10 and failed to score in nine. It was a brutal start to life in non-league’s top tier.

Those losing runs summed up Truro’s campaign. Five defeats in a row to start the season. Four defeats in a row followed. They lost all five matches in November. Lost five in a row during February, drew at Southend then lost another three in a row. Truro struggled to respond to setbacks while also failing to carry momentum after a win. There were bright periods such as one loss in five in late Autumn, a run of two losses in eight during the winter (those two losses being against the top two) and a one loss in five as they attempted to do the improbable late on but they few and far between and draws weren’t turned into victories during those spells.

Where did it all go wrong? I didn’t watch much of their title winning National League South campaign but Will Dean’s regularity in midfield outside of the opening weeks leads me to consider that Truro started the season without a natural centre-back in their side and the one that stepped in was shipped out on loan before Christmas. Outside of a lengthy run for Shaun Donnellan and Tom Harrison, it was an area that never really settled all year.

Then there is the attack. Jaze Kabia was a big departure after his move to Grimsby Town while Tyler Harvey, who had a big impact during that promotion campaign, struggled to stay fit and available. Luke Jephcott (7 goals) and Dominic Johnson-Fisher (4 goals) played plenty but moved into different roles while Jack Stretton, Aiden Marsh, Rekeil Pyke and Saikou Janneh managed 21 starts and six goals between, nowhere near strong enough as far as replacements go.

Consistency in general was a problem. Only four players managed more than 64% of available minutes – Will Dean, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, Connor Riley-Lowe and Aidan Stone – while Ryan Law and Luke Jephcott were the only other two to manage over 52% of all minutes played. This was a promoted team heading into a new division for the first time ever moving to a full-time model and relying heavily upon those that had been part of their rise. I’m sure location has a big part to play but Truro just couldn’t recruit sufficiently to improve their standing quickly enough.

John Askey did change things up for the second half of the season, moving away from 5-3-2 / 5-2-1-2 to more of a 4-1-4-1 shape with loans from local clubs such as Caleb Roberts, Freddie Issaka, Tom Dean and Kieran Wilson designed to help. It may have looked a little more front-footed but the outcome largely remained the same.

Truro City began the season short of what they needed and were playing catch-up thereon in a ruthless addition of National League football. Unlike others in the past, they continued to battle away until the end but the damage was done before a ball was kicked.

The numbers

Truro City were the worst team in the National League. Let’s run through the numbers.

Joint fewest wins (8). Most losses (28). Third fewest goals (42). Joint second worst home record (21 points) and worst away record (13 points). Fewest goals away from home (16). Joint fewest first half goals scored (16) and joint third fewest second half goals scored (26). Third worst second half record (9-15-22 record). Joint third worst points swing after 75 minutes (-7). Joint second least time spent leading (13.1% of all league minutes). Fewest first goals scored (10) made worse by Truro being one of two sides not to lose when scoring first (7 wins, 3 draws). Third worst record when conceding first (0.24 points per game). Failed to win back-to-back matches.

They weren’t particularly entertaining either. Truro were awarded the joint fewest penalties (2). They failed to score in 50% of their league matches and 37% of their league matches ending with both teams scoring was the lowest. Joint second lowest goals per game average (2.48). Scored 3 or more on 4 occasions (joint 3^rd fewest). Truro scored one goal in the first 15 minutes of matches and five over the opening 30 (lowest total on both). Joint second fewest goals scored in the final 15 minutes (10) and joint third most goals conceded in the final 15 minutes (23).

What happens next?

I don’t feel like I ever truly got to understand the operations of Truro City during their one year stay in the National League. I gather Eric Perez was hugely important and he has since stepped down having transformed the club’s fortunes but “the ownership group remains fully committed to the club’s success, both on and off the field” suggests the plan is to keep pushing forward. Robin Karkeek, who has been a consultant since July 2025, has since been appointed as replacement CEO.

As for the first-team, John Askey remains first-team boss and he has 20 players already contracted for the new season suggesting we aren’t about to see huge change. It’s difficult to know exactly how the club will take to relegation but similarly, there is something about being a club set up so far away from everybody that brings with it a togetherness to prove people wrong. I don’t really want to make a prediction at present.

Wealdstone

Final position: 15th

Top goalscorer: Micah Obiero (14); Most assists: Six players on 4; Clean sheets: 8; Worst discipline: Enzio Boldewijn (7Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Baptiste

Cook Woodman McAvoy

Boldewijn Kadji Georgiou Tiensia

Hutchinson Tshikuna

Obiero

Pre-season prediction: 22^nd

I’ve gone back and forth with Wealdstone this summer. I’ve settled on a relegation place. I think things such as budget and logistics can be a little noisy and what concerns me most is that since the departure of Stuart Maynard, Wealdstone have employed four different managers with different ways of working – some more successful than others – and it leaves Sam Cox with a potentially sizeable task reintroducing a familiar identity while trying to keep the team in the division. I’m not convinced by the reliability of the squad, can see further chopping and changing occurring and I’m not necessarily sure the squad is stronger than the one that started last season. I like Wealdstone as a club and hope I’m proven wrong, but I’m predicting relegation.

What actually happened?

Wealdstone thrived in the early goings and gave themselves an excellent platform to defy the odds once again.

I was hesitant with Wealdstone. Between injuries, certain players having yet to prove themselves and some of those arriving being either youthful or lacking consistent game time during their careers, I was struggling to work out exactly how the season would unfold for them, let alone with Sam Cox’s managerial experience being limited to that point. I know the club are brilliantly run but there are plenty of examples of clubs not quite managing to outrun their budget.

Yet Wealdstone started the season brilliantly. Players were being selected in their actual positions. Sean Adarkwa was fit again while Deon Woodman and Micah Obiero stepped up from the off. The midfield was a big concern of mine but Cox kept a talented and physical group fresh and rotated accordingly. Players appeared to be empowered to grow and even learn new roles with additions gradual rather than regular ensuring an element of consistency in their approach.

Given their ambitions, the Stones could scarcely have started the season better, jumping into second after victories over Truro City, FC Halifax Town and Woking. Three defeats followed but Wealdstone would lost just three of the next 15, leaving themselves heading into the Christmas period just outside of the play-off positions. There was some controversy around the postponement against Scunthorpe United but it mattered little to Sam Cox’s side as they continued to pick up results.

The impressive aspect to the start of their season was their attacking output. While their xG numbers were fairly middling, the Stones’ good form was largely thanks to their ability to create as many opportunities as they were conceding and that’s where the consistency at both ends of the pitch played such a key role. They knew what they were about.

Unfortunately for Cox, he wasn’t to see out the season. The back end of the aforementioned 15-game run saw three draws and that extended into a period of 13 matches across winter of which the Stones won one. The goals dried up (failed to score in six of ten) while defensively, that early season consistency was lacking as injuries or loss of form became commonplace – they conceded two of more in eight of those latter ten matches.

Gary Waddock, who had spent his more recent years acting as an assistant to younger gaffers, stepped into his first permanent managerial role for seven year and he did the job needed of him, overseeing some big margin wins (4-1 vs Braintree Town, 5-1 vs Solihull Moors, 7-0 vs Hartlepool United and 3-0 vs Aldershot Town) to secure survival at a canter in the finish.

As well as a mid-table finish, the big success of Wealdstone’s campaign was seeing off Cheshunt, Dagenham and Redbridge, Forest Green Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers and Marine to reach the FA Trophy final. They held Southend United to a goalless draw over 90+ minutes but Oluefa Olomola and Jack Hinchy’s failures from the spot meant their Essex opponents walked away with victory. Still, a part-time outfit survival comfortably in the National League and reaching a Wembley final definitely goes down as a successful season.

The numbers

Wealdstone hit good notes this term when it came to performing at home and coming on strong in matches.

The Stones had the fourth worst away record in the division (17 points) but ranked 9^th at home, winning 11 of 23 matches. It meant that they had a 0.96 points per game swing between home and away matches, the second biggest in the division.

Wealdstone had the second worst first half record (8-19-19) and the period that cost them in particular was minutes 31-45 where they scored 8 and conceded 21 over the season, the worst record in that time frame. However, Wealdstone had a perfect in the eight matches they led at half-time and had the best second half record of any team outside of the top seven.

Finally, Wealdstone had the third most even split of results between top and bottom half teams (43-57). This is despite earning just six points against the top seven across 14 encounters.

What happens next?

Wealdstone Football Club are another that enter the new season with fresh investment courtesy of Nick Semaca, a US investor. It means the club may have the means to improve beyond their current capability and begin looking forward having detailed some of the struggles to push in a league full of full-time football clubs with more gold to play with.

Gary Waddock is a vastly experienced operator but it’s been a while since he navigated a summer transfer window, meaning this feels like something of an unknown from afar. At the time of writing, nothing has been announced as far as a retained list is concerned but I suspect he will have a good portion of those remaining at the back end of last season to work with. The boring answer as with many above is, let’s wait and see.

Woking

Final position: 10^th

Top goalscorer: Olly Sanderson (16); Most assists: Aaron Drewe (8); Clean sheets: 12; Worst discipline: Aaron Drewe; Jamie Andrews (10Y; 0R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Jaaskelainen

Drewe Odusina Okoli Richards

Tim Akinola Tun Akinola

Hinds Andrews Beautyman

Sanderson

Pre-season prediction: 8^th

In the interests of honestly, I’ve bounced around the clubs I’ve predicted to finish between 5^th and 12^th a fair amount because it’s not been easy to predict. I’m backing Woking for a more positive season because I think they are a club moving in the right direction again. In Neal Ardley, they have a manager not just proven at the level but more settled personally after years travelling around the country. The starting XI is fine, there is experience, potential, pace and directness about the side and though draws may be common, I see them being a difficult side to beat.

What actually happened?

I don’t think I was far off all things considered.

It was a bad start. For all my talk of Woking having experience, they looked short of it early doors as they fell to four consecutive defeats, conceding ten goals in the process. Will Jaaskelainen’s injury meant they lacked a top goalkeeper, their centre-backs were slowly settling in and they were definitely missing a couple of key pieces through the spine of the team.

Neal Ardley spoke about the club waiting for the right options to arrive and being happy to wait for key options to present themselves and they did. Jake Forster-Caskey and Josh Kelly arrived later in the window. Jaaskelainen returned by the end of September. Aaron Drewe developed a little quicker than anticipated and while there was some chopping and changing of shape, Woking were soon in their stride.

Across their opening 12 matches, Woking won two and drew three. Those two wins were against Morecambe and Gateshead, both struggling. They then hit upon a run of ten unbeaten, winning six and picking up results against the likes of Rochdale, Southend United and Carlisle United. It wasn’t always pretty but Woking had gone from relegation contenders to on the cusp of the play-offs.

Then things got a little... weird. Between 20^th December and 28^th February, Woking played just nine league matches and an additional three in the FA Trophy. Due to postponements, the Cards didn’t play in front of their own fans between 20^th January and 7^th March, leading to seven consecutive away matches in all competitions. They fell behind in terms of league games played and therefore slipped down the table. Form didn’t help – they lost six of those nine league matches – and there was a bit of a change in terms of personnel and shape, particularly in attack.

As of 1^st March, Woking found themselves in 17^th position in the league table with two to four games in hand on almost everybody around them. On a points-per-game basis, they were 13^th. In reality, they were now five points above the relegation zone and on a bad run. They had also just lost against National League North outfit Marine in the FA Trophy quarter-final and therefore saw a chance of Wembley slip from their grasp.

Neal Ardley was gone.

Registered players and club coaches Jake Hyde and Craig Ross took the baton and oversaw the next month, a busy but successful period. They managed nine games between them, winning and drawing four – their only defeat came against York City – and found an element of consistency that ensured whoever took over would take on a team in a good place.

That “whoever” happened to be Jermaine Defoe. The guy that played 763 career matches, played in various European competitions, in Scotland, America and over 50 times for England, generally averaging a 1-in-3(ish) record that kept him at the top level for a long, long time. A gamble as far as managerial exploits are concerned but somebody that has so far taking his coaching career seriously, has been desperate to get an opportunity and represented a coup from a PR point of view. His Woking career started positively, registering two wins, three draws and a final day defeat in his first six games in management, leaving Woking in 10^th.

This was Jody Brown’s first full season in charge as Director of Football and it wasn’t the easiest to manage. They didn’t start the season on the front foot, endured a managerial change and issues with their pitch. Yet they end it again feeling like a club trying to be upwardly mobile and with a solid league finish to build upon. I think they may see this as something of a success.

The numbers

As is typical for a mid-table outfit, not a huge amount stands out in the basic, raw numbers you can fetch online but a couple of things did catch my eye.

The first is that Woking were a strong first half team and scored more goals than they conceded across each 15-minute period over the first half of matches. They also had the best goal difference of any team outside of the top seven (+15) and only York City and Southend United scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches. So they must have earned a few points late on, right? No. Woking had the joint worst points swing of any side after 75 minutes (-9) – they won four points (joint fewest) and lost 13 (third most).

Also, Woking must have been awkward opponents to face. They did not receive a single red card over their 46 league matches but drew six from opponents, the second most in the National League.

Finally, Woking drew more games than any other team (15) which I mention so fans may come up with Cards drawn jokes.

What happens next?

Continue to progress is the plan, I imagine.

The squad can be analysed a couple of ways. They have lost Harry Beautyman and Dale Gorman from a leadership point of view while Olly Sanderson, Josh Kelly and Joe Gbode have returned after loans. In fact, they have lost four of their five top goal contributors from last season with the fifth, Aaron Drewe, offered a new deal with his current one ending this summer. At the same time, they look set to keep hold of most of last season’s defence, giving them a decent platform to build from.

It’s hard to know exactly what will happen. In terms of recruitment you can anticipate Defoe’s name alone may attract a couple of exciting additions but I think most of it will be fairly sensible. They have been able to tie down a couple of out of contract players, which is a positive. And then it’s how quickly Defoe can adapt to his new surroundings and whether the experience he brought to support him can do just that. I’m fairly positive about Woking progressing, it’s just how much they progress.

Yeovil Town

Final position: 16^th

Top goalscorer: Luke McCormick (8); Most assists: Ryan Jones (4); Clean sheets: 11; Worst discipline: Jake Wannell (15Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Ward

Williams Ferguson Wannell

Sims Cousin-Dawson McGavin Daly

McCormick

Greenslade Jarvis

Pre-season prediction: 10^th

Finalising the final play-off spots in my predictions has been tricky and Yeovil have been in the conversation because I think they have a real chance. The off-field issues should settle down, which in turn will bring more unity. The squad appears stronger on paper and they have given themselves a shot in the arm as far as attacking options are concerned. I believe Cooper is a plus in terms of his experience and adaptability, but I’m also waiting to see how the relationship develops between himself, the fans and new ownership. Also, Cooper has a penchant for change and while injuries played a part, just one player managed 75% or more of available minutes last season, the type of thing that could impact consistency over the season.

What actually happened?

Yeovil Town went into the summer under new ownership, a huge positive for the club after years of problems off the field but this wasn’t plain sailing.

After five matches, Mark Cooper was gone. The issues were already there between he and the fanbase – many of which are outlined in my piece at the time - and a 4-3 loss at home to Gateshead, a game Yeovil Town led 3-0 in at half-time, was enough to enforce a change. One relegation, one promotion, an up-and-down campaign and now it was time for Yeovil Town to move on.

The Glovers’ ownership took their time with the next appointment and eventually settled on Chesterfield Assistant Manager Danny Webb. He was appointed on 15^th September, oversaw a 1-0 loss to Tamworth and promptly departed on 22^nd September.

Oh.

Richard Dryden, who moved from Aldershot Town in the summer to be part of Mark Cooper’s coaching staff, again took interim charge and it was announced that he would take it until the end of the season while the club sorted themselves out. Three wins on the bounce certainly helped his cause but a tough run of fixtures – five of the top eventual top six within six games of each other – didn’t exactly help with the goals drying up and form tanking.

Finally, on 25^th November, Yeovil Town made a proper appointment, bringing in Billy Rowley from Walton and Hersham. The 41-year-old had made quite the impression during his time with the Surrey-based semi-professional outfit having previously developed a positive reputation working in academies for top London clubs.

To judge Rowley’s time in charge is tricky. He oversaw 26 league matches (so just over half of the league campaign) and collected 30 points which pits the Glovers in 17^th, the same position they were in when he took over. The points per game average went up by around 0.1, goals scored went up by 0.25 and goals against also increased by 0.14. There wasn’t much tangible change to latch onto. In fact, they finished the season largely playing the same system that they started in.

However, changes weren’t wholesale. Signings were made – often young lads on loan – but only two (Ryan Jones and Joy Mukena) managed more than 900 minutes. For the most part, Rowley was introducing new ideas to a core already at the club and it felt like a teething process for all involved, leading to some positive and negative performances. Rowley occasionally spoke up about his frustration with the group while the numbers in the section below will showcase some of the difficulties he faced. Not a bad group of footballers, necessarily, but also not a group ready to perform on a more consistent basis.

All in all, this was another awkward year for Yeovil Town, one in which they struggled to find any sort of consistency or stability. The challenge is clear for 2026-27.

The numbers

Yeovil Town had a mentality problem this season.

The Glovers had the worst record of any National League side when conceding first, collecting a single point from 23 matches and none from 14 away from home. They also failed to win a point when behind at half-time (14 matches). Looking at goal times, Yeovil’s primary issue arose between minutes 60 and 75 where they had a goal difference of –9, the biggest in the division. To add to the mentality issues, their longest unbeaten run lasted just three matches, joint fewest.

Their away form also helped sum up their mentality issues. No side lost more matches away from home (16) and their 21 goals was the joint third fewest. It wasn’t entertaining stuff for either side when the Glovers came to town – an average of 2.39 goals per game was the lowest for any side away from home. In fact, Yeovil’s 48 goals was the lowest of any side outside of the bottom four.

What happens next?

Another club where we will see big change to the playing squad.

As it stands, the squad contains just eight first-team players, one of whom is their goalkeeper coach, with seven of their 11 most used players moving on. I suspect we will see a much younger Yeovil Town next season, one that can be better moulded towards a way of playing Billy Rowley would prefer to see.

Will it be successful? That is certainly the question. I think the primary challenges as I see it are establishing an identity through stability and then bypassing some of the mentality issues that have plagued them in recent times at this level. It means I’m probably writing them off with promotion as things stand and looking more towards a mid-table finish that feels a lot more positive than the last couple have.

York City

Final position: 1^st

Top goalscorer: Ollie Pearce (34); Most assists: Ollie Banks (9); Clean sheets: 19; Worst discipline: Josh Stones (11Y; 1R)

Most used XI (based on minutes played)

Male

Fagan-Walcott Johnson Kitching

Grey Hunt Boateng Newby

Banks Pearce

Stones

Pre-season prediction: 1^st

York City were excellent last season and have further improved an already-stacked squad with the finances available to go again if needed. I’m expecting a side that scores a stupid amount of goals but crucially manages games a little bit better owing to the increased experience and quality across the backline and midfield, ensuring they don’t fall short when chaos begins to rein as happened at points last season. York City, your National League 2025-26 champions. What a lovely way to end this preview.

What actually happened?

I was right, but this wasn’t the way I expected it to happen by any stretch.

Adam Hinshelwood was manager when the season began and he opened up with three draws and a win, a decent effort if not the front-footed start York City wanted in their bid to push for promotion. I confess that I had concerns about who was pulling the strings and being honest, I felt it was more to do with the ownership rather than Hinshelwood himself – Matt Uggla has never been shy of courting a bit of controversy.

It soon became clear that this wasn’t on the ownership. Not entirely anyway. There was talk that Hinshelwood wouldn’t sign a new deal. There was a lot of silliness going on behind the scenes as far as signings and selections were concerned and players being cast aside. Clubs that don’t have unity can often struggle to succeed and that is especially true at a level of football that contains only one automatic promotion spot. You have to be near-perfect.

Enter Stuart Maynard. He was straight in with his preferred 3-4-2-1 shape. He quickly put round pegs in round holds where he could and his team started creating chances at a super-impressive rate from the off. Win. Win. Win. Loss. Win. Draw. Loss. On 2^nd October, York City were just outside of the play-off positions. What followed was phenomenal, almost unrepeatable.

York City would play 24 matches between 2^nd October and the end of February. They would win 20, drawing the other four. They scored three or more goals on 14 occasions. It was absolutely brutal as the rest of the division watched on in awe. Five became two in the race for automatic promotion as York City and Rochdale moved within a couple of points of each other.

The run finally ended at Boreham Wood but York responded with three wins on the bounce. Defeat at Gateshead was surprising but it sparked arguably the most impressive run of the Minstermen’s season. They beat Woking 1-0. Boston United 1-0. A 96^th minute winner saw off Altrincham. They beat Tamworth 1-0. Yeovil Town were cast aside comfortably and having clawed their way to three points consistently, it went to the final day.

Stuart Maynard claimed his side had the better chances and he wasn’t wrong. Rochdale had good control of the bout but York were landing heavy shots and ought to have taken the lead. In the 95^th minute, bang. Rochdale lead. The crowd invades. The most unbelievable of finishes to the most unbelievable of seasons. Maynard claims amid the pandemonium, captain Callum Howe told him this wasn’t over. He was right. The pitch cleared and York went on the attack. There was Josh Stones in the 103^rd minute to send York City back into the football league.

Incredible.

York City always had the talent. They had the experience. They had numerous promotion winners. On paper, it was the best, most well-rounded squad in the division. They should have won promotion. But to do it this way, earning 108 points from 46 matches, dropping just 24 points during Stuart Maynard’s 42 matches in charge. Going toe-to-toe with a Rochdale side that were on for record breaking numbers. To win promotion in that way on final day. It’s ludicrous.

York City. Your 2025-26 National League Champions.

The numbers

Let’s do this. York City were really good. How good? Well, they ranked first for...

Wins (33, joint). Losses (4). Goals scored (114). Fewest goals conceded (41). Goal difference (+73). Home losses (2). Home goals scored (69). Away record (53 points). Away wins (16). Away losses (2). Away goals conceded (20). Players used (25). Penalties awarded (15). Fewest penalties conceded (2, joint). Most red cards drawn from opponents (7, joint). First half goals scored (49). Second half record (30-10-6). Second half goals scored (65, 15 more than any other side). Biggest points swing in final 15 minutes of matches (+14). Goals per game total at home (3.91). Games scored in (44, joint). Games scored 3+ goals (22, most by 6). Games scored 3+ goals at home (14). Games conceded 4+ goals (0). Most goals scored in final 15 minutes (36, most by 10). Record when scoring first goal (2.77 PPG). Record when opponent scored first (1.5 PPG). Longest winning streak (9). Longest unbeaten run (24). Number of back-to-back defeats (0).

They ranked second for the following. Home record (55 points). Home wins (17). Most away goals (45). Clean sheets (19). Second half goals conceded (21). Games conceded 1 or 0 (35 matches). Least time trailing (12.5%).

And they ranked third for these categories. Fewest home goals conceded (20). Oldest squad (27.8). Best first half record (19-20-7). Fewest first half goals conceded (20). Most goals per game total (3.37). Most time spent leading (42%).

What happens next?

For the first time since 2016, York City will compete in the Football League. Like numerous promotion winners before them, they are in no mood to hang around. The aim is to go back-to-back.

Can they do it? Honestly, I don’t see why not. The financial backing is there. Their manager and numerous players have experience of EFL football. They have let Harrison Male go and could lose Malachi Fagan-Walcott but they have already acted in the window to sign Mark Shelton and they will certainly act strongly when it comes to improvements.

It’s going to be a fun campaign.

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Sutton United have just lost 3-2 against Tamworth, all five goals being scored in the first half and the three conceded completely avoidable from a Sutton point of view.

The first question is the standard one: what did you make of the game?

*Puff of the cheeks*

Erm. That’s a really tough question to answer ‘cause

*deep inhale*

*Air exhaled from nose*

Yeah

*Loud exhale from mouth*

Just.... shoot yourself in the foot

*Brief stare*

Just so difficult to come back from, erm, we did, then we shot ourselves in the foot again.

So, erm... yeah, I I’m

I’m lost f-for words at times because...we knew exactly what was gonna happen, we worked on it all week... erm... and... yeah...

At this point, Morison finds the words. It was like the Alamo second half. Yeah, Tamworth countered a couple of times because Sutton were chasing the game.

*deep breath*

Yeah, it was erm, it was laughable watching us try and put the ball in the back of the net and er, look that’s an individual thing, that’s a that’s a that’s a player thing I can... erm, yeah, they’ve got to take some more pride in their finishing and believe they’re gonna score a goal and er, erm, yeah, it’s another loss and it’s erm, yeah it’s tough.

The hits keep coming.

The second question is about the initial response to going behind and Morison says his team forgot the fundamentals of football which you learn when you are 4 years old or 5 years old at Little Kickers.

Question number three is about what is said at half-time.

Man up. Fundamentals of football. Got to do the fundamentals of football right. You’ve got to be a man.

The fourth question sees the interviewer put a positive spin on things, discussing the team putting on pressure in the second half. Has to be positives to take, right? Before the question is finished, Morison begins.

No no there’s not no because what’s the point in creating chances if you’re not gonna put them in the back of the net?

*Brief pause*

I mean you might as well have not bothered

*frustrated laugh*

You might as well have not bothered

I know it sounds really flippant but, erm, yeah, we can’t, there can’t be that many opportunities flashed across the box and moments like that we don’t capitalise on and er... erm... yeah i-i-it... they have to be better, we have to be better

He spoke positively about the fans before the fifth and final question arrives, looking ahead to Tuesday against Brighton and Hove Albion U21’s in the National League Cup. A chance to start afresh?

Yeah we’re gonna have to gonna have to give everyone a game and get them some minutes. I’m also gonna have to play players that have played a hell of a lot of football and yeah they’ll just have to have a look at it in detail but yeah it’s erm... yeah it’s been erm... it’s another tough afternoon

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My thought process with Sutton United was a little up-and-down this summer.

As they began announcing their latest set of new recruits, I was reminded of the previous summer and how they overhauled their relegated squad in favour of young talent. My pre-season expectations were a mid-table finish because I had absolutely no idea what to make of them, which wound up being true.

To this summer and out went eight of their 13 most used players, including six of the few over 25’s left in the building and while Harry Phipps, Aaron Jones and Ashley Nadesan helped fill the experience vacuum, they added at least nine more players under the age of 25, six of whom were playing National League South football the previous campaign. Logic would dictate we were going to get a similar campaign.

And then I wound up popping them in 5^th in my 1-24's for 2025-26. Truth be told, it was a gut feeling. I was having difficulty placing most of the division and wound up having a decent feeling about what Sutton United might do. Clearly my gut was wrong.

However, logic hasn’t exactly proven right either.

Sutton are currently 22^nd in the National League table having collected five points from their opening nine league outings while also losing both National League Cup fixtures.

Are there mitigating factors? Perhaps.

For starters, Sutton have played eight of the current top 11 at this early stage of the season and their away games have come at York City, Forest Green Rovers, Rochdale and Altrincham.

They may also point to injuries too. Aaron Jones, Alex Kirk, Will Tizzard, Liam Vincent, Eduino Vaz, Alex Woodyard, Sidu Odelusi and Dillon De Silva have already missed game time and that, coupled with the schedule, has seen the U’s make 28 changes to their starting XI.

However, there is little denying that a number of the issues they have faced have been somewhat self-inflicted.

The underlying numbers aren’t great. They sit in the bottom six for both xG and xGA and they are giving up just shy of 1xG more than they are creating. They aren’t ranking high for possession, sit top for interceptions per 90 and have given up the third most touches inside of their area. Hard working and committed but lacking quality and control.

I was able to understand why they are enduring such defensive problems having watched their game at Altrincham. They started bright, showed good energy and tenacity and took the lead but the lack of control in their game and poor out-of-possession shape saw them give up far too much space defensively, fail to do the basics and lose the game. It’s not the only time this season that space behind the wing-backs has been exploited on a consistent basis and left their centre-backs exposed.

This somewhat comes back to the chosen recruitment strategy. I’ve got no issue with clubs looking to blood young, up-and-coming talent and applaud Sutton for their bravery but this unquestionably comes with short-term side effects. (as found elsewhere at FC Halifax Town, the only team to field a younger XI on average). There are a number of players learning on the job, both with regards to age and the number of players finding their feet in full-time football. There is a general lack of reliability and experience within the squad and the fine margins have an impact when you’re playing good teams that will punish you.

But when any side struggles, you also look to the manager.

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I’d become quite fond of Morison. He didn’t speak like most managers – he spoke less like a coach and more like the average guy – and it made him quite refreshing to listen to. He wasn’t a man of many words – something he admits himself – but was honest, cared, wanted to promote players, didn’t look to score points or make excuses. He offered respect and expected as much back.

He didn’t lose those qualities upon returning this season but there was a change in his demeanour, his voice and his words.

He admitted to being emotional after the loss against Forest Green Rovers then commented:

The brutality of this game is, is, is there for everyone to see. Erm. Do you know what I mean? Spend 90 minutes standing there getting abused by people behind ya which is apparently perfectly acceptable which is something I have to take on the chin then I swore once because I didn’t think something was a foul and got booked.

Following Rochdale, a 1-0 loss on Bank Holiday Monday, we got:

Hugely disappointed. Highly emotional. Tired. Erm. And yeah. It’s not good enough at the minute... from myself. I feel sorry for the rest of the staff. I feel sorry for people like Jon Meeney, Kyri, Sean, Cat, Luke, Graham, who work their absolute socks off every day, Tatts too. Everyone and we’re just not giving them enough at the minute.

Fans come down, clap the lads off because they can see how much effort they’re putting in. Great credit to them to travel all the way up here on Bank Holiday weekend as well and watch us get defeated but they saw we put everything on the line. And to be fair that’s all I can ask because you start questioning yourself and lots of things. Are they running? Are they doing what you’re asking them? They are and we can’t question that. Just not being good enough at the minute. I need to have a real long hard look at myself... like I am all the time. But yeah, I need to do some soul searching because it’s the toughest period I’ve ever had as a coach or manager. It’s hard.

And after Altrincham:

I can't have a go at the players. They’re giving me everything. We’ve got what we’ve got as a group. That’s every player we’ve got. They’re trying their hearts out for the football club and I hope everyone can see that. Yeah, it hurts at the minute.

I said to the staff ‘cause everyone is looking at themselves, everyone is really frustrated, everyone is upset, everyone is down “yeah, you can put your head on your pillow tonight because we can’t do anymore, yeah. ‘Cause we’re working so so hard, we’re giving them everything yeah. When you do work like that, when you do give everything, as the players do, you know they’re frustrated they’ve got the hump at the end of the game. Everyone is upset, disappointed, they’re down.

And then we get the interview after Tamworth.

The start of the new season has been tough. Sutton United haven’t performed well for various reasons, some of it unfortunate, some of it luck, some of it self-inflicted.

Whatever the reasons, it’s evident that Steve Morison took a lot of their struggles personally and it manifested into the kind of interview that left you knowing it was the end.

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What happens next for Sutton United?

It’s a difficult one to predict. They aren’t doing things the conventional way and I quite enjoy the mystery as an onlooker. I wouldn’t be surprised if they appointed Jon Meeney if he performs well as interim, or a coach from an academy, or somebody performing well locally at a club lower down the ladder.

For my money, I think the raw ingredients are there. Perhaps a new voice and a little more structure, both in their defensive shape and attacking play, is needed. I don’t think additional support for Ashley Nadesan, who is taking on a bigger load in attack, would go amiss either. If they can tidy up the key components, they’ve got more than a chance of matching pre-season logic and working their way back up the table.

And for Morison?

I think he should follow his own words at the end of his post-match interview against Altrincham.

I said to them before the game you play this sport when you’re a kid because you love it. You enjoy playing it. And remember to keep enjoying it because if you do have a career in the game it doesn’t last forever. And you don’t want to do what I did as a player and that’s not enjoy it as much as you should have because I was far too caught up in it.

Management isn’t the same as playing but I think the idea still applies. Morison was carrying a lot of emotion in the role and not enjoying it the way he had done and it manifested in the kind of interview that saw him use – as Mike Holden may refer to it as - “demon behaviour”.

He can take some time out, refresh and hopefully he’ll be back in a dugout somewhere in the future.

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“That’s what we do, we develop players"

“We don’t have the finances of a [insert clubs]”

Altrincham Football Club have been on some journey over recent years.

From relegation to the Northern Premier League to a couple of promotions, a switch to full-time and a play-off push. Manager Phil Parkinson has been a consistent part of that journey, along with assistant manager Neil Sorvel. Yet even after all this time, feet are planted firmly on the ground.

The quotes at the top of this piece may not be said word-for-word but almost every post-match interview will contain variations of those topics. It’s his way of settling down expectations and asking people to trust what has so far been a successful process.

Altrincham aren’t a cash rich club and development of the club as a whole has been gradual, extending to players on the pitch. The results have been impressive and it has come as the result of sticking to an ideology of dynamic football and recruiting players that can develop above and beyond the club’s current levels.

Since 2021, they have seen the following players move up the ladder, or to a club with more resources in the same division:

• Toby Mullarkey

• Ryan Colclough

• Dan Mooney

• Joel Senior

• Josh Lundstram

• Chris Conn-Clarke

• Regan Linney

• Elliot Newby

• Justin Amaluzor

(My apologies if I have missed any)

Meanwhile, their captain Lewis Baines was signed from Chorley and vice-captain Isaac Marriott from Bradford Park Avenue.

Work hard, listen, adapt, take your chance and you’ll either become a leader at Altrincham or earn a move up the ladder with the club backing another potential star to step into your shoes and follow you.

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Last season ended on a bad beat. Alty missed out on the play-offs after nine defeats in their final 15 matches but it was the stretch of six defeats in seven, coupled with being knocked out of the FA Trophy, that hit hardest. Injuries to the spine of the team coupled with a suspension for Regan Linney left them short and Parkinson was managing a loaded schedule while trying to play key men back into fitness.

Then came the summer and the inevitable. Regan Linney followed Director of Football Marc Tierney up to Carlisle United while Alex Newby left at the end of his deal for York City. Altrincham’s place in the food chain was as clear as ever.

Justin Amaluzor departed for League Two Grimsby Town, Charlie Olson, Joe Nuttall and Jake Bickerstaff left at the end of their loan spells while George Wilson and James Jones were released. Of those remaining, just six players managed more than 1500 minutes – one being goalkeeper Ethan Ross, who is out long term – and only Tom Crawford managed more than five goal contributions.

How do you get past that and challenge again? And how do you do it when you don’t have the budget of a York City or Forest Green Rovers or Carlisle United?

Recruitment. Development. Rehabilitation. Process.

Take Kahrel Reddin. The 21-year-old is looking every bit the next cab on the rank. An ex-Aston Villa and Stoke City academy graduate, Reddin joined Altrincham after a pre-season trial last season and dipped his toe into the waters of senior football. Eight games into season two and he has already played over half of the minutes he played last term, causing havoc in the final third with his speed, directness and quality.

Take James Gale. A 23-year-old who has shown glimpses of his talent but played just over 2000 senior league minutes in his career to date – less than half a season. At Alty, he has been given the number nine shirt, played in the number nine role, has started seven of their opening eight games and is proving a real handful leading the line.

Take Jimmy Knowles. A forward that shone with Boston United as part of their promotion out of National League North but couldn't quite make it work with Accrington Stanley in League Two. A return to Boston as part of their incredible survival helped get him back on track and he is looking to make it third-time lucky signing for a full-time outfit. It appears that he may be the direct replacement for Regan Linney as a striker that likes stepping inside from the left and five goal contributions in his first eight games is some start.

Take Keaton Ward, a 25-year-old with plenty of experience at National League North level and still looking to really break through as a full-time footballer. Take Olly Crankshaw, looking to recover his joy for football after two injury-hit years. Take Lucas Weaver, looking to follow Kahrel Reddin in terms of having a big second season having joined from step 3 outfit Bamber Bridge last summer. Take Charlie Kirk, looking to rediscover his mojo having started 42 matches across four seasons since leaving Crewe Alexandra.

How about Luke Hutchinson too, the 23-year-old signed to replace Ethan Ross, who Parkinson sees as the best goalkeeper in the division, while he recovers from a long-term injury. He had an indifferent start but a couple of key moments led to Parkinson praising him publicly after some criticism came the loanee’s way. And there is Sam Reed too, the 21-year-old full-back that joined after being released by Sheffield Wednesday.

And as those lads develop and rehabilitate and get to grips with regular football, the stalwarts remain, leading by example. Remove player-coach Matty Kosylo and academy talent Remi Raymond and every player used this season is aged between 21 and 29.

Altrincham know what they are, know what they want, know their process and have acted on that again this summer.

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Evidently, Altrincham look nicely set for the medium-to-long-term. But what about the short term? Have Altrincham actually improved their chances of success this year?

Sitting in 9^th spot having won four and lost four of their opening eight matches, they are in the same spot as last season. However, Parkinson has made more than one reference to the underlying data being excellent this time around, data they often overperformed against last year. He’s not wrong – only the big three are performing better from an xG perspective at this early stage.

The issue early on has been their defensive record and there are mitigating circumstances. I’ve referenced Luke Hutchinson having a difficult start to life in an Alty shirt but he hasn’t been helped by instability in front of him, Parkinson losing all three of his senior centre-backs in Lewis Baines, Billy Sass-Davies and Jake Cooper. Dan Sassi and Sam Barnes were unexpected additions while full-back Lewis Banks has covered. The expansive style and general squad churn mean they have been caught cold by a couple of worldies, transitions and set-pieces. Small margins can be game-defining.

The return of captain Lewis Baines has helped, albeit in limited minutes and Parkinson is settling on a starting XI, which should help in terms of consistency. Keeping the more experienced, defensive core fit and available will be imperative given the problems they endured without them last term.

I get the impression, like most sides in the division, the play-offs are the general aim for 2025-26, and upcoming games away at Boreham Wood and at home against Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers should give us a clearer indication of what this new-look Altrincham side are capable of.

In the meantime, Alty can be proud of how they have started the new season. They don’t have the finances of [insert club]. They’re a young group. Developing players is what they do, and they’re doing a pretty decent job of it.

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While I'm a Birmingham City fan and regularly attended St.Andrews, Solihull Moors is the club closest to me geographically and heading down gave me a love for non-league that continues to this day. I co-ran a Solihull Moors Vital Football page with a close friend, got to speak to a couple of the players (the recently jailed Shepherd Murombedzi was a big help), went to the awards evening and genuinely enjoyed my time going down regularly. It felt like I had a connection with a football club while my own was going through the kind of nonsense that pulled the place apart for over a decade.

In the years since, I've continued going down every so often but nowhere near as a regularly. Having a life, partner, house, kids, work - there's only so much you can fit in! However, my work with the National League means that I continue to keep a close eye on them. I still care, just not in the same way I used to. It therefore says plenty that the way their 2025 has played has legitimately angered me.

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At the start of the year, Solihull Moors were in the top seven. There had been a little bit of inconsistency owing to availability, necessary shape changes, the loss of the excellent Michael Adu-Poku at the end of his loan spell but given their season ended late, they were returning after losing on penalties at Wembley twice and recruitment was mostly done late in the summer, they were getting by, were competitive and stood a chance of making the play-offs again.

Andy Whing has performed well and earns a move to Barrow. This is a guy who wasn't supposed to be appointed as manager when he was - the club were looking for a manager and Eales has promised Whing a coaching role within the new setup after leaving Banbury United. The timeframes were short (Neal Ardley was sacked with the season soon upon them), they couldn't find a suitable candidate to take on the job and Whing ended up being appointed manager, while Stephen Ward took the Director of Football job. Two Wembley trips, a decent start to season two, a friend of Eales, you would think the send off would be a nice one, right?

As supporters will know, we have been somewhat disappointed with our results and performances this season, especially given the quality of the squad. This unforeseen turn of events now provides the opportunity to appoint a high quality replacement who shares the club’s ambition and community ethos and can get the best out of an undoubtedly talented squad, as we seek to reach the playoffs once again.

Holy wow. I can only imagine Whing was fuming when he saw that.

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In February, Eales released a statement of his own on the website, of which I will provide notes below:

- the club came into the new season full of optimism and expectation

- the budget was increased modestly

- Whingy had secured all the transfer target he wished for bar one, Gatlin O'Donkor

- our objective was a home play-off spot with a reasonabel shot at top 3, notwithstanding the bigger budgets of 3/4 clubs

Eales' assessment?

- a hangover from last season expressed by management and players

- not replacing Callum Maycock

- higher pressure

- constant battle with injuries

- cataclysmic level of individual errors

- failure to find a consistent solution at goalkeeper

- lacking the same fortune

Okay. So where have you gone? Presumably somebody with a high performance mindset, somebody that can improve the quality of the team, recruit well and communicate well and really get things moving.

Matt Taylor. Really? Interesting.

Now, I tend not to judge appointments too quickly these days. Just because somebody has struggled in one job, it doesn't mean they aren't cut out for a role elsewhere. Enzo Maresca was sacked at Parma in 2021 and will now manage Chelsea in the Champions League. Alex Revell found life tough at Stevenage and then did a really good job with, er, Stevenage. Sam Cox was sacked by Oxford City early into last season and is now doing a fine job at Wealdstone. Still, this was a bold call and one that wasn't going to get fans onside early doors. If I was being that type of person, I would suggest that Director of Football Stephen Ward had brought in a friend to take the job.

He wasn't helped losing six of his first seven matches in charge while his only win in the first 13 came against ten man, bottom of the table Ebbsfleet United. All the while, his interviews tended to follow the same pattern: too many players are injured and questioning desire. I was there live to watch them play Yeovil Town, a game where desire and injuries were blamed, and it couldn't have been further away from my belief of why they had struggled to perform. They looked a group completely lost with what they were being asked to do.

Solihull Moors had gone from the play-offs to needing to keep an eye on what happening beneath them. At one point, Wealdstone, who were in the relegation zone when Taylor left, went level on points with Moors. Three wins on the spin, against Southend United, Tamworth and Boston United, got them over the line with the returning Laurie Walker in inspired form while defenders were stepping up from set-pieces. Time to look forward to the summer where Ward and Taylor can work together to implement changes.

Before the season began, it was announced that Ward was stepping down, citing spending more time with his family and exploring new opportunities. On the pitch, well...

Seven matches. Zero wins. Three draws. Four defeats. Five goals scored. Thirteen conceded. Bottom of the table. Fans chanted consistently during the Yeovil Town game for Taylor to go and Eales obliged, the annoucement being made the following day.

This wasn't unfortunate. Solihull Moors were a poor football team. They weren't just winless, they had no discernible style of play, were one of two sides to give up at least 17 touches in their own box in every league game, are the only side to concede 12 or more shots in every league game, their xGD is the third worst in the division (behind Sutton United and Gateshead but not by much) and their threat was coming from individual brilliance or long throws. They left themselves short of options with Taylor regularly picking players in the 18 he had seemingly very little intention of playing and was playing players in new positions, such as defender James Clarke being selected in midfield ahead of Sam Bowen and Darius Lipsuic.

The frustration is that this isn't a situation like, say, Braintree Town, who have financial restrictions to work around. Solihull Moors have always had a healthy, competitive budget under Eales so there is no excuse for the club leaving themselves so short and having to sign somebody on a one-month contract. I find the whole situation so strange. Has Eales reined things in financially? Did Ward and Taylor think they knew better? Did they struggle to persuade their targets to join?

Whatever the reason, it's time for change at Solihull Moors.

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So, what happens next?

For Matt Taylor, I would genuinely be surprised if he finds himself in the dugout again for a while. That's four jobs as a full-time manager that he has failed to last a year in and few supporters of any of those clubs have spoken positively about his time in charge. Having watched him manage two clubs at this level, I couldn't tell you with any conviction what he expects from his teams and his interviews haven't helped fill the gaps.

For Solihull Moors, it's important that they make a good appointment that aligns with the ethos of the club. When I think of Moors, I think of good characters and good people, hard workers and people that understand the ethos of this being a family and community club. It's less of a place to stamp down a complicated playing philosophy and more a place where humble attitudes and positive thinking thrive. It's why, under Darryl Eales, Mark Yates was able to gain success with the likes of Liam Daly, Kyle Storer and Danny Wright at the club, or why Neal Ardley and Andy Whing were able to lead the club to the play-offs with the likes of Callum Howe, Alex Gudger, Jamey Osborne, James Clarke and Kyle Morrison leading by example. In those scenarios, young players were able to thrive, learning to work hard, be humble and earn moves, which created a better environment for all involved.

I think the decision to bring back James Quinn as a caretaker manager is a positive step in terms of bringing in somebody that understands what the club is about and how certain players work.

I'm not particularly brilliant as choosing the right manager. There's a broad scope, particularly with so many development squad managers now getting opportunities more than ever. I'm not going to tell the world who I think the correct choice is.

However, I referenced in my York City and Yeovil Town piece that I had a club in mind for Mark Cooper and I've had this gut feeling since he departed the Southwest that he would be the guy to replace Matt Taylor at Solihull Moors. He is a vastly experienced manager, has experience overseeing things as a manager and head coach and has roots in the Midlands through his father, his playing career and his son. Darryl Eales is also a Birmingham City fan, and all three generations of Cooper have played for the club in some capacity so links are there.

We'll see whether that happens. I'm just pleased this 2025 experiment is over and I'm looking forward to Moors becoming a little bit serious again.

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These are relatively quick written pieces, so my apologies if they aren’t necessarily the most well-written or explained and I’m happy to answer any additional thoughts in the comments.

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Mark Cooper - Yeovil Town

I think this is an understandable departure, and one that probably works for all parties.

Mark Cooper deserves credit for his work at Yeovil Town.

When he took over, the club was on route towards its lowest ebb (or at least in my lifetime). Money was tight. Confidence and wins in short supply. Scott Priestnall owned the club, prospective takeovers weren't coming to fruition, then Matt Uggla got involved and chaos ensued with Cooper and Uggla open in their displeasure for one another. Post-season interviews and Twitter talk did little to dispel things.

What followed was a takeover, a title winning National League South campaign and a positive start to the 2024-25 campaign as they pushed into the top half of the table. The squad looked well-suited early doors, the football was decent and they were beating the sides they needed to beat.

However, Cooper has a penchant for change. Players that fans were fond of moved on for various reasons and there was a lot of short-termism involved with incomings. The squad lacked consistent selection to injury / departures (only Charlie Cooper played over 75% of minutes last season). There was a feeling that he passed the buck after defeats. And then there was the pre and post-match interviews that saw him occasionally take on fans or side with owner Martin Hellier.

The latter was a biggie. Hellier was, let's say not a very nice man, and he abused his power by banning supporters who voiced their concerns about his behaviour. Amid that chaos, and churn on the pitch owing to injury / departures, form dipped over the second half of the season and barriers between all parties grew.

The club were taken over in the summer. The vibes feel more positive - they could scarcely have got worse in all fairness, albeit this is Yeovil Town - and it had the potential to be a fresh start for Cooper. Unfortunately, an indifferent start to the season, an inability to recreate the positive feelings and style that helped them to promotion and that defeat against Gateshead spelled the end of his tenure.

I think the timing is right. There remains some goodwill towards Cooper amid the frustration so he doesn't leave having burned bridges, Yeovil make the change early enough so that the new ownership retain some of the positivity and fans can look forward to something new and exciting, they hope.

What happens next? Personally, I see churn and chaos being the key issue so I think simplicity and clear ideas is the next move. The squad is okay, albeit a touch short in a couple of areas. I don't think they need to rip things up but enhance what they've got with a bit more consistency on and off the pitch. I would personally be looking towards bringing in somebody that can bring fans onside quickly and provide some stability.

My first thought was that the club will go for Steve Cotterill. Local, has done his best work in the Southwest and is out of a job. That would be a better decision than Gary Johnson, who has also been mentioned. Ideally, they would find somebody younger, progressive and exciting and I think it’s all about finding the right personality. In my experience, Southwest clubs tend to perform best when somebody really involves themselves in the area which perhaps sounds more obvious than the reality.

As for Mark Cooper, I have a club in mind that feels right (with no real basis admittedly) but they currently have a manager in place, so I'll refrain from discussing that one for now.

What I will say about him is that while he can be a little prickly in his press conferences, I've seen a lot of people talk about how welcoming he is, how much time he has given to them, how much support he has offered and I think it is a classic case of seeing the competitive, frustrated persona of somebody eek out publicly and judging them against that rather than who they really are.

Adam Hinshelwood - York City

A difficult one to discuss, really.

Has Hinshelwood been sacked because he has done a bad job? Absolutely not.

He took a club on the precipice of relegation, helped them survive before leading them to a 96-point, 2nd place finish. The only reason they didn't win promotion is because they were up against an insanely strong Barnet side.

This summer was a weird one. I almost never backed York City to win the division but I kept looking at the squad, the probable XI, the likelihood of further additions and how can you not back them? It's a very, very good squad for the level, containing oodles of experience and quality all across the pitch. Hinshelwood is a pretty adaptable guy and I'm sure he will make it work.

However, I would be lying if I didn't suspect that one or two of those weren't necessarily guys that Hinshelwood was pining for, that they are earning well and perhaps there was an element of pressure to find a way to integrate them.

There has been mention since the announcement that this has been lingering during the summer. There was the weird statement after the play-off semi-final loss and according to Same Old City Podcast, there was talk that Hinshelwood wouldn't sign a contract beyond the end of the season.

What happens next?

I will touch on Hinshelwood first, who I see moving upwards after this move, or getting a really good job in the National League. A good coach, playing progressive, attacking football, seems to enjoy working with younger, athletic or intelligent players. He will be fine and can enjoy watching his son and nephew play for Brighton and Hove Albion in the meantime.

As for York City, they've employed Stuart Maynard.

I like Maynard. I loved the job he did at Wealdstone and even in difficult times at Notts County, he did an okay job.

Instinctively, I don't like this as a fit.

This is a guy who:

- is off the back of a tough first gig in full-time management where not even an element of success (reaching the play-offs) could stop him being widely unfancied by the fanbase
- made his name developing young talent and up-and-comers on a low budget
- has been more of a process guy than a win-at-all-costs guy
- isn't a huge personality and is taking on a squad (and owner) full of big personalities

Meanwhile...

- York's best two players across the last year or so and their goalkeeper, a unique profile, are instrinsically linked to the outgoing manager
- York signed a 33, 32 and three 29-year-olds in the summer, all of big profiles for the division
- Six of the 11 players to start three or more games are 29 or older, as are nine of the 16 outfielders selected

The vibe I get from York City is they don't want to hang around anymore. The summer recruitment, change of manager and owners statement in the summer suggests there is pressure on Maynard from fans and owners to win quickly and get York back in the EFL.

My concern is that Maynard isn't about to get time to get his feet under the table, have a pre-season, create new processes, ideologies, re-train players, work with young talent. The pressure will be on to get results quickly, which means him working with what he's got, finding quick solutions to problems and creating more harmony off the field (clearly, something has gone awry somewhere). I think the biggest part of the job will be keeping so many big personalities, both below and above him, happy and involved rather than building things in his own image.

If there are positives to take from the appointment, it is that:

- He knows the level and the one above

- He did pretty well with Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick, big names at the level above, making adaptations accordingly

- Has largely met expectations in both of his previous jobs and if he does that here, they are likely winning the league

- While Hinshelwood is well respected by York fans, he isn’t as revered as Luke Williams was at Notts, meaning he may get a little more leeway from the general fanbase if he doesn’t start brilliantly

I really appreciate what Maynard has done elsewhere and I think he's prime for a decent career as a full-time manager / head coach but he will have to show a number of different qualities to the ones he has shown in his career to date.

I hope it works out for him.

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Just over two months after we waved goodbye to Oldham Athletic in a dramatic play-off final at Wembley in front of over fifty thousand fans, the National League is back.

What has changed? For starters, Oldham’s victory meant they followed Barnet into the EFL while at the other end, Ebbsfleet United, AFC Fylde, Maidenhead United and Dagenham and Redbridge dropped into the regional divisions. Replacing them are Carlisle United, Morecambe, Truro City, Brackley Town, Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United. It’s fair to say expectations between the group are mixed.

As for what is left, Southend United will hope to avenge their Wembley loss by going one better but face competition from league runners-up York City while Rochdale, Forest Green Rovers and FC Halifax Town will hope to go one better having reached the play-offs.

Gateshead just missed out on back-to-back top seven finishes, as did Altrincham and newly-promoted Tamworth. As for the rest, well they were separated by just seven points, as if we need proof of how tough the National League – and to think people will take these predictions seriously!

It’s fair to say that Hartlepool United, Sutton United and Eastleigh didn’t endure too much panic while Solihull Moors, Woking, Aldershot Town, Braintree Town and Yeovil Town avoided anything too dramatic. Boston United survived in the most remarkable fashion and Wealdstone achieved survival on the final day for the second season running.

With that all behind us, it’s time to look ahead and 2025/26 promises to be a fascinating division. After the COVID break, there was a huge disparity in the National League financially and year by year, that has been chipped away. As the final table last season showed, there isn’t an enormous difference between the sides that finish 7^th or 21^st and the challenge when predicting the table is working out which clubs can find the consistency that other can’t.

In this post, you will find a preview of all 24 National League clubs, looking at:

• Final reflections on last season

• The gaffer

• The summer

• The squad

• The prediction

I’m sorry to those I upset. I hope I’m proven right by those delighted by where I’ve placed their club. And above all else, I’m just excited to bring this lengthy piece to you on the eve of what should be another brilliant year of non-league football.

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Aldershot Town

Final reflections on last season...

For a moment, it looked like Aldershot might find themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table. But Tommy Widdrington and his team got on top of the job, key players stepped up, more consistency was found (even they couldn’t field the same back three often) and the Shots survived with comfort before seeing off Spennymoor Town at Wembley to become FA Trophy winners. Lower in the table than they would have hoped, but a decent effort on the whole.

The gaffer

This will be Widdrington’s third season in charge of Aldershot and it has rarely felt like the club hasn’t been in good hands. The 53-year-old is a positive character and always ready to talk up himself, his team and his players and the job they have done. He has created an environment where players are trusted to lead and develop at their own rates while playing an attacking, open brand of football. It means that despite a decrease in the underlying numbers and the team continuing to concede too many goals (166 over the last two seasons), there is rarely a sense of danger and following Aldershot is plenty of fun.

The summer

Tommy Widdrington is sticking around, Josh Barrett has signed an extension and James Henry has signed up to be a player-coach, replacing Richard Dryden following his move to Yeovil Town. Jack Barham and Aaron Jones are the notable departures while Christian Maghoma also moves on. Injuries are the main concern with Ollie Harfield, Ashley Akpan and Luke Jenkins all recovering from ACL’s, Josh Brooking rupturing his Achilles while Olly Scott, Ryan Jones and Tyler Frost have all come across issues. It’s little wonder they’ve beefed out the squad.

The squad

Lots of options and lots of versatility, so expect to see players play in different roles to those entered in the above. For example, Ryan Jones can play higher up, Ryan Hill has played at wing-back, Tyler Frost in midfield, Jed Meerholz arrived with a nod to being able to play in defence. Options galore.

The prediction: 12^th

Surely, surely, Aldershot Town are not going to concede 83 goals for a third season running? I want to trust them, but I don’t. Their style of play makes them one of the most entertaining sides in the division but we’re already seeing signs that consistent selection in defence may be hard to come by and that doesn’t bode well for a side that play such an open brand of football. The good news is that they will score goals. They have at least five players that hit double figures for goal contributions in the National League last season. I’m here to see lots of goals and lots of fun.

Altrincham

Final reflections on last season...

Altrincham once again punched above their weight and found themselves in the race for the play-offs, but this time they fell short at the final hurdle. They managed to replace the goals of Chris Conn-Clarke through Alex Newby and Regan Linney but injuries and poor form meant they couldn’t field a consistent spine – goalkeeper Craig Ross missed over a third of the season, Lewis Baines and Elliot Osborne lacked regular partners and the forward area was mixed and matched. Compare that to 2023/24 when nine of the XI started 34 or more matches, including the entire back seven. And so they fell just short, a run of defeats as injuries piled up around spring time too harmful. Still, a ninth place finish shouldn’t be scoffed at and the club remain on the right trajectory as the aim to do what many associated thought was unthinkable when Phil Parkinson arrived.

The gaffer

Phil Parkinson took the job as Altrincham boss in time to oversee their relegation to the Northern Premier League. In the eight or so years since, they have won two promotions, navigated the move to being a full-time football club and competed in the National League play-offs. Parkinson is one of the most open, honest managers in the division and you can see that there is trust between him, his staff and his players that allows them to play a positive brand of football while the development of talent is as good as it gets at this level, as shown by the departures of Conn-Clarke, Linney, Newby, Amaluzor, Lundstram, Colclough and Mullarkey – to name a few – to bigger fish in the pond.

The summer

In some ways, this was a brutal summer for Altrincham. Regan Linney and Alex Newby finished up with 30 and 24 goal contributions before moving onto other National League clubs and they have lost 78% of the goals they scored last season over the summer. On the other, they have retained six of their most used back seven with James Jones not playing much during the second half of the season. And they did their business early, adding Billy Sass-Davies, Sam Reed, Keaton Ward, James Gale and Jimmy Knowles. Despite changes in the boardroom - fresh investment and Marc Tierney swapping Alty for Carlisle – it has felt like business as normal.

The squad

Ethan Ross will miss the start of the season due to a long-standing injury, hence the signing of Luke Hutchinson. Two centre-backs have been on trial and I would accept Alty to add another in that department. Tylor Golden spent much of last season at left-back.

The prediction: 7^th

I’m backing them again. Let’s not forget that at the start of last season, all the talk was about how they replace Chris Conn-Clarke yet Alty didn't flinch and found themselves right back in the play-off picture, developing players and falling just short. The process is consistent, the squad age profile is strong and the spine of the team remains intact. I would be surprised if Alty aren’t in play-off contention as we reach April.

Boreham Wood

Final reflections on last season...

Not every great story has to be one you couldn’t write. Here’s a simple premise: a relationship that blossomed beyond its wildest dreams reaches a breaking point and key parties decide it’s best to move on. However, they quickly realise that they were meant for each other and rekindle leading to a beautiful ending. Ross Jenkins was the unfortunate “other man” in this situation, taking on the Boreham Wood job only to lose it after eight matches. Luke Garrard returned after a call from Danny Hunter and while 23 wins in 38 matches wasn’t quite enough for the title on a barmy National League South final day, it gave them a shot at play-off glory, a shot they took. A bonkers 4-3 win over Dorking Wanderers was followed by single goal victories in the semi-final and final to secure an emotional return to the National League.

The gaffer

I can't lie, I've missed Luke Garrard. A manager that cares deeply about his football club and wears his heart on his sleeve, leading to some honest, occasionally emotional interviews that provide a real insight into him, his players and also the game that he just witnessed. He rarely pulls the wool over peoples eyes. His first run at Boreham Wood was excellent, enduring ups and downs but collecting play-off finishes and overseeing a wonderful FA Cup run. Reinvigorated, I anticipate we will see the best of Garrard over the next year or so.

The summer

Business as usual. Danny Hunter has updated fans, the club have played games against the development squads of local London giants and Luke Garrard has been his honest, upbeat self when communicating with fans. Top scorer Kwesi Appiah is the most notable departure while club legend Mark Ricketts has moved on to be replaced by Jack Payne as Luke Garrard’s assistant. I’m always a fan of the club not announcing free transfers until 1^st July to ensure the player has officially been released from their previous deal.

The squad

It’s plausible that Boreham Wood shape up in a 3-5-2 / 3-4-1-2 shape rather than 4-2-3-1. In that instance, Ilesanmi would become part of the back three with Clayden becoming a wing-back option and Sousa more likely to play through the middle. In terms of the most used XI, it’s unlikely that Josh Hare spent too much time playing as an orthodox centre-back but changes to the team mean he and Richardson played more than others.

The prediction: 16^th

It can be a tricky balance trying to match Boreham Wood in their current guise against the Boreham Wood I’ve known for years prior. Luke Garrard will have his side well-organised, they will do the basics properly and play with an energy out of possession that will make games difficult for opponents. They have players that have performed consistently at the level before and a power in the team that will make them a threat. The main question is how many goals they score. I’m not sure they have the firepower to push much higher than the bottom half.

Boston United

Final reflections on last season...

I would be surprised if fans have managed to regulate their emotions and take in how crazy Boston United’s successful survival bid was last season. On 23^rd February, Graham Coughlan's side were ten points adrift of 20^th place Aldershot Town with 16 games to play. They were nine points behind 22^nd place AFC Fylde. Dead and buried, surely? Over the next 15 games they would win ten and draw two. Five successive wins on the road. Beating a number of promotion contenders. An utterly ridiculous run of form that ensures they enter 2025-26 as a National League club.

The gaffer

Graham Coughlan felt like a coup for the Pilgrims given his previous years had been spent managing in Leagues One and Two. His delivery in interviews mixes simplicity with bluntness, a little like his team on the pitch. Defend your box properly. Attack the opposition box and make sure you punish them. Set-pieces are important. And when it worked, it worked superbly, his team ruthless in both areas and therefore winning football matches. I think we’ve seen a Graham Coughlan team at its best and I look forward to seeing version 2.

The summer

It’s been a fairly busy one for Boston United, who announced in March they would going full-time. Graham Coughlan relied heavily on a small group of players to pull off survival and loses Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Brad Nicholson, Cameron Green and Keaton Ward, four to fellow National League clubs. However, he has retained Connor Teale and Greg Sloggett as part of a summer overhaul that has seen the Pilgrims add at least 14 new players as they look to push on.

The squad

I’ve gone with 3-4-2-1 as the shape but this could easily be a 3-4-1-2 – Coughlan tended to switch between the two depending on availability last season. Rocco Coyle was listed as midfielder when he signed but I gather he has spent pre-season playing at right wing-back.

The prediction: 15^th

It was tempting to get carried away with how Boston United finished last season, storming to safety after an impeccable final third of the season but this is a new campaign, a first pre-season under this management team and with a fair amount of squad churn too. Is the starting XI better than last season? I’m not personally sold. But I think there is a belief within the club, a simplicity and focus about their style and enough on the pitch to avoid trouble.

Brackley Town

Final reflections on last season...

In consecutive seasons, Brackley Town finished 7^th, 3^rd, 3^rd, 4^th, 4^th, 2^nd, 4^th, 3^rd and on the final day of the National League North with the most winnable fixture in the division left to play, it looked we may be getting yet another story of heartache. Gavin Cowan's side collected just seven points from their first seven outings and by New Year they were 8^th. What followed was 18 wins in 24 matches, including six in a row to finish the campaign, and their hard work paid off in the best way as possible as Kidderminster Harriers faltered in Southport to ensure Brackley Town finally won promotion to non-league’s top tier.

The gaffer

Despite not managing at the level before, this isn’t my first time coming across Gavin Cowan – he managed my cousin Ellis, who was vice captain, at AFC Telford United. It’s fair to things didn’t always quite go to plan in Shropshire with a 8^th place finish followed up by mid-table, key departures, COVID and more difficulties. He rocked up at Brackley Town after yet another near miss but managed to build on what he walked into and secure a well-earned promotion. He recently signed a three-year deal at the club and it would appear to be a popular decision.

The summer

A summer of retention and improvement has been the aim for Brackley Town. Gavin Cowan and assistant Jamie Haynes have signed three-year deals. Of the eight players to play 75% of minutes last season, only George Carline (Harborough Town) has moved on with Danny Newton following him. Alfie Bates has joined Tamworth. Incomings have been impressive on paper with Michael Nottingham, Kyle Morrison, Ryan Haynes, Jack Price and Cameron Gregory arriving with good pedigree.

The squad

As I understand it, this is how Brackley will shape up. Matt Lowe may play up top when needed. Both Zak Lilly and Tyler Lyttle provide versatility across the backline.

The prediction: 19^th

The main question I’ve been asking myself as I position Brackley between 19^th and 21^st is “will they survive". I’m backing them to do it. The squad has pedigree, physicality and leadership, the club and management team are settled and I also believe that when push comes to shove, Cowan will receive backing to add players where he believes necessary. I also fancy them to be a threat from set-pieces too. Cowan has been keen to set standards from the off in pre-season and I think it will stand them in good stead.

Braintree Town

Final reflections on last season...

I remain puzzled by how, after an okay start to the season, things spiralled during the winter with the departure of Angelo Harrop and the announcement of financial problems. Whatever the truth of the situation, Steve Pitt went in as a relative unknown to National League eyes and found stability where it appeared to be lacking, entrusting his players to do the basics right, keep developing and give everything for the shirt. They survived with relative comfort having picked up some big results and give themselves another shot at the division.

The gaffer

Steve Pitt was given his first job at this level at the age of 63 having previously been assistant to the outgoing Harrop. He is known to the non-league scene in Essex and has held a couple of prominent roles but this was a different challenge and one he thrived in. He stated on final day that his job was simple: reduce the budget by around 3k a week and keep the club in the league. He managed both. Pitt is softly spoken but talks with clarity and that will be important as he looks to navigate the club to safety with one of the division’s smaller budgets.

The summer

Last summer, Braintree went big and went early, putting players on contracts they couldn’t afford and spent the back half of the season reducing the budget. That budget is further reduced this summer and they’ve had to be patient when it comes to new signings. Kyrell Lisbie's contract extension and sale helps while Louie Annesley has joined Dorking Wanderers. Tommy Smith and Lewis Walker provide experience but otherwise, Steve Pitt has used his contacts and summer trialists in order to improve the team.

The squad

I’m expecting Aidan Francis-Clarke, who has been given the number 2 shirt, to start the season at right-back. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Freddie Hockey occupy a wider berth and the same goes for Chay Cooper.

The prediction: 23^rd

Braintree fought against the tide last season and came out swimming but it feels like the waves may hit harder this season. I expect them to be competitive but I think the loss of speed and directness in attack isn’t easily replaceable and the same goals for a goals against tally that was the best outside of the top seven. My belief is that we are at minor miracle territory with Braintree's survival and it would be a lot of fun if they manage it.

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Carlisle United

Final reflections on last season...

An absolute disaster from start to finish. They dropped from League One after a really difficult campaign and looked to avoid the same issues. They signed 26 players across the campaign, sacking both Paul Simpson and Mike Williamson in and around deadline day for both transfer windows, wound up using a whopping 42 players and finishing second bottom having won just ten of their 46 matches. Talk about lessons to learn.

The gaffer

If you had told me in 2018 when Mark Hughes left Southampton that he would spend his time post-COVID managing in League Two and the National League, I’d have been curious what had happened in his career. Nothing really, it turns out. The man that managed Wales then spent 14 or so years managing six Premier League clubs after a hugely impressive playing career dropped away from management until taking an opportunity at Bradford City in League Two and later Carlisle United, where he oversaw an almost inevitable relegation. He stopped the bleeding (five losses in their final 16) but will have to do the stitching up and heeling while managing in the fifth tier for the first time.

The summer

Carlisle United began the summer confirming that they have undertaken a full scale review of operations and have implemented change. Marc Tierney joins as Director of Football from Altrincham with Martin Foyle in as Head of Recruitment. Mark Hughes has signed a new deal with Frankie McAvoy and Gavin Skelton part of his new coaching team. There has been a fair amount of change to the playing squad, trimming the numbers and finding more sense of direction on the face of it.

The squad

A big squad, backed up by some academy talent and others that may move on. Jack Ellis has generally been considered a right-back but has played in central midfield during pre-season. I expect Cedwyn Scott and Junior Luamba to move across the front line wherever needed. Josh Grant is versatile and can cover numerous roles. In terms of last season’s most used XI, not many played regularly as a result of the change and this clearly affected the forward line more than anywhere else.

The prediction: 2^nd

I don’t know what I expected from Carlisle United heading into this season but it has all felt very sensible and to the point that I'm willing to get behind them as far as challenging for the title is concerned. The bleeding was stopped towards the end of the season and there is a continuity that puts me at ease. They have used a consistent shape throughout pre-season, have serious quality in the final third and the ambition and resource to push again if needed. I think they will be the side to push York City.

Eastleigh

Final reflections on last season...

A very middling campaign for a club used to relatively middling campaigns. In 2024/25, Eastleigh were never threatened by relegation but couldn’t muster sufficient consistency to challenge the top seven. They finished 13^th for the second season running but the emergence of younger players to what is a very experienced group suggests the club are looking to change their recruitment strategy, supported by the stability they have on and off the field. Not always the prettiest team to watch but one that was effective when it needed to be and avoided the trouble many NL viewers, including myself, felt could come their way.

The gaffer

Kelvin Davis was a surprise choice to take over from Richard Hill in 2024 from the outside but the former Southampton goalkeeper has taken to life as a manager fairly well. The 48-year-old isn’t the most eccentric of personalities but has a dry sense of humour and manages with the sort of pragmatism required for the job he took on, overseeing gradual change to a team that was heavily reliant on players over the age of 30. A couple of slightly younger players have begun to flourish with one or two academy lads receiving opportunities and Davis appears to have a decent handle on the job.

The summer

Typical Eastleigh. A couple move on to a higher level, a couple of older players move on to pastures new, a new wave of experienced pros, lower league gambles and novice loanees enter the building. Ludwig Francillette, Joe McDonnell and Tyrese Shade are the notable departures. Nick Townsend, Aaron Pierre and Jordan Cousins bring a wealth of experience, Josh Lundstram, Kieron Evans and Maidstone United pair Temi Eweka and Aaron Blair step in. Oh, and Kelvin Davis makes himself the third National League manager to work with his son.

The squad

Not a huge amount of change. Relatively like-for-like replacements. The midfield may not quite shape that way with Davis happy to go 5-3-2, 5-2-1-2 or 5-4-1 depending on how they need to set up defensively. Would expect another forward or two to arrive.

The prediction: 11^th

I semi-fancied Eastleigh to push up the table this season but I’m finding it difficult to justify as it stands. That’s not to say another mid-table finish loosely following the play-off chasing pack is a bad thing and I do see the Spitfires as a club doing better work than they have in the past. But I’m not convinced we will still a positive evolution stylistically and I’m not 100% confident they get most of their first-choice XI on the pitch consistently enough. I’m waiting for the trigger point that allows me to really get behind Eastleigh and that hasn’t come this summer, but that’s not to say it won’t come this season.

FC Halifax Town

Final reflections on last season...

One that is likely easier to stomach from the outside than from within. Halifax Town weren’t supposed to finish in the top seven again after another summer of losing key players but they did what the Shaymen have done for a number of seasons now, finding some stability, being adaptable to situations that arise and managing to win more than they lose. It didn’t go to plan in the finish, the pitch at the Shay being unfit for purpose while injuries piled up for a team that lacked depth and had minimal financial resources to cover for it. It still very much feels like Halifax are punching above their weight, which is problematic, but there's little denying that this was amount very good performance from management and squad.

The gaffer

It sounded as though Chris Millington may quit in 2024 and he sounded exhausted at the end of last season, leading to his departure. Adam Lakeland takes the reins. The 40-year-old has been in the management game a while now, overseeing Blackburn Rovers' women, Curzon Ashton (twice), Northwich Victoria, Farsley Celtic and King’s Lynn Town, winning three promotions and doing a solid if not better job with each club. He takes on another full-time gig closer to home and is used to working on a smaller budget but this will be his first time managing in the National League and represents a new challenge.

The summer

Chris Millington (and Andy Cooper) has gone, replaced by Adam Lakeland, and they’ve seen the usual flurry of players exit for higher acclaim – Adam Senior, Jack Evans, Ryan Galvin and Scott High now find themselves in League Two. Lakeland clearly needed some time to get his feet under the table but he and the club have done a solid job on paper of persuading some of the current crop to stick around and add bodies to the group, and with sufficient time to prepare for the new season.

The squad

I’m expecting adaptability across the front where players will adopt different roles. Lakeland has also spoken about playing a back three, so that could come to fruition at some point. In terms of the most used XI, Pugh was often more central and Cooke out wide but Halifax had issues regularly fielding a striker.

The prediction: 13^th

As with previous seasons, Halifax enter with a squad full of players either new in the door or looking for a big second season at the club. The pattern is familiar and despite the managerial change, I’m not anticipating a huge change culturally. Lakeland has done similar jobs during his career, proving himself adaptable and able to develop talent. I see an up-and-down season as people find their feet and Halifax enjoying the comfort of mid-table.

Forest Green Rovers

Final reflections on last season...

A season that can be split into three parts. The first 18 saw Forest Green win 12 matches and score 35 goals – over half of their final total for both statistics. They remained unbeaten for the next 12 but drew seven and scored 15, the juggernaut beginning to slow down. And then the final 16, winning and losing five apiece as mid-table form saw their chances of automatic promotion go. They would go onto the play-off semi-final but lose at home against Southend United on penalties. A difficult one to take in light of the poorer form coming at the end of the season but positives to build on given they were responding to back-to-back relegations.

The gaffer

On 26^th June, Forest Green announced that they had parted ways with Steve Cotterill and moved to bring in Robbie Savage as his successor. Given Troy Deeney was employed beforehand and Dale Vince is the owner, this is a club truly committed to giving marmite characters jobs in football. The 50-year-old had an excellent playing career and after a number of jobs in the media, he joined forces with Macclesfield FC to help the newly reformed club back up the ladder. His sole season as manager saw the team win promotion to the National League North at a canter though his departure, unsurprisingly, has caused controversy.

The summer

All change. Mark Bowen has been installed as Director of Football, Robbie Savage as manager and John McMahon as his assistant with Steve Cotterill, Rob Edwards and Russell Milton departing. There’s an even bigger shift on the pitch where tried-and-tested has made way for potential – ten of their 12 signings have made a combined 43 starts at National League level or higher* while Ben Tozer (retired), Jamie Robson, Charlie McCann and Joe Quigley move on. While there are several reasons cited for the change (culture, pay, style), it’s certainly been a bold strategy as they look for a return to the EFL.

*According to Fbref

The squad

As noted, plenty of change and anticipating more. Can see the wide men being used on either flank. Max Robson arrived as a “versatile” option so he may pop up in a few positions.

The prediction: 6^th

I am not confident when it comes to Forest Green Rovers’ chances this season. The number of signings and final pre-season XI’s suggest this is less building on solid foundations and more ripping them apart to start over again. It’s a ballsy approach and my concern isn’t just the statistic above relating to experience, but also how key players from last season are seemingly being cast aside with more change not only likely but probably needed. Why top seven? While I have concerns about culture and too many people learning on the job at the same time – including the manager – it is difficult to deny the quality that remains in the building and even if Savage makes a pig’s ear of things, there is enough in the building and the budget for a new gaffer to work with.

Gateshead

Final reflections on last season...

The 2024-25 campaign saw the end of what we have known Gateshead to be across a number of years. The club that almost died responded positively, driving back into the National League playing an attractive, high possession brand of football that turned them into promotion contenders. But Mike Williamson, Carl Magnay and Ian Watson had gone and by September, so had Rob Elliot, Louis Storey and Anthony Sweeney. On the playing side, following Owen Bailey, Adam Campbell and Dan Ward, were Ed Francis, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan, Marcus Dinanga, Owen Oseni while Greg Olley’s early season leg break and fitness issues for Robbie Tinkler, Jacob Butterfield, Joe Grayson and Kenton Richardson meant there was a lot of change for the returning Carl Magnay, now as manager, to deal with. The Heed were part of the automatic promotion picture at the end of 2024 but picked up 20 points from 22 matches in 2025, seeing them miss out on the play-offs and leading to a couple of emotional interviews from players unhappy with the club’s situation.

The gaffer

Carl Magnay departed at the end of the season, joining up with Ian Watson at South Shields. Alun Armstrong has taken on the role of manager and while this isn’t necessarily an outside appointment – Armstrong has been working with the under 19’s for the past year - it feels like an opportunity to refresh the club’s identity following a tough year or so. A former Premier League footballer, the 50-year-old made his name in management with Blyth Spartans, leading them back to the National League North and a play-off campaign before a couple of years with Darlington. He has been open in his early interviews, talking up his preference for attacking football, wanting to believe in young players and “bring an identity back to the club that it used to have”.

The summer

Where do we start? Greg Olley and Regan Booty both aired grievances before the club announced a transfer embargo and manager Carl Magnay left to be assistant at South Shields. Olley and Booty moved on, as did Luke Hannant, Robbie Tinkler and Ben Worman. The interview process ended with Armstrong stepping up from the academy, the embargo ended and things beginning to be pieced back together. Kenton Richardson was named as captain, Jacob Butterfield was re-signed as player-assistant manager, a number of young lads signed deals – Armstrong has spoken up for the academy talent he coached – and fairly high-profile signings such as Callum Johnson, David Ferguson, Harry Chapman and Dom Telford entered the building.

The squad

I’m still learning about a few of these lads, particularly the youngsters. It appeared in a pre-season game like Will Flint played at right-back and Fenton John in midfield, so that may prove an option. Jovan Malcolm has started wide in pre-season but can play across the front and Tyrelle Newton is similarly versatile. The scale of change is reflected by details to the right-hand side. So much red.

The prediction: 21^st

Gateshead appeared something of a model club for a while, having a clear identity and playing style that was the envy of most but difficulties arose amid numerous sales and departures and a couple of off-field problems and the wheels fell off last season. I’m not necessarily convinced the wheels are fixed and back on the car. Just three of last season’s most used players remain, there is quality across those with first-team experience but questions to be asked around reliability and the squad is thin, mostly backed up by up-and-coming academy talent. The National League is as competitive as ever and it’s easy for established clubs to get caught. There is a chance Gateshead get caught.

Hartlepool United

Final reflections on last season...

Hartlepool finished mid-table without ever being troubled by relegation or troubling the play-off positions and yet it goes nowhere telling the full story of a campaign that saw the club go through three managers with three different styles and continue to endure off-field issues. You knew it would be an interesting campaign when Kevin Phillips was moved on for Darren Sarll despite believing he was set to continue as manager. Sarll was gone by October, his side 15^th and knocked out of the FA Cup by Brackley Town with fans unimpressed by the direct approach. Lennie Lawrence again settled things down, overseeing five wins but just three losses – all away at sides in the title race at the time of playing them – before handing the reins to Anthony Limbrick. The ex-Woking boss changed the shape, opting for a more attacking approach that took a while to get going before a six-game unbeaten run secured a top-half finish. All things considered, 11^th place wasn’t a poor landing spot.

The gaffer

Simon Grayson returns to England, taking a job round the corner from his son Joe, who plays for Gateshead. The 55-year-old was a hot commodity for a while in management, winning promotion out of League One with Blackpool, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End, remaining in the Championship until his departure from each club. He joined Sunderland in 2017 and things haven’t been the same since. He lasted four months there. Three months at Bradford City. Seven at Blackpool. Eleven at Fleetwood Town. Spells in India and Nepal, the latter successful, have followed. What level is he at now? Who knows. But perhaps his experience will help him manage a potentially awkward situation with fans and ownership at loggerheads.

The summer

Another summer. Another managerial change. Another fair squad overhaul. And Raj Singh leaving fans concerned with his antics, this time imploring fellow National League clubs not to let Jeff Stelling in their grounds. Away from the off-field nonsense, Simon Grayson has been employed, assisted by Neil McDonald and supported by players Nicky Featherstone and Adam Smith. Departures come in the form of Luke Waterfall, David Ferguson, Joe Grey and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe while Reyes Cleary won’t be easily replaced. Tom Parkes has taken on the captain’s armband, leading what is largely a brand-new squad of players that looks impressive on paper.

The squad

Grayson has generally adopted a back three during pre-season so I’m guessing we will see something like this. It may become more of a 3-5-2. Quite who gets the nod in midfield remains up for debate so I would recommend not taking the order of players too seriously. Another forward option to compliment Reid and Johnson is probable, and perhaps needed given the loss of goals over the summer.

The prediction: 9^th

I really like what Hartlepool United have done this summer. With the exception of Danny Johnson, every player signed sits between the ages of 23 and 29 and most have good experience of playing at or above the level. It is a squad built to play in a clear shape, has players that can run and power in the right areas, while also having the potential to be adaptable. What stops me from going bigger on them is the continued off-field noise, Singh’s penchant for changing out managers and Grayson not having had success in England for a while now. I like the look of things, but I need to see it with my own two eyes before I get excited.

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Morecambe

Final reflections on last season...

Looking from afar, everything about Morecambe screamed successive relegations. Yet with Derek Adams in charge, a man who has won four promotions in his career including a miraculous one with the Shrimps, it wasn’t quite so cut and dry. Not even he could save them this time. They announced almost every summer signing on the same day, typically taking chances on players in tough spots or looking to step up, took until matchday 11 to win their first match and mustered no more than two games without a loss thereon. But the football mattered a lot less than what was going on off the pitch as fans and directors implore their current owner to sell up and save the foot all club.

The gaffer

As above, Derek Adams has won four promotions in his near 20-year managerial career, helping Ross County to the Scottish Premier League and both Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe to League One. The 50-year-old is a character seemingly with more enemies than friends in the game and loves to wind up fellow professionals but his ability to create a “world against us" vibe has worked in the past, unsurprisingly at clubs that are relatively cut off from the rest of the country to which they belong. He has spoken up on behalf of Morecambe fans and directors when it comes to owner Jason Whittingham and the need to sell.

The summer

Anger and upset is the prevailing feeling at Morecambe Football Club following a summer of false promises and lies. Numerous statements have been released via Whittingham and the club’s board, who have twice resigned in protest. At the time of writing, the Shrimps have been suspended by the National League with a further review to take place on August 20^th. Their issues are finally being picked up by the national media as fans, MPs and whoever else implore Whittingham to do the right thing.

The squad

From what I gather, this is what is left of the Morecambe squad. Minimal information has been released, understandably, and it remains to be seen which players have cut their contracts short.

The prediction: 24^th

In truth, a position doesn’t really matter. The hope is simply that by the end of the 2025-26 season, Morecambe Football Club is still in existence. Please, please sell up.

Rochdale

Final reflections on last season...

Losing at home in the play-off eliminator having gone 3-1 up will be tough to get over but this was undeniably a strong season for Rochdale. The campaign began with a much-needed takeover being announced, giving the club much-needed stability off the pitch as Jim McNulty continued to move forward on it. Their slow-possession, low engagement style wasn’t always the most exciting to watch and the winter months proved tough as games were postponed and the Dale suffered poor results but their work either side of that secured an impressive fourth-place finish. The next step is improving in the big games – the Dale not only lost out in an FA Trophy final and the play-off eliminator, but also won just one of 12 against fellow top-seven opponents.

The gaffer

I’ve become a big fan of Jim McNulty during his time managing Rochdale. The team’s progression despite various ongoings off the field has been positive but it’s also the way he approaches the job. McNulty cares about his club and his players, doesn’t throw people under the bus and finds the grey in a job that can often be very black or white. He approaches things in a way that makes me personally feel like he’s somebody I would want to play for. And yet, I’m fascinated by whether the 40-year-old can begin to show the sort of ruthlessness that may be required as he takes a club moving from positively progressing to absolute promotion challengers as expectations continue to increase.

The summer

Rochdale have enjoyed a relatively peaceful summer as they enter year two of the Ogden family ownership. Notable departures come in the form of Kairo Mitchell, who lost his place towards the end of last season, and assistant head coach Kevin Gibbins, who has joined Cardiff City and been replaced by Jason Taylor. Otherwise, heads have turned towards improving a squad that finished fourth last season. Every area of the team has received an update with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Oliver Whatmuff eye-catching additions at both ends of the field. Devnate Rodney has also signed a new deal to stick around, huge news after his 2024/25 campaign.

The squad

Plenty of stability, plenty of options, plenty of depth. Tarryn Allarakhia and Joe Pritchard provide versatility from the left, David Tutonda and Dan Moss have played as wing-backs previously and a couple of the attacking midfielders can drop back if required.

The prediction: 4^th

Rochdale have a very particular style that has worked well for them but they were probably missing two things: the quality and knowhow to beat the best sides in the division and real bite and energy out of possession. Captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell is fit to start the season, the starting XI and depth looks stronger on paper and they have definitely added more energy, bite and power to the squad, not to mention knowhow. As above, I’d like to see a little more ruthlessness and adaptation from McNulty – it could be the difference between another play-off finish and aiming just that little bit higher.

Scunthorpe United

Final reflections on last season...

For Scunthorpe United, it was never going to matter how they got the job done, they just needed to win promotion. Three relegations in five years and jumping from a burning building to a pit of lava off the field, the fans had to mobilise. They exposed David Hilton and helped cover unpaid wages before Michelle Harness stepped in. Jimmy Dean was replaced in the dugout by Andy Butler, some high-earners moved on and the club tried to look forward once more. They started excellently but had to go about promotion the hard way, finishing second before seeing off Chorley and Chester at home to secure much-needed promotions.

The gaffer

Andy Butler will always mean a lot to me – he scored the winner for my League One Walsall team in the League Cup final over Aston Villa on Football Manager 2012. The 41-year-old also means a lot to Scunthorpe United. He came through their academy, made over 150 appearances as they rose up the EFL, returned over a decade later as a player, then as a youth coach before helping the club return to the National League as manager. His emotional post-promotion interview saw him praise his family and Michelle Harness for supporting him and it's clear he cares a lot about the football club that gave him his start.

The summer

After years of off-field issues, Scunthorpe United head back into the National League relatively settled and it means Andy Butler and his team have been able to focus on the challenge ahead. While bodies have departed – Ross Fitzsimons, Maxim Kouogun and Michael Clunan amongst them – Scunny have managed to retain most of the squad that helped them to promotion, including star man Callum Roberts. The budget is still being managed so the summer hasn’t been an extravagant one, mostly targeting players in need or deserving of an opportunity to step up or play regular football.

The squad

Last season’s three most used players move on but otherwise there is relative stability across the squad. Based on pre-season XI’s, I’ve opted for a 3-4-2-1 but they could line up as a back four. The attack is flooded with different types to give Butler the option to switch things up if required. Alfie Beestin is versatile and cover the deeper midfield positions. The lack of assists is down to the information I could find on Wyscout.

The prediction: 20^th

I’ll be honest, I found the final relegation spot a difficult one to call and Scunthorpe United came close amongst many others. Why are they down there? While the name carries weight at this level, Scunthorpe United are still rebuilding and their squad building this summer suggests they will likely be relying on those that played key roles in their promotion, not necessarily a bad thing but I don’t think I’m looking at a preferred starting XI that is obviously better than last season. Why survival? Because I think they are both more settled than others as a club, have more unity and when the going gets tough, I think they will show the same fighting spirit that helped them win promotion.

Solihull Moors

Final reflections on last season...

Solihull Moors entered the season as defeated play-off and FA Trophy finalists and their summer was a slow burn. The first half of the season was indifferent but solid in the circumstances as Moors found themselves in the race for the top seven. Andy Whing earned a move to Barrow to become an EFL manager and the response from his former employers was to call him out for not meeting expectations. So presumably, the club would employ somebody to hit those expectations. Instead, Director of Football Stephen Ward brought in old friend Matt Taylor from Wealdstone and the team promptly slid down the table, needing a couple of late-season victories to avoid being dragged into the sizeable relegation picture.

The gaffer

Matt Taylor's career to date is fascinating. He got his chance at Walsall but left after nine months with the team four points above the League Two relegation zone. His next job was a promotion to League One with Shrewsbury Town where he lasted seven months, his sitting three points above the drop zone having scored 18 goals in 28 games. Wealdstone followed, the team sitting and around the relegation spots before Solihull Moors called. This job feels important when it comes to his managerial career and having endured a tough start and spent much of his time bemoaning the availability and effort of the players he took on, you can’t help but feel the pressure is on this time around.

The summer

The biggest news at Solihull Moors this summer came on the cusp of the season starting at Stephen Ward, an advocate of manager Matt Taylor, announced his departure. Speaking of Taylor, he has a new assistant with Terry Connor, who used to coach Ward at Wolverhampton Wanderers, replacing Jerry Gill, who has joined Dagenham and Redbridge. The club have been targeted in their recruitment, looking to build a side that fits Taylor’s preferred back three, possession-based style. They’ve taken Cameron Green and Brad Nicholson from Boston United, Sutton United captain Tyler French and Tamworth’s star striker Dan Creaney amongst others.

The squad

Pre-season suggests Moors are looking to play a 3-4-1-2, but this could also become a 3-4-2-1. Some of the young lads may find themselves in different roles. Olly Tipton has played all across defence and midfield.

The prediction: 18^th

I’ll be honest, I expect a tough season that will result in lots of change and things could get worse than this prediction. Stephen Ward has gone, Matt Taylor is already under pressure from the fanbase and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him depart. The squad has been built for Taylor, or so it feels, meaning whoever comes in will want to make changes to suit their preferences and will likely be backed to do so. That last part is key. Darryl Eales has never been afraid to put his hand in his pocket to benefit the club and that could prove their saving grace.

Southend United

Final reflections on last season...

After years of off-field issues, this felt like Southend United's coming out party as they finally start to look forward. The season started with a takeover but they were hit early doors by Ollie Kensdale's off-field issues, midfield injuries and the departure of Harry Cardwell. After a tough start, their quality began to show and from mid-to-late October onwards, Kevin Maher's side were the third best in the division, securing their play-off spot on final day. They mounted a remarkable comeback at Rochdale and beat Forest Green Rovers on penalties but couldn't get the job done against Oldham Athletic at Wembley despite leading in extra-time. Not quite the fairytale finish but this is a club on the right path once more.

The gaffer

Kevin Maher is a Southend United legend. He spent around ten years at the club as a player, taking on the captain’s armband as the club rose from League Two to the Championship. He returned after retirement as a youth coach before becoming first-team manager in 2021. During the most perilous of times for the football club, Maher stepped up as a leader, authority figure and spokesman, making himself visible while those above him went close to killing the football club. All the while, he and his coaching staff have had their players, who at points weren’t being paid, consistently putting up some of the best underlying numbers in the division, helping them avoid the drop after a points deduction and taking them to the cusp of promotion.

The summer

Can you hear that? Quiet by the seaside. Southend United are entering a new league season without the rumblings of off-field issues or takeovers. In fact, they’ve barely seen a player leave the building, re-signing Ben Goodliffe after his loan spell too. If there is a downside, it’s that they played their play-off final at Wembley on 1^st June, giving them much less time than the rest of the division, who finished on 5^th May, to prepare. However, Slavi Spasov, Harry Boyes and Sam Austin are new in, refreshing those areas of the side.

The squad

About as stable as it gets in the National League. They may switch shape as they did towards the end of last season, albeit the framework of the team didn’t alter too much.

The prediction: 3^rd

For several seasons now, Southend United have been one of the best performing sides in the division and unable to make it count for various reasons, be it points deductions, off-field issues or, like last season, unique circumstances. It feels like, outside of a shortened pre-season, there are fewer excuses this season. They have a settled squad, quality and depth across the pitch and genuinely start in good nick. I think this is the year they make a proper break for the top three.

Sutton United

Final reflections on last season...

Steve Morison decided to overhaul the squad he inherited upon relegation, to the point that he named 15 new signings in his first 18 of the season with 14 of those aged 25 or under. It’s therefore unsurprising that this was an inconsistent campaign for the U’s, who spent the entire second half of the season sitting exclusively between 10^th and 14^th. Only three players played at least three-quarters of available minutes, at least three changes were made to the starting XI in over half of their league matches and they never named the same centre-back partnership for more than four games consecutively. A learning curve for all involved a campaign to build upon.

The gaffer

Steve Morison is one of the more familiar names plying his trade in a non-league dugout to the casual fan, the 41-year-old enjoying a career that spanned 18 years and saw him play for England C, Wales and each of the top six divisions of English football. Best known for his time with Millwall, Morison’s first managerial gig was with Cardiff City, whom he had joined as a youth coach when Neil Harris was in charge, before dropping five division to work at Hornchurch. After 16 wins and five draws in 22 matches, he stepped back up the levels to join Sutton United. Morison has generally cut a relaxed figure at Sutton but is as brutally honest as you would expect from somebody who made a career out of being a fearless, physical striker that plied his trade under the likes of Graham Westley, Neil Harris and Neil Warnock.

The summer

More ins, more outs, lots of under-25's taken a chance on. A standard summer for Steve Morison, it seems. The departure of Will Davies for a club record fee provided reason for why this approach might be worth it in the long run. Captain Tyler French, Josh Coley, Ryan Jackson and Hayden Muller depart while Fin Barbrook, a front-runner for National League Young Player of the Year, isn’t easily replaced. Ashley Nadesan sticks around and is joined by fellow golden-oldie, at least amongst this crew, Aaron Jones and Harry Phipps. Otherwise, it’s business as normal, but with a clearer approach towards style and shape having chopped and changed last term.

The squad

A fair amount of change, but that was occurring throughout last season anyway. It appears from pre-season line-ups that they are looking to start the season in a 3-4-3 but Morison has been more than happy to chop and change shape and personnel depending on availability or quality of opposition.

The prediction: 5^th

I would be lying if I claimed that this was the strongest iteration of the National League but the positive is that it represents opportunity, an opportunity I can see Sutton taking up. After a flaky, very mid-table first full season in charge, I think Sutton and Morison have learned more about what they want and need to be successful. The squad is still relatively young and I’m expecting some inconsistency but it’s also more experienced than last season, possesses real pace and power across the pitch and a couple of players already looking capable of stepping up. Partly because of what I’ve seen and partly because of gut feeling, I’m ready to get behind Sutton as a threat this year.

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Tamworth

Final reflections on last season...

After back-to-back promotions, Tamworth were seen as the favourites to go down, including by yours truly. Instead, they became the first newly-promoted side to finish in the top half since Salford City and Harrogate Town both managed it (excluding the campaign cut short by COVID) and reached the FA Cup Third Round Proper, seeing off two League One opponents and taking Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur to extra time. Andy Peaks didn’t complicate things, finding the balance between trusting those that helped the club rise and bringing in the additional quality and knowhow to ensure progression. A run of one loss in 11 put them into play-off contention late on but it wasn’t to be.

The gaffer

I will confess that before last summer, I had not heard of Andy Peaks but the 54-year-old is firmly on the radar now. The 54-year-old came through the ranks at Northampton Town but spent his playing career in non-league before moving into management, helping Rushden and Diamonds tick along for nearly a decade before keeping overseeing Tamworth’s sharp rise back to non-league's top tier. Peaks was combining management with his job as a support worker before signing a full-time deal on the eve of their famous FA Cup tie in January. Peaks appears comfortable in his own skin, self-deprecating but honest and supportive of his players.

The summer

Clubs that perform minor miracles over a lengthy period of time tend to find themselves in need of replacing those that shine. Nathan Tshikuna left in March, Ben Crompton and George Morrison proved excellent loans and Dan Creaney has departed for a full-time gig with Solihull Moors. Otherwise, it’s been business as normal for Tamworth, who have freshened up all departments as they look to stabilise in the National League. Joe Riley, Tyler Roberts and Manny Duku have experience at the level while Alfie Bates and Stefan Mols come with acclaim from previous clubs.

The squad

Tamworth know what they are and things are unlikely to change on that front. I confess to not being too familiar with Harvey Sayer so I’m hopeful I’ve got his position right. Jordan Ponticelli occasionally played off the main striker last season, or Peaks opted for more of a 4-1-4-1, packing the midfield out.

The prediction: 14^th

I spent the early part of the summer fearful that Tamworth could endure second season syndrome but I think they have freshened up sufficiently to be okay. Peaks holds a lot of trust in the squad that he puts together and I think their work this summer has been about evolution rather than revolution, making signings that can feasibly improve the starting XI while knowing those already at the club are ready to take the baton if things aren’t working as planned. There is little denying the departure of Creaney – 24 goal contributions – is a blow, but the Lambs are in good hands, know what they’re about and can look forward to another enjoyable campaign.

Truro City

Final reflections on last season...

When the 2024-25 National League South campaign began, few would have pit Truro City as favourites for the title. Employing John Askey to replace Paul Wootton was certainly a coup for the club and their Canadian ownership and they responded to being pre-season relegation favourites by leading the table on one of the most remarkable final days in history as six clubs found themselves with a shot at promotion. The Tinners didn’t flinch, beating St.Albans City 5-2 to finish top of the tree and become the first Cornwall club to win promotion to the top tier of non-league football.

The gaffer

John Askey is best associated with Macclesfield Town after spending an incredible 34 years with the club as a player, coach and manager, producing one of the all-time National League title wins in his final season at the club. The 60-year-old has had a hit and miss time of it in management since, lasting a couple of months at Shrewsbury Town and nearly two years at Port Vale before winning promotion with York City, leaving shortly after promotion owing to problematic owners. His time with Hartlepool United didn’t go to plan but that didn’t stop him succeeding with Truro City, becoming one of few managers to win promotion from all three National League divisions in their current form.

The summer

Truro City took the opportunity to go full-time following their promotion to non-league's top tier with a number of last season’s squad taking up the opportunity to work as a footballer every day. It’s a credit to the togetherness – and financial backing – that the club have been able to move to a full-time programme and keep the majority of the squad together. It has been fairly quiet in terms of squad building, Jaze Kabia deservedly moving into the EFL while Luke Jephcott and Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain have re-signed.

The squad

In the interests of honesty, despite doing what research time has allowed, Truro City are the side I’m least familiar with in the division, so I’m hopeful the positions are correct. I have received some support with this, so hopefully I’ve been steered in the right direction.

The prediction: 17^th

I have a good feeling about Truro. While a lack of knowhow can be used against them, they also come into the National League as a breath of fresh air with a squad that knows each other inside out and an approach that should see them take the game to their opposition. Travel will be mentioned, but it’s worth noting that most clubs will have to travel a fair distance to get to them – home form will undoubtedly be key – while they achieved almost as many points on the road last term. I see the Tinners hitting a good run of form in the first part of the season that will leave them in a positive position and able to learn on the job without less stress attached.

Wealdstone

Final reflections on last season...

They achieved the most important thing – they survived. The season began with the appointment of Matt Taylor, a coup in terms of his name and status but yet to achieve anything in management. His new charges suffered early on as Taylor chopped and changed and chopped and changed some more. The addition of Alex Reid, coupled with a more settled XI, saw enough uptick to pull them out of the drop zone but not enough for fans to be upset when Taylor departed for Solihull Moors. Neil Gibson was a left-field appointment and his team definitely endured their ups and downs, but a big final day victory was enough to keep them up.

The gaffer

The club announced post-season that for logistical and budgetary reasons, Gibson and his assistant Lee Jones would be leaving. Sam Cox, whose interim spell helped keep the Stones in the division in 2023-24, has returned to the dugout. The 34-year-old is a popular and well-known figure in London's non-league circle, playing for various clubs across a 14 or so year career. After years coaching in Tottenham Hotspur's developing talent, he popped up for short spells with Wealdstone and later Oxford City.

The summer

As above, the season started with the bombshell that Neil Gibson and Lee Jones would be moving on for logistical and budgetary reasons with Sam Cox his replacement. Cox has since announced his backroom team of Danny Payne (assistant), Liam Badcock, Steve Bates (coaches) and Ethan Brewer (fitness coach). Kallum Cesay was always going to head out while experienced pair Adrian Mariappa and Alex Dyer have moved on. The likes of Jack Cook, Enzio Boldewijn and Max Kretzschmar sticking around is a positive with the rest of their business meeting the criteria of potentially exciting but let’s wait and see category.

The squad

Late business has helped pad out the Stones’ squad ahead of kick-off. Looking at the selected XI’s through pre-season, it appears as though they will continue using a three-at-the-back system, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some adaptation.

The prediction: 22^nd

I’ve gone back and forth with Wealdstone this summer. I’ve settled on a relegation place. I think things such as budget and logistics can be a little noisy and what concerns me most is that since the departure of Stuart Maynard, Wealdstone have employed four different managers with different ways of working – some more successful than others – and it leaves Sam Cox with a potentially sizeable task reintroducing a familiar identity while trying to keep the team in the division. I’m not convinced by the reliability of the squad, can see further chopping and changing occurring and I’m not necessarily sure the squad is stronger than the one that started last season. I like Wealdstone as a club and hope I’m proven wrong, but I’m predicting relegation.

Woking

Final reflections on last season...

As the first whistle of Woking's 2024-25 season blew, the future of the club was up in the air. The summer started with a couple of eye-catching additions but financial issues meant they couldn’t follow up on promising beginnings making novice boss Michael Doyle had an undercooked squad. He couldn't make it work. Fortunately, a takeover had passed and the appointments of Jody Brown and Neal Ardley followed. It wasn't pretty but the pair knew the job at hand, bolstering the quality and depth of a squad that didn’t win as many as they’d have liked but crucially didn’t lose many. Survival achieved comfortably.

The gaffer

With around 13 years of managerial experience behind him, Neal Ardley has settled into his role of being a safe pair of hands for whoever chooses to employ him. The 52-year-old is best associated with Wimbledon, spending over a decade playing for the club in its original form before six years managing the phoenix club, winning promotion in the process. A productive spell at Notts County followed, working with the new ownership as they rebuilt, and he took Solihull Moors to the play-off final in his first full season in charge. His second year didn’t go to plan while he didn’t last too long at York City either. Ardley’s strength is in creating teams that don't often lose but he may have a point to prove as far as creating teams that win matches is concerned – his last 68 league matches have wielded 20 wins (29%); 32 draws (47%) and losses (24%).

The summer

I quite like that Jody Brown, Director of Football, and Neal Ardley do regular interviews to keep fans – and nerds like me – up to date with what is going at Woking. They’re always going to talk up things, but it does feel like Woking are in a better place than they have been and it’s clear that a lot of work has gone in to improving things on and off the pitch under the new ownership and football personnel. Matt Ward, Tariq Hinds and Aiden O’Brien signing two-year deals early in the summer was a positive. Craig Ross and Jake Hyde return as coaches and crowd-favourites and the squad fine-tuned. Dale Gorman’s long-term injury is a blow but the core that helped Woking to survival at the end of last season has stuck around.

The squad

Like others, I’ve listed Woking in the system it appears they have used most regularly in pre-season but Ardley is a very adaptable manager and never afraid to switch things up – often within games too. I would guess at Sam Ashford covering a wide berth while Jamie Andrews has played almost every role on the pitch.

The prediction: 8^th

In the interests of honestly, I’ve bounced around the clubs I’ve predicted to finish between 5^th and 12^th a fair amount because it's not been easy to predict. I’m backing Woking for a more positive season because I think they are a club moving in the right direction again. In Neal Ardley, they have a manager not just proven at the level but more settled personally after years travelling around the country. The starting XI is fine, there is experience, potential, pace and directness about the side and while though draws may be common, I see them being a difficult side to beat.

Yeovil Town

Final reflections on last season...

I’ll be honest, I’m still not entirely sure what to make of Yeovil Town’s season. In some respects, it's simple: Yeovil Town collected 73% of their points against teams that finished in the bottom half and 36% of their points against teams that finished in the bottom four. But there was much more to it – the Glovers entered the Christmas period hovering on the cusp of the play-offs yet wound up finishing 18^th. Changes to personnel – some enforced, others less so – were unhelpful. But it's hard not to align personnel issues and a drop in form with the increased off-field noise as issues concerning the erratic behaviour of their former owner gained publicity. An 18^th place finish for a newly promoted side with no relegation is okay yet there’s a prevailing feeling that Yeovil shot themselves in the foot having proven themselves capable of finishing higher.

The gaffer

I don’t know if it’s the comparative lack of grey or baldness on his head but Mark Cooper being the fourth oldest manager in the National League – behind Steve Pitt (63), Mark Hughes (61) and John Askey (60) - caught me off guard. It shouldn’t. He made his playing debut for Exeter City in 1989 under the tutelage of his father Terry (also following him to Birmingham City and back to the Grecians) and has been in management for over 20 years now, starting out at Tamworth in 2004. He has since managed ten clubs across five tiers of the English pyramid, achieving three promotions and an FA Trophy. Cooper isn’t universally liked and that extends to Yeovil, unhelped by his alignment to the previous owner, but his occasionally prickly behaviour hasn’t stopped him churning out a solid career in management.

The summer

Out with the previous owner, in with the new. Welcome to the National League, Mr Prabhu Srinivasan. A sense check suggests fans a little more in-tune with ongoings at Yeovil, which is always important as they look to improve following a difficult end to last season. They have done some good work in the transfer market too with Jed Ward, Luke McCormick, Kyle Ferguson and Junior Morias eye-catching additions. There have been departures, but none that stand out as relatively irreplaceable. And Richard Dryden has re-located from Aldershot Town to re-join Mark Cooper’s coaching staff having worked with him previously.

The squad

It appears that Cooper has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 used towards the back end of last season but don’t be surprised if he opts to return to 3-4-3. Finn Cousin-Dawson is listed as a centre-back but has played a lot of football recently in central midfield. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Junior Morias or Ben Wodskou used in one of the spots behind the striker, similar to Harvey Greenslade.

The prediction: 10^th

Finalising the final play-off spots in my predictions has been tricky and Yeovil have been in the conversation because I think they have a real chance. The off-field issues should settle down, which in turn will bring more unity. The squad appears stronger on paper and they have given themselves a shot in the arm as far as attacking options are concerned. I believe Cooper is a plus in terms of his experience and adaptability, but I’m also waiting to see how the relationship develops between himself, the fans and new ownership. Also, Cooper has a penchant for change and while injuries played a part, just one player managed 75% or more of available minutes last season, the type of thing that could impact consistency over the season.

York City

Final reflections on last season...

York City had money, and with money comes expectation but Adam Hinshelwood’s side came into 2024-25 having survived on the final day of the previous campaign, so there was a lot of work to do. To therefore finish second with 96 points having won 29 of their 46 league matches and put up a goal difference of +53 was genuinely impressive – they were simply beaten to the title by a phenomenal Barnet side. There will be frustration over the play-off semi-final home loss to Oldham Athletic and perhaps the 22-game mid-season period in which they conceded 2 or more on 10 occasions, losing seven but that shouldn’t detract from a much-needed breakout campaign for the club. The Ugglas post-season comment about the unfairness of promotion was a reminder that they are still learning, but learning while winning is a decent place to be.

The gaffer

Adam Hinshelwood is from a family that knows football. His grandfather, Walter, was an active player in the 1950’s. His dad, Paul, spent a decade at Crystal Palace while his uncle, Martin, broke through before later becoming synonymous with rivals Brighton and Hove Albion. His cousin, Danny, and brother, Paul Jr, were briefly professionals. As for Adam, he had a promising career cut short by injury but is progressing nicely in management, working his way up the divisions via Selsey, Burgess Hill Town and, most notably, Worthing before taking up the job at York City. After helping the club stay in the National League, he oversaw huge improvement last term all while playing a brand of fluid, front-foot football that should serve him and York City well as they look to break into the EFL. While that takes shape, Adam can rest assured the family dynasty continues via son Jack, who was recently crowned a European Champion with England under-21's, and perhaps further with Jack announcing his partner is pregnant in May.

The summer

Statement relating to the unfairness of promotion aside, this has been a surprisingly quiet summer from the Ugglas. Well, Matt, anyway. They’ve instead employed Daryl McMahon as their new Director of Football and added various high-profile players to an already quality squad of players, most of whom have experienced promotions in recent years or have produced at this level or above. Every signing has been met with calls of promotion and when building into a new campaign, it’s the kind of excitement you’re desperate to generate.

The squad

Sticking an Adam Hinshelwood team into a fairly formulaic spreadsheet isn’t easy, so I’ve done the best I can. After all, the most recent pre-season friendly saw Fagan-Walcott play right-back and Kitching at centre-back, I’m told. Felix covers almost every role on the pitch. Sinclair played at full-back at points last season, as did Aguiar. Grey may play wide. The system could become more 3-5-2, possibly. Just use your imagination.

The prediction: 1^st

York City were excellent last season and have further improved an already-stacked squad with the finances available to go again if needed. I’m expecting a side that scores a stupid amount of goals but crucially manages games a little bit better owing to the increased experience and quality across the backline and midfield, ensuring they don’t fall short when chaos begins to rein as happened at points last season. York City, your National League 2025-26 champions. What a lovely way to end this preview.

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The 2024-25 National League campaign finished on 1^st June with the final game of the English club football calendar as over 50,000 fans made their voice heard at Wembley in a fantastic back and forth encounter between two huge clubs at the level.

It was Oldham Athletic who came out victors on the day, and we wave goodbye to them and Barnet following well-earned promotions. We also say goodbye to Ebbsfleet United, AFC Fylde, Maidenhead United and Dagenham and Redbridge following their relegations. For runners-up York City, beaten play-off finalists Southend United and 16 other clubs, I’ll see you next season as we do it all again.

For those unfamiliar with these end of year pieces, this is where I look back alphabetically at all 24 clubs, going through:

• Their record

• The raw numbers

• My pre-season prediction

• My mid-season prediction

• The reality

• The stats

• What happens next

Hopefully you enjoy!

If you want to check out my National League awards, including…

• Manager of the season

• Player of the season

• Young player of the season

• Goal of the season

• Assist of the season

• Save of the season

• Team of the season

You can do so here:

AFC Fylde

Position: 23^rd

Record: P 46; W 11 D 7 L 28; F 50 A 85 GD –35; Pts 40

Most Starts: Corey Whelan (43)

Top Goalscorer: Nick Haughton (19)

Most Assists: Nick Haughton (7)

Clean Sheets: 6

Discipline: Ethan Mitchell (14Y 0R)

Pre-season Prediction: 8^th

I’ve had a good feeling about Fylde since the end of last season and I think they will be in the mix for a top seven finish. A lot of this comes down to Beech, who has played an important role as Director of Football and then interim manager, creating a younger, more vibrant group. The football has been simplified, the team are fearless and forward thinking and the spine of last season’s team has stayed put. I see the Coasters getting off to a strong start thanks to the energy and quality of their performances and though they may tail off, they’ve got a chance of sticking in there.

Mid-season Prediction

Phillips showed last season at Hartlepool United that he can organise a team and get results but the challenge is tougher here, taking on a weaker squad with less experience and with a smaller budget to work with. Their goals against record is appalling. Yet they have done the hard part, escaping the bottom four. The youthful nature of the squad means Fylde are likely to remain inconsistent and endure the defensive issues that have cost them dearly this season already, but I think they will improve enough to stay out of the bottom four come the end of the season.

The Reality

My written predictions have a habit of annoying me at a later date because I've a tendency to spell out the obvious and not see it in front of my eyes. Fylde are young. They concede too many goals. Likely to be inconsistent. They were relegated. Duh.

Defensive issues plagued Fylde all season. It’s what did for Beech just eight games into the season, his side having conceded 18 goals. Kevin Phillips took the reins and his Fylde side let in 36 goals across 18 games. And while David Longwell did reduce those numbers, it was very much avoidance of the problem as the number of chances conceded remained similar. None of them could pick up consistent results, their best run of form being a six-game spell that saw them collected 11 points during which Phillips departed and was replaced by Longwell, his assistant.

What happened? David Longwell simply stated the squad wasn’t good enough and he’s not necessarily wrong. It’s not that there isn’t talent at Fylde – Nick Haughton remains one of the division’s finest while Ethan Mitchell and Ben Winterbottom have grown up during a tough year – but they always appeared to have one too many players learning on the job or out of position with balance and consistent selection rarely attainable.

Only four players managed to play at least two-thirds of minutes. Only four of their most used 14 players were aged between 24 and 29. Only five of those 14 players have played full seasons at this level or higher, four of those being in their 30’s. They never addressed issues in attack with wingers and attacking midfielders playing as many minutes leading the line as natural strikers, while the wide positions were problematic areas throughout the season. It took until early February to select the same centre-back pairing for ten or more games in a row. All this while four separate men managed the team for at least five matches (Nathan Delfouneso had a caretaker stint post-Beech).

What surprised me most is that these issues were apparent almost from the get go but never truly resolved. Kevin Phillips made two additions in his first three months, those being the temporary additions of youngsters Max Bardell and Will Hugill. Signings arrived in the form of Dan Sassi, Chris Stokes and Ashley Boatswain in January but none had much of an impact for various reasons while Kain Adom made his debut in mid-February and finished the season on loan at Sutton United. Others in the relegation battle were finding an edge while Fylde were seemingly retreating and hoping to find the solution internally where it was apparent it wasn’t available.

“Ultimately, we, (in the main me) have either made bad decisions or allowed others to do so, resulting in the worst summer recruitment since I became involved” were the words of David Haythornthwaite at the end of the season. It’s hard to say more than that.

The Stats

Fortunately for Fylde, Ebbsfleet United exist. It means that they sit 23^rd for a number areas, including most defeats (28), fewest goals (50), most conceded (85), home record (joint), away record, most home losses, second half record, number of games failed to score (19), least time leading (12.9%) and worst xGD. They rank bottom for draws (7), fewest goal away from home (15), fewest clean sheets (6, joint), finishing matches (5-14 record in the final 10 minutes) and percentage of overall points attained v bottom 4 sides. And they’re third bottom for attendance, goals conceded at home (39), goals conceded away from home (46), fewest second half goals scored (25), highest quality of chance conceded per shot and PPDA.

So what have we learned? There is the obvious stuff. But Fylde had stylistic and mentality issues too. Their inability to pick up points on the road (0.7PPG better at home than away) or keep clean sheets. Their ability to press is poor and they didn’t just leave themselves open to concede chances but they conceded high quality chances regularly with those issues creating a scenario where they finished matches really poorly.

Yet Kevin Phillips stated that Fylde could beat anybody on their day and he wasn’t wrong. Fylde collected 28% of their points against top seven teams, the second highest in the division. They collected 53% of their points against top half teams, the highest in the division. But they won just one of 13 matches away from home against the bottom 14, scoring six goals, and collected five points from a possible 18 against the sides that also came down with them, including 4-1 and 4-0 losses against Dagenham and Redbridge and Maidenhead United. It’s those records that cost them most.

What Happens Next?

I suppose the easiest thing to do is provide the link to the chairman’s end of season update: https://afcfylde.co.uk/club-update-david-haythornthwaite/

What do I think will happen? It’s tough to say. My natural inclination is to believe that Fylde will see a fair overhaul to an underperforming squad and challenge towards the top of the National League North. They are full-time, will have one of the bigger budgets in the division, it’s more than plausible that they hold on to Nick Haughton (though he has been linked to Rochdale) and they should see a decent enough overhaul of the squad.

But there is little denying that in a division that remains very competitive, new gaffer Craig Mahon and new Director of Football Stewart Mairs have a big job on their hands if they are to achieve an immediate return.

Aldershot Town

Position: 16^th

Record: P 46; W 14 D 15 L 17; F 69 A 83 GD –14; Pts 57

Most Starts: Marcus Dewhurst (43)

Top Goalscorer: Josh Barrett (16)

Most Assists: James Henry (7)

Clean Sheets: 7

Discipline: Theo Widdrington (15Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 7^th

Aldershot were a real wildcard last term, finishing 8^th with a negative goal difference and sitting high in the league for goals scored, goals conceded and their disciplinary record. There’s been a decent turnover, they’ve lost some important players, are backing a number of players to step up and I can see the Shots settling down a bit. A few will step up, a few may need more time and the challenge is set for people to grow as leaders. A few less goals scored, a few less conceded and another positive campaign that sees them competing for a top seven finish.

Mid-season Prediction

Aldershot Town score goals, and I think it might be enough to keep their heads above water. My belief is that while I think the Shots will continue to be one of the more entertaining sides in the division with goals for and against tallies that will rank towards the higher end of the division, they will settle a little. The first is that as form and fitness improves, combined with a number of new players having found their feet, they will chop and change less. The second is that 10 of their remaining 12 home games are against sides currently 10^th or lower in the league table, including four of the five sides below them.

The Reality

I may have gotten a bit too excited in the summer (I’m still surprised I pitched them to finish so high). I think my mid-season prediction was spot on.

Provided my information is correct, between matchday 2 and matchday 23, Aldershot Town made 69 changes to their team across 22 matches, an average of 3.14 per match. Between matchday 24 and 39, Aldershot made 26 changes to their team in 16 matches, an average of 1.63. Tommy Widdrington made more than two changes to his team just four times in that period and it coincided with them being picking up 27 of their 57 points – that's 47.4% of their points total in 34.8% of the matches. As for those home matches, they beat Hartlepool United, Solihull Moors, Gateshead and AFC Fylde while earning points against Woking, Braintree Town, Tamworth, Dagenham and Redbridge and Ebbsfleet United. A little skewed towards beating the better sides rather than those that were in and around them, but they earned the points and it played an important role.

The truth is, despite finishing eight places lower, there wasn’t a whole lot of difference between Aldershot’s 2024-25 and 2023-24 campaign. The Shots conceded the same number of goals and scored only five fewer than the previous season. Their home form was better than their away form by a fair distance. If there was a big difference, it was the underlying data with the quality of chances created far lower than the previous campaign, while their defensive numbers remained amongst the poorest in the league.

The defensive issues is perhaps an easy one to answer – a lack of stability. Widdrington managed to field the same back three for no more than four games in a row and used all of the following combinations to start matches:

A.Jones - Menayese – Byrd

A.Jones - Ellison – Jenkins

Armitage – Ellison – Woodhouse

Armitage – Laing - Woodhouse

Armitage – Jenkins – Scott

Armitage – Maghoma – Scott

Armitage – Maghoma – Woodhouse

Armitage – Mullins - Woodhouse

Armitage – Woodhouse – Scott

Byrd – Ellison – A.Jones

Byrd – Maghoma – Ellison

Byrd – Maghoma – Harfield

Byrd – Maghoma – Jenkins

Ellison – Maghoma – Scott

Jenkins – Maghoma – Harfield

Laing – Ellison - Woodhouse

Mullins – Menayese – Byrd

Menayese – Ellison - Scott

Menayese – Maghoma - Byrd

Menayese – Maghoma – Harfield

Menayese – Maghoma - Scott

When you play a system that largely requires players to go man-for-man across the pitch and leaves so much space in behind for players to defend 1v1 or cover, the lack of consistency is clearly an issue. But the bravery of their style also means they can get their best players on the ball regularly and it has paid off. Widdrington has often talked about focusing on what players can do rather than what they can’t and it has absolutely got the best out of Josh Barrett and James Henry, who are technically above the level even if their bodies aren’t in the finest shape these days. Meanwhile Jack Barham finished up with 15 goal contributions, Ryan Jones 12, Tyler Frost 9 and Cameron Hargreaves 8.

The season hasn’t gone as many hoped before a ball was kicked off, particularly on the back of coming so close last season, but they finish up in mid-table and with a Wembley win to their name. It’s been another decent season for a club with one of the lower budgets in the division and the challenge will be to improve again next season.

A final note, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Widdrington given his personal health issues. I’m sure he and his family enjoyed their day at Wembley and hopefully he is recovering well.

The Stats

First, the positives. Their 69 goals scored was at least eight more than any other bottom half side. They were the most entertaining side to watch in the league with an average of 3.3 goals total per game, 63% of their matches containing 3 or more goals and both teams scoring in 67% - all divisional highs. Their goals vs xG was the biggest difference in the division as they defied their chance creation. And they were one of three sides to collect a higher percentage of points against top half sides compared to bottom half sides, all with the third youngest team in the league.

The negatives? Only the bottom two conceded more goals. Their xGD was the was third poorest in the league. Their xGA to goals conceded difference was the second biggest in the division. They created the second lowest quality of chance per shot and conceded the second highest quality of chance per shot.

What Happens Next?

I think the model for Aldershot Town is clear now. Find talent on the cheap and look to sell them for decent money that allows them to recruit to a slightly higher level the following summer while supplementing talent with a few experienced lads. Clearly, it’s a challenge that isn’t as simple as it sounds – or that Football Manager may make it seem.

How next season unfolds unquestionably relies on the quality of their recruitment this summer and perhaps more importantly whether they can find players ready to hit the ground running rather than needing more time to develop before they show their potential. There are a few reliables still in the building in the form of Dewhurst, Hargreaves, Widdrington, Barrett and Henry and the challenge will be building on that with the kind of quality that almost took them to the play-offs the previous campaign.

Do they manage it? It’s a fair bit of change in key areas, so my initial thoughts are lower to mid-table but I’m open-minded.

Altrincham

Position: 9^th

Record: P 46; W 17 D 13 L 16; F 68 A 62 GD +6; Pts 64

Most Starts: Alex Newby (42)

Top Goalscorer: Regan Linney (23)

Most Assists: Alex Newby (9)

Clean Sheets: 12

Discipline: Tom Crawford (12Y 2R)

Pre-season Prediction: 6^th

I found Alty difficult to predict. It’s easy to see they’ve lost Conn-Clarke and assume that’s the end of their promotion hopes but as outlined above, it’s not that simple. They remain a very strong, settled outfit that know their strengths and still contain plenty of quality in the final third. And their business isn’t done yet. The loss of Esteva and potential loss of Parkinson and Sorvel, who will no doubt be courted, is difficult to predict from the outside. I’m backing them for another top seven finish. They could probably finish anywhere in the top ten.

Mid-season prediction

There are plenty of reasons to feel comfortable about Altrincham and their quest for back-to-back play-off finishes – they are already in the mix and still haven’t truly hit their stride. There is some work to do defensively but they have showcased an ability to keep clean sheets and improvement in that depart will be key for the period where goals to dry up, as I anticipate. Of all the sides in the chase for a play-off spot, I feel most comfortable about Alty making it.

The Reality

Reading the above, I felt pretty comfortable with my predictions... then I hit that last line.

It’s been an interesting season for Altrincham. On paper, a 9^th place finish is decent for a club that lacks the financial power of others around them, especially given some of the internal changes across the summer that led to them having a quieter summer, not to mention the loss of their absolute superstar Chris Conn-Clarke.

Yet they recovered fairly quickly and between the end of August and mid-February, Phil Parkinson’s side lost just four of 26 league matches, remaining unbeaten at home during that time, scoring almost double what they conceded and cementing themselves as one of the best six or seven sides in the division. They also created another National League superstar in Regan Linney, who finished up with 30 goal contributions and his own goal of the season compilation, while allowing other talent to develop such as Charlie Olson, Lewis Baines – who was made captain – and George Wilson.

In football, you are often only as good as your last game, or most recent games, and that’s where it all fell flat. Altrincham were probably the only club to come out in support of the Premier League Cup and the money on offer but fell in the semi-finals. They lost nine of their last 15 league matches, including losses to AFC Fylde and Wealdstone at home. What had looked to be a promising campaign died at the most important stage and in the most brutal of fashions.

Why did it go wrong? For Phil Parkinson, it was largely injuries. There is some credence to that. They lost goalkeeper Craig Ross and left-back Eddy Jones to ACL’s. Charlie Olson missed a stretch. Continued upheaval in midfield was unhelpful with Isaac Marriott, Elliot Osborne, George Wilson and Tom Crawford having their issues. Joe Nuttall and Jake Bickerstaff were having issues remaining fit in attack and Matty Kosylo missed much of the campaign. Parky spoke about how his players were trying to play themselves back into fitness at a key stage of the season. He also spoke of the pitch – not unlike a few managers this season – at home which has some credence given the style of football they want to play.

I think if you had offered Altrincham fans a 9^th place finish before the season began, most would hope for a little more but perhaps be understanding of their situation and be pleased that they had remained in and around the play-off positions for a second consecutive season in non-league's top tier. However, the way their season crumbled towards the end for a myriad of reasons will be hard to take.

The Stats

Altrincham were a pretty entertaining side to watch. They ranked third for most goals total per game away from home (3.26) and over 2.5 goals total were scored in 63% of their matches, a joint high with Aldershot Town. There was fun to be had stylistically too with Alty completing the second most successful dribbles per 90 minutes (17) and suffering the most fouls (548).

Speaking of style, there was good and bad to be found in their season. They were the fastest starters in the league, registering 11 goals scored and 3 conceded in the opening 10 minutes of matches but they also failed to win a game in which they conceded first. They created the third lowest quality of chance per shot in the division and ranked 22^nd for xG against but sat 3^rd for overperformance against their xG numbers behind Forest Green Rovers and York City – their individual quality showed. It helps that they did not concede more than 2 goals in a match at home, the only team in the National League to manage this.

The killer statistic for their season is likely to be the 33 points they collected against bottom half sides. This was the worst of top 10 sides by at least seven points and was the difference between them finishing in the top seven.

What Happens Next?

My inclination is to say more of the same.

Altrincham are in a good place. They’ve recently received additional investment into the football club which can hopefully help them reach the ambitions they have steadily grown towards. Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel remain in contract and sound as committed as ever to making the unthinkable happen at Alty. There will be some upheaval off the pitch with Director of Football Marc Tierney moving to Carlisle United but they also faced that last season with Rob Esteva stepping aside.

As for the squad itself, there will be a refresh of sorts. The losses of Regan Linney and Alex Newby are big with the attack in general decimated owing to departures or loans ending. However, 12 of their 14 most used footballers last season were aged between 23 and 29 with five of their most used seven sticking around, likely to form the spine of the team.

The tactical blueprint has been in place for years, Parkinson has shown an ability to adapt and the additions of Billy Sass-Davies, Sam Reed, Keaton Ward, James Gale and Jimmy Knowles mean much of the starting XI are already in place. They still need a little bit more but they are in a good spot heading into pre-season and there is no reason why they can’t aim for a second top seven finish in three years.

Barnet

Position: 1^st

Record: P 46; W 31 D 9 L 6; F 97 A 38 GD +59; Pts 102

Most Starts: Anthony Hartigan (46)

Top Goalscorer: Callum Stead (19)

Most Assists: Anthony Hartigan (10)

Clean Sheets: 22

Discipline: Ryan Glover (9Y 0R)

Pre-season Prediction: 1^st

I’ve gone back and forth on this but as the summer has gone on, I’ve gotten more confident that Barnet will do it. Looking at the squad written down, it’s easy to get spooked by the number of new signings, which could lead to some teething issues. But Brennan has a way of simplifying things. They conceded a few too many goals so they signed defenders. They lacked a wildcard and signed one. They lacked an energetic midfielder and found one. And they got it done early. Brennan will also get the backing he needs later in the season too. I think it’s their year.

Mid-season Prediction

The question is essentially: Are Barnet winning promotion? I could give pros and cons for every team involved at present but I predicted Barnet to win the title in the summer, they top the league after 22 matches and their underlying data is the best in the division. I’m predicting a title win.

The Reality

From the off, Barnet were the best team in the National League and won the National League title.

When Barnet lost three of their first four away matches, it was easy to get a little spooked. The same could be said for the back-to-back away losses against Solihull Moors and York City, conceding seven goals in the process. Or the wild 4-3 and 3-3 results against Dagenham and Redbridge and Sutton United, the latter one of four consecutive draws.

Dean Brennan is one of those managers whose interviews are must-watch because you never quite know which way he will go. Yet the one thing I have learned over the last few years is that whether he is picking up on the small crowds, making a point about his squad missing something, calling out his players or a single player, using the post-match to praise people, he always does it for a reason. He strikes the chord needed in order to keep people on their toes or ride a positive wave and it has been a key part of why Barnet have continued to perform to such a high standard across the season. And I think that has been the case this season more than those that have come before because he has felt more in control of his own destiny. He has been happier, more confident in those around him and that has shone through.

Yet while Brennan says the right things at the right times, he rarely says something he doesn’t believe and nothing said that more than the ruthless changes made during January when Nicke Kabamba and Nick Hayes were moved on in favour of Owen Evans and Lee Ndlovu. It was a surprise to some but it worked out as well as they could have hoped for, collecting 41 points from their next 15 matches and conceding just three goals in the process. Forest Green Rovers were stuttering. York City couldn’t quite keep pace. Barnet had learned from mistakes of recent years and stormed to the title.

That was the story of their title win. Learning from past mistakes. Growing together. Being ruthless when a ruthless approach was needed. Recruiting well over a long period. Being able to find consistency through the spine of the team and in the finish, they earned a promotion they thoroughly deserved.

The Stats

Barnet were the best side in the National League. Here are a number of statistics they topped the chart in: Most wins (31), most goals (97), fewest conceded (38), best home record (18-5-0), most goals at home (58), fewest goals conceded at home (15), most away goal (39, joint), best first half record, most first half goals (47), most points won after the 75^th minute (13, joint), scored in 41 matches (joint high), scoring 3+ goals in matches (19), most clean sheets (22), conceding 1 or 0 goals (38), conceding 1 or 0 at home (22/23), most time spent leading (42.9%), least time behind (11.3%), best record coming from behind (1.45PPG from 11 games), fewest penalties conceded (2), most shots per game (12.9), most successful dribbles per game (18.7), best xG, best xGA, best xGD, best PPDA, most box entries (by over 150), most points v top 7 sides (24) and most points v top half sides (47, at least 8 more than any other side).

Barnet also ranked second for the following: best away record (13-4-6), most second half goals (50), best record in the final 10 minutes of matches (18 scored, 5 conceded), most penalties won (11), best discipline (71 yellows, 2 reds), most possession (62.9%), fewest fouls committed (9.5), xG difference (15.26 more goals scored than expected) and highest quality of chance per shot. And they were third for fewest away goals conceded (23), points lost after the 75^th minute (3), percentage of touches in the box to touches in a game and PPDA against (the number of passes made per defensive action).

What I’m saying is, Barnet were really, really good in almost every facet of being a football team.

What Happens Next?

For the first time since 2017-18, Barnet will play in the EFL.

I’ve got no doubt Dean Brennan will do what Dean Brennan does and recruit early (I wrote this in May, they’ve since made five additions), making sure he’s got as much of his squad together as possible ahead of pre-season. He has been quick to sort out contract situations and the core of players remaining are capable of stepping up as a unit. That said, Brennan has generally been open as far as his recruitment process and I’m curious to see how this is adapted for his first ever season as a Football League manager, particularly as, for the first time in his career, he will have less autonomy to make changes outside of the transfer window.

I’m very confident Barnet will be in no relegation trouble at all. Top seven? I’m going to say not quite.

Boston United

Position: 19^th

Record: P 46; W 15 D 10 L 21; F 54 A 67 GD –13; Pts 55

Most Starts: Jai Rowe (43)

Top Goalscorer: Jacob Hazel (13)

Most Assists: Jacob Hazel (6)

Clean Sheets: 10

Discipline: Jordan Richards (7Y 2R)

Pre-season Prediction: 23^rd

Predicting four clubs to be relegated is never easy. Why Boston? I like the fact that they’ve kept the core from last season but continuing the same remarkable defensive record that set them up for promotion while also replacing that front two – who scored over half of their league goals between them – is tricky. I envisage some chopping and changing to the attack without truly settling on something and it will put pressure on the backline, perhaps akin to Kidderminster Harriers last season.

Mid-season Prediction

Graham Coughlan has a big job on his hands. His team need to score a few more, stop conceding so many and he’s got to make those improvements with either what he has been left with or by utilising a budget that is limited comparatively to most of the division, while also cutting the seven-point gap to survival as quickly as possible. And when I look at the other sides in the fight, I’m struggling to see exactly who Boston outperform. They may put up a brave fight, but I think relegation is more than likely.

The Reality

I’ve covered a lot of incredible survivals while following the National League. This is ]up there with the best, if not being the best.

On 22^nd February, Boston United sat in 23^rd place, ten points adrift of safety with 16 games left to play. They had won just five league matches and lost 17. A run to even catch up with those above them would be an impressive end to the season.

From that day onwards, only Barnet and York City would collect more points per game as The Pilgrims blasted their way to survival.

Ian Culverhouse started the season in charge after a fantastic run to play-off success the previous campaign but things didn’t go to plan. There was plenty of chopping and changing of personnel and formations and they couldn’t find anything consistent to run forward with. He lost his job with Boston second bottom and Graham Coughlan took the reins. Similar followed. He tried five or six different formations, added at least nine new players to varying degrees of success, the team suffered a couple of key injuries. They collected 10 points from his first 12 matches as he lamented his side being unable to make the right decisions in both boxes.

There was a sense that Coughlan was beginning to work out which players he could trust and on 18^th February, he reverted to a three-at-the-back system, one he has often favoured. Brad Nicholson and Jimmy Knowles lined up in the XI. Across the next 17 matches, Coughlan would make just 14 changes to his starting XI as his side collected 35 points, winning 11 times. The back three was nicely balanced while the wing-backs were on the front foot and capable of delivering. The strikers were powerful and pulled defences apart and they utilised set-piece situations a lot better than they had previously. They cut out a lot of the daft goals they had conceded earlier in the season.

Arguably the most impressive aspect wasn’t just catching up with the chasing pack but continuing to perform when they were the side being chased. They responded to defeat v Hartlepool by thumping Southend United 3-0. They responded to defeat at Wealdstone by winning three on the bounce. Job done.

It’s never easy to truly understand the dynamics of how things play out behind the scenes prior to a run like Boston’s beginning. However, Coughlan, his coaching staff and the dressing room leaders deserve huge credit for putting everything they had into securing a survival that appeared almost impossible a couple of months earlier.

The Stats

The fun thing about Boston’s miraculous recovery is that they were still pretty poor for two-thirds of the season, meaning the numbers behind their campaign make them look relatively poor.

For example, Boston finished the season with the joint second worst home record (7-7-9). They had the third worst second half record and scored the second fewest second half goals (24). Boston failed to score in 16 of their league outings (joint third highest) and were one of just two teams to fail to score four goals during the National League campaign. They earned one penalty, a joint low, and it’s perhaps little surprise given their possession and PPDA against were both the third poorest in the league. It all suggests that their survival came, mostly, as a result of fast starts, exploiting space and learning how to defend as a unit while not having the ball.

Beating the teams in and around them will be important to their success next season. Boston were one of three sides to accrue a higher percentage of their points against top half sides compared to bottom half sides (51%) while no side outside of the bottom four collected fewer points against the bottom four – Boston didn’t beat any of them at home.

What Happens Next?

In March, Boston United announced that regardless of what division they were going to be in, they would be going to a full-time model.

https://www.bostonunited.co.uk/news/club-update--march-2025-2906222.html

So next season, they will be one of many full-time National League outfits looking to cement themselves in the division with an eye towards building for bigger and better things.

The budget is healthy. More opportunities are on the table. The challenge is being able to take advantage of those things and build on an experienced core and vastly improved mentality and confidence around the place. They should absolutely fancy themselves to compete at this level more consistently and the minimal aim should now be to avoid trouble after what became, ultimately, a successful season.

Braintree Town

Position: 17^th

Record: P 46; W 15 D 11 A 20; F 51 A 59 GD –8; Pts 56

Most Starts: George Langston & Louie Annesley (42)

Top Goalscorer: Kyrell Lisbie (13)

Most Assists: Chay Cooper (6)

Clean Sheets: 14

Discipline: Marshall Miranda (16Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 21^st

I’ve been pretty positive about Braintree Town this summer and I still want to back their survival. Harrop has clear ideas around what he wants to see and the recruitment appears to fit that. A lot of their signings were done early too, which could be important in implementing what he wants on the pitch as well as producing a positive dressing room culture. It’s simply the competition at the level. While the division doesn’t have a Wrexham or a Stockport County or Chesterfield, the floor for the sides at the level is probably as high as ever, and I don’t see Braintree avoiding the relegation battle. They have a chance but I’ve got to make a prediction and it’s 21^st.

Mid-season Prediction

It’s hard not to think that things are now going to be very tough for Braintree Town. I’m not going to pretend to know too much about Pitt beyond what I can locate quickly enough online, but it’s a tough challenge for anybody to walk in and improve a team already performing at a decent level without getting the results while potentially needing to reduce the budget. I fear Braintree are more likely to drop than survive at this point.

The Reality

Braintree Town had a really fun summer from a neutrals point of view.

Those that won promotion to the National League were gone following the decision to move to a full-time programme with some seriously recognisable names arriving in the form of Inih Effiong, John Akinde, Matt Robinson, James Vennings and Jamal Fyfield. A couple of gambles were taken but on the whole, Angelo Harrop had built a squad with around 16 players that would clearly have what it took to perform at National League level.

In early December, Harrop left and it was a surprise those not in the know. The Iron were in and around the relegation zone but there was a clear fight about the group, only losing by more than one goal twice in their first 18 league matches – away at Oldham Athletic and Barnet – while continuing to pick up wins when they needed them. Then came the bombshell: chairman Lee Harding claiming the summer spending could have put them out of business (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3vrk9q6y13o).

Oh.

Months on, I’m not entirely sure what to make of it. I don’t know exactly how things are run but the idea that the chairman of a football club, whose job presumably is to look after the growth and financial security of the football club in the short and long term, can pin the blame on somebody else for spending recklessly is baffling. If Harrop was asking for too much money, could you not just tell him... no? Was there not an accountant grabbing them both and saying “we can’t afford this”?

Whatever the situation, Braintree Town needed to cut the budget. A few players left. A new manager arrived in the form of Steve Pitt, a former assistant at the club who, at least from the information I can get hold of, has not managed at this level previously. They had one striker on the books. There was a required change in net. The squad was thin to the point people were playing out of position. They filled the bench just once in 2025 and were calling up bodies from a youth set-up that doesn’t really exist in order to fill the squad out for emergencies.

And yet, from 5^th December 2024, the date Steve Pitt was appointed as managed, to 5^th May, the final day of the season, Braintree Town were the 10^th best team in the National League having won 10 of their 25 league matches.

I can’t pretend to know exactly how bad things were behind the scenes financially. I can’t pretend to know how much the players were affected by ongoings. But you can see when a group have been galvanised by a situation. They were written off by many, including myself, and threw those predictions back in our faces. The lack of options created a simplicity around selection. Players dug in, did the hard yards, played with their backs against the wall and thrived in the situation. They beat all of the top three at home while earning results against Southend United, Gateshead, Eastleigh, Sutton United, Hartlepool United and Solihull Moors.

The pub team from Essex had survived and survived relatively comfortably in the finish. A job well done to all involved.

The Stats

Braintree Town’s survival was one based on fine margins and being hard to beat. Their National League matches contained the third fewest goals total per game on average (2.39) with an average of 1.7 goals being scored in matches at Cressing Road.

They did have trouble in front of goal over the campaign. They scored the joint fourth fewest goals (51), second fewest goals at home (31), fewest second half goals (23), scored 3+ goals on 3 occasions (second lowest) and did not score more than 2 goals in any home matches. The flip side is that they were difficult to beat. They conceded 18 goals at home (third fewest) while the 59 goals conceded across the season was the best outside of the top seven (joint with Woking). They finished the season by conceding 1 or 0 in the 22 matches they played in 2025.

Fast starts were important. No side scored more goals in the first 10 and first 15 minutes of matches (joint with Altrincham). They had an impressive record against top 7 sides, collecting 27% of their points against the best the league had to offer (third highest). They showcased their dirty side by committing the joint second most fouls per game (12.1). The hope will be to build on a season of survival and attract more supporters – their 1.15k average attendance is the smallest in the National League.

What Happens Next?

It’s 22^nd May when I write this and my early thoughts are that Braintree Town are favourites for the drop.

The Iron have the smallest attendance in the division. The owner has admitted costs need cutting. There will be outgoings to cut costs further and the replacements are likely to be signed with a smaller budget. They haven’t been able to fill their squad for most of the season and a lot of their recruitment since the summer has been short-term stopgaps or cheap additions to help them out.

I’m not in the business of writing anybody off at this stage of the summer. Non-league is a curious world and there is a long old way to go until the first whistle of the 2025-26 campaign is blown – the picture could change quite a lot. Braintree have also defied the odds on a number of occasions in recent years and that includes last season.

It’s a big summer for Steve Pitt, whose experience as a Director of Football at local clubs could prove handy in putting together a competitive squad. He did a brilliant job after arriving in December and I wouldn’t put it past the club to produce again. However, there is no denying it’s going to be very difficult.

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Dagenham and Redbridge

Position: 21^st

Record: P 46; W 12 D 16 L 18; F 61 A 62 GD –1; Pts 52

Most Starts: Paul Kalambayi (39)

Top Goalscorer: Josh Rees (16)

Most Assists: Ryan Hill (7)

Clean Sheets: 10

Discipline: Jake Hessenthaler (7Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 13^th

Dagenham and Redbridge did plenty of good work last season rectifying the culture and togetherness of the group. The new ownership haven’t walked in and ripped what has worked up, instead offering support to Strevens. I think the additions at centre-back and in midfield compliment the experience already available and they have a plethora of options in attack. I don’t think is the season Daggers make a major push, but I do see them improving and moving up the table slightly.

Mid-season Prediction

More of the same. I see Strevens likely to find himself papering over the cracks until the end of the season when issues can be addressed, provided they are. That means a bottom half finish and all parties needing to agree on how they see the future. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a big change or two, particularly given the rumours swirling around at present.

The Reality

There’s a big difference between having knowledge of what you have seen and are seeing compared to the reality of what is going on behind the scenes.

It was 23^rd December when I wrote my mid-season preview and my understanding was that there were a couple of issues behind the scenes but Strevens would be more than capable of papering the cracks and getting something sorted while things iron themselves out. I’ve not really come across the idea that the Dagenham ownership are actively causing problems for the club, even if there has been fair frustration over the football side of things and general communication, so I’m assuming that they will be fine.

Three days later, Braintree beat them 4-2 at Victoria Road and Strevens is sacked. But it gets worse. Elliot Justham is gone by early February amid continued contractual issues. Tom Eastman gets injured. Michael Hector signs only to quickly become a key figure in Ballers League and isn’t seen again. A number of signings have been made in the wake of Strevens’ departure, mostly young lads with minimal first-team experience. Connor Parsons signed on New Year’s Day only to leave on 4^th February. Fan favourite Junior Morias was pushed out of the door following a loan and promptly scored twice against them a month later for Woking. Key injuries continued. The team failed to win any of Lewis Young’s first 12 matches as permanent boss, losing eight.

Ah yes, Lewis Young. The noise is that he was going to follow Strevens out of the door on moral grounds only to sign a long-term deal to take Strevens’ job. That he aligned himself with Sporting Director James King, a man who started the season at Ebbsfleet United – yes, we know how that turned out – and pitched up at Dagenham and Redbridge only to be removed by mid-March owing to noisy protests from supporters over numerous failings didn’t help. And where do we begin with the Marwan Serry debacle? Not to mention the fans’ forum around the same time.

King left Dagenham and Redbridge on 18^th March and if there was any question of how important that was, it was answered by the players who dug out a 1-0 win on the road at FC Halifax Town. That win would spark a nine-match end of season run in which Lewis Young’s side would collect 18 points. They would concede more than one goal just once – away at Gateshead – and thumped Altrincham 6-1 on the penultimate day to put their fate in their own hands.

The problem was that that win over Altrincham was just the second time the team had scored more than once since a 2-0 win over Ebbsfleet United on New Year’s Day. Young had found some consistency with the rest of the XI but form and fitness was lacking in the final third and goals were hard to come by. It left them needing a win on final and despite creating chance after chance late on, the best they could muster was a draw. Wealdstone won. Dagenham and Redbridge were relegated.

The angering aspect of this relegation is that it was so avoidable. This wasn't a part-time or low budget club unable to beat expectations or a big club with financial issues clouding them. This was a sporting failure. This was a club that made bad decision after bad decision and they suffered the worst possible fate.

The Stats

Dagenham and Redbridge were relegated with a goal difference of –1. This is ludicrously small for a relegated team – it was the best goal difference outside of the top 9 – and I’ve gone back through previous years to see if this has been matched. The closest goal difference for a relegated club since 1990 is Altrincham, who were relegated with a goal difference of –9 in 1999/2000.

The Daggers’ survival hopes lay on account of their ability to score goals in front of their home fans – their 44 was the joint third most goals scored at home in the league, no doubt helped by the 13 they put past Altrincham and Gateshead. The Daggers created the third highest quality of chance per shot taken, perhaps helped by the number of penalties they won (10, joint third most) and opponents sent off (7, second most).

So where did it all go wrong? Mentality, perhaps. They had issues on the road, their record (3-10-10) being the third worst in the league with their 17 goals the second fewest. They scored two goals on two occasions away from home and never more than two. No side lost more points from the 75^th minute of a game (19, the most by at least 6). They had the joint third worst points per game record when conceding first, collecting four points from those 18 matches. And they collected the joint third fewest points against bottom half sides (27, ahead of the bottom two). Given the Daggers spent 54.7% of their time drawing (second highest), some of those statistics are brutal and show how frail the group were at times.

What Happens Next?

James King is gone. Marwan Serry is gone. Lewis Young has been sacked post-season. Tom Eastman and Josh Rees have departed. We are likely going to get wholesale changes in East London this summer and it is probably warranted as the club attempt to turn things around following an awful campaign.

Since writing the above in May, the club have employed Lee Bradbury as manager and Jerry Gill as his assistant. Corey Panter, Reggie Young and Sam Howes have arrived with most of the elder statesmen (Eastman, Hector, Hessenthaler, Ling, Rees) departing, suggesting a big change in direction.

The concern is that as of late June, there is still a lot of work to be done while many other clubs are getting big business done and have settled squads. It shouldn’t be underestimated how strong the National League South is next season with Chelmsford City, Dorking Wanderers, Eastbourne Borough, Ebbsfleet United, Hornchurch, Maidenhead United, Maidstone United, Torquay United and Worthing amongst those looking to kick on.

The Daggers are full-time and will have one of the biggest budgets in the division, so the expectation is that they will challenge towards the top. But with one automatic promotion place up for grabs and the play-offs a lottery, there is every reason to believe their return to the top tier of non-league football is not a foregone conclusion.

Eastleigh

Position: 13^th

Record: P 46; W 14 D 17 L 15; F 58 A 61 GD –3; Pts 59

Most Starts: Joe McDonnell (46)

Top Goalscorer: Tyrese Shade (14)

Most Assists: Tyrese Shade (6)

Clean Sheets: 12

Discipline: Ludwig Francillette & Richard Brindley (9Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 22^nd

Eastleigh have some excellent players and will always be a danger to opponents because of that. They had some big lows last season. I have reservations over their business with two stepping into full-time football, three having limited senior appearances, one doesn’t appear to have an obvious role and the other has played 30+ games once in five years. Of the rest, it looks like the spine will contain a number of players in their 30’s which does little to dispel my concerns over mobility. I can’t say I have a handle on Kelvin Davis as a manager and it could go either way. I’m not convinced Eastleigh go down and 22^nd could have been one of seven sides. I just feel a little less convinced Eastleigh stay up above those other teams.

Mid-season Prediction

More of the same. I think Eastleigh slide a little further down the table and end up in the bottom half, but I don’t foresee them being in a position where their league status comes under threat. My hope as a neutral is that one or two of the younger players start to shine – I'm looking at Tyrese Shade, Angel Waruih and Noah Boutin.

The Reality

I’m still really frustrated that I plumped for Eastleigh to go down ahead of Ebbsfleet United at the last minute. Fuming with myself.

This felt like a very Eastleigh season in truth. Unable to do enough to challenge the play-off positions but more than capable of avoiding danger with relative comfort. They had some good moments such as starting the season with four wins in a row, going on a run of 3 losses in 17 and winning three in a week in February but also spiralled with runs of 2 in 13 and 14, the latter season ending. Factor in those runs containing so many draws and you find a side that weren’t easy to beat but not always threatening either.

It wasn’t always pretty. Eastleigh were a pretty uncompromising outfit at times, direct and with a tendency to focus on being hard to beat rather than looking to be progressive. They were a side that relied heavily on set-piece situations – as proven by Ludwig Francillette’s output in the final third – while older heads such as Paul McCallum, Chris Maguire and Jake Taylor all chipped in with plenty of goal contributions.

However, while the average age of the team per game only dropped by 0.1, it felt as though there was a slight change in approach. For starters, eight of Eastleigh’s most used 10 players were aged 30 or over by the end of the previous league campaign, a number that dropped to five this time around with four of the others being 26 or younger. Francillette played a role but Tyrese Shade stepped up as the main man in attack while Angel Waruih and Noa Boutin showed there is a pathway for younger players to step up at Eastleigh.

A frustrating and almost nothing kind of campaign on the face of it, but Eastleigh may just find themselves becoming a little more serious.

The Stats

As noted in the above, Eastleigh drew quite a few games – 17 to be exact, the joint third most in the division behind Hartlepool United and Woking. This perhaps isn’t a huge surprise given the Spitfires tended to start fast and finish slow – they had the 6^th best first half record in the National League and 4^th worst second half record while winning just four points after the 75^th minute of matches. Also, their games were fairly low margin with the Spitfires scoring 3 or more goals on four occasions, joint third fewest, but also conceded 3 or more goals on four occasions, joint second fewest.

Stylistically, there is a lot to unpack. Eastleigh were powerful and aggressive in their work and often crossed the line, their record of 113 yellow cards and six reds the worst in the division. Kelvin Davis’ side won ten penalties, joint third most, but also scored the most own goals (4). They had the joint second fewest shots per game (8.4), completed the second fewest successful dribbles (11.2) and had the fourth worst PPDA, suggesting they weren’t exactly fun to follow but were effective in their work.

Eastleigh were a side capable of beating the sides beneath them and incapable of getting sufficient results against those above. Just three of their 15 losses came against bottom half teams with 69% of their points accrued against such opposition. They were unbeaten against the bottom seven and collected 20 points from the relegated clubs, joint third most. However, the flip side is that their eight points won against top seven sides was the joint third fewest.

What Happens Next?

Eastleigh are in a decent spot. Their manager has been in place over a year, the club are settled at boardroom level, they have an experienced leadership group and younger players starting to step up and are quite comfortable financially at the level.

Recruitment is once again the obvious things – and they did a decent enough job last season on that front – but it will be interesting to see whether Kelvin Davis can take the team to the next level too in terms of more quality in possession and being more on the front foot out of possession. Joe McDonnell is the most notable absentee and has been replaced by Nick Townsend while Maidstone United pair Temi Eweka and Aaron Blair step up a level.

There’s no reason why Eastleigh can’t crack the top 10 next year, but I would like to see what the rest of their recruitment looks like.

Ebbsfleet United

Position: 24^th

Record: P 46; W 3 D 13 L 30; F 38 A 98 GD –60; Pts 22

Most Starts: Mark Cousins (43)

Top Goalscorer: Aaron Cosgrave (8)

Most Assists: George Moncur (3)

Clean Sheets: 7

Discipline: Toby Edser (11Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 19^th

While putting together my predictions, I’ve had Ebbsfleet bouncing all across the bottom half of the table. I have concerns around consistency with a number of new signings coming in on the back of difficult campaigns owing to form and injury, particularly in defence. The Fleet only have four players start 30 or more games last term and we may see similar figures. There is quality, there is depth, there are a few more round pegs in round holes and they probably won’t have to rely on short-term stopgaps. They should have enough, but I’m not sure it will be too pretty.

Mid-season Prediction

To reach 50 points, Ebbsfleet United will need to achieve 1.78 points per game. Or to put it another way, they need to be the 4^th or 5^th best performing team in the National League across the second half of the season to even give themselves a chance of survival. And given the mess he (Josh Wright) inherits, I can’t see Ebbsfleet finishing anywhere other than inside the bottom four, most likely bottom.

The Reality

The damage was done in the summer.

Danny Searle was given the manager’s position following an excellent spell as interim during which he helped The Fleet maintain their position in the National League. He brought in his staff – including one James King – and what was followed was, for lack of a better word, crap.

Searle changed formation for the new season, moving away from the three-at-the-back system that had been common in recent years and played 4-3-3, a shape that immediately highlighted the flaws present in a team that was ageing and lacked mobility. Despite Searle discussing having more round pegs for round holes, too many players found themselves playing out of position. A high volume of personnel changes were made game to game and Searle and his staff were removed after seven winless matches, the team earning a single point having scored just four goals and conceded 18.

Harry Watling took things on from there. Young manager. Big ideas. He spoke of clarity and work ethic rather than drilling down into tactical blueprints and he arrived as Ebbsfleet won their first match. And yet, it got worse.

Why? CEO Damian Irvine stated Watling “couldn’t get on top of the job” which was the kind way of putting it. Not necessarily wrong, either. Watling had ideas he wanted to implement but every time they took a step forward, the team took two steps back and the ex-QPR coach was brutally honest in his assessments, talking early about how the team find new ways to shoot themselves in the foot to stating he “had seen enough” a month a half in and wanted change.

Change was part of the problem, however. Watling couldn’t settle on a shape or formation and averaged 3.25 changes to the starting XI during his 13 matches in charge. Of the signings made during his brief spell, most were lads that needed to rebuild fitness having been out of the game and didn’t lower the average age of the team. For the most part, it wasn’t a lack of effort but an inability to change the narrative from a side that couldn’t get over the line.

After 13 matches, one win, eight defeats, 11 goals scored, 28 conceded and a humiliating loss to local rivals Maidstone United in the cup, Harry Watling was gone.

Josh Wright was announced as stepping in and quietly took the full-time position, ending his career as a footballer in the process. David Kerslake stuck around as his assistant while Colin Gordon was appointed Head of Football.

The Fleet were basically relegated by mid-December. They would remain the worst side in the division from that point onwards, collecting 13 points from 25 matches and averaging two goals conceded per game. However, Wright spoke with an honesty and vulnerability that seemed to galvanise people and while they weren’t playing for anything than pride, there was an increased application and improved attitude on the pitch. Wright opted for a simpler formation and shape, kept a smaller group of players together and introduced younger bodies to the group.

They got their moment. Ebbsfleet beat AFC Fylde 1-0 in mid-March to earn just a second league win of the season, a game or two before their relegation was officially confirmed. They also beat Sutton United 4-1 to collect what would be their final points of the league campaign.

This was an embarrassment of a season from start to finish but at least ended with something to cling on to moving forward.

The Stats

Here are a list of areas in which Ebbsfleet United were the worst team in the National League. Wins (3); losses (30); goals scored (38); goals conceded (98); goal difference (-60); home record (3-7-13); home goals scored (18); home goals conceded (41); away record (0-6-17); away goals conceded (57); first half record; second half record; first half goals scored (12); points won after the 75^th minute (2); games failed to score in (22); scoring 3+ goals (2); goals in first 15 minutes (0); home goals in first 20 minutes (0); first goal scored (7); time leading (6.8%); time trailing (41.5%); record when scoring first; record when conceding first; penalties conceded (10); shots per game (7.5); xGD; box entries.

Elsewhere, Ebbsfleet United were the oldest team in the division based on average age of players used (28.9), which is impressive given they used 44 players, the most second most in the division. Ebbsfleet collected as many points against top half sides than they did against bottom half teams.

What Happens Next?

Change. Josh Wright has the keys to the kingdom and his job is to make changes to the squad in order to commit to a promotion push in 2025/26 as part of what is shaping up to be the most competitive National League South division ever. Their retained list showed nine players as being in contract with a couple of others since signing terms and 12 being officially released, suggesting a decent turnover in playing staff. Ben Coker and Kwesi Appiah are the high-profile additions to date.

It’s tough to say exactly how they will fare in terms of the promotion race but Wright having got his foot in the door before pre-season and knowing what he wants and needs gives them an opportunity. I would expect a top seven finish.

FC Halifax Town

Position: 6^th

Record: P 46; W 19 D 13 L 14; F 50 A 46 GD +4; Pts 70

Most Starts: Adam Senior (46)

Top Goalscorer: Jamie Cooke (7)

Most Assists: Florent Hoti (5)

Clean Sheets: 17

Discipline: Jamie Cooke (9Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 15^th

It’s part of the National League table predicting process to be down on The Shaymen after the departure of a number of key players / leaders, which leaves them short on paper and relying on one or two new signings plus others already at the club ready to step up only to see them be hard to beat, organised and capable of winning football matches on their way to a top half finish. I've had them all over the bottom half this summer and much lower than 15^th, but as we reach the start of the season, I feel comfortable that they’re in decent shape and should comfortably retain their spot in the National League. I think they’ve addressed key losses, have players ready to step up and will do what Halifax Town do.

Mid-season Prediction

I’m confident they remain in the top half. Their body of work over a long period tells me they have every chance of finishing in the top seven. Will they? If the rumours of Scott High returning are true, I’d feel more confident. Either way, they will be in the conversation come the final few games, I feel.

The Reality

They did what FC Halifax Town do and proved almost the entire National League community wrong by finishing in the top seven for the second season in a row.

Chris Millington has been up against it as Halifax boss. He has been working with one of the smallest budgets in the division since replacing Pete Wild and the modus operandi has been to develop players over time to a point where they are capable of playing at a higher level. They lost key men in the form of Jamie Stott, Jack Hunter, Kane Thompson-Sommers and Tylor Golden the previous summer as well as the experienced Luke Summerfield and Jordan Keane. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Millington fielded just three players aged 27 or older – goalkeeper Sam Johnson, striker Billy Waters and Josh Emmanuel.

Another big problem was the pitch at The Shay. There was minimal home advantage, his young squad often playing on a cabbage patch pitch with Millington regularly acknowledging the problem, including his need to take players out of the starting XI to look after developing bodies at home. And it didn’t help with an injury situation that meant only two players managed 75% of available minutes and only Adam Senior was able to start more than 33 games as an outfielder. And then you consider talk around whether Halifax will be able to compete in the end of season play-offs due to the Shay being sold by the council to Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy.

Yet Millington and his staff focused on what they could do. They beat Barnet on opening day and from mid-September, they sat between 5^th and 11^th in the league table, always involved in the play-off race. Key to their eventual 6^th place finish was a mid-season run of 20 games in which they won 11 and lost three, taking points off each of the top three away from home in the process. They were able to find some consistency in selection at points with Adam Senior and Will Smith regulars in defence, Ryan Galvin and Angelo Cappello switching at left-back / left wing-back and Scott High and Jack Evans forming a midfield partnership for a period.

But they found themselves limping over the line when it mattered most. I’m not normally one to give credence to injuries but fans had every reason to feel aggrieved as goalkeeper Sam Johnson – who hadn't missed a league game since 2017/18 – was struck down along with Will Smith, Scott High, Lewis Leigh, Jack Evans, Festus Arthur, Jo Cummings, Max Wright and Adan George. Billy Waters and Andrew Oluwabori were long gone and their late-season additions to help get them over the line were two 20-year-olds and a 21-year-old with minimal first-team experience. The cycle continues.

Oldham Athletic away. Play-off eliminator. After 12 minutes, they were 3-0 down. Millington made a double substitution on 16 to try and salvage some pride and admitted afterwards that he selected a team he felt could play with more energy but the lack of physicality killed them against an experienced, powerful Oldham side. Season done.

The Stats

FC Halifax Town weren’t a particularly enjoyable side to watch for the neutral – not for the first time. Their 46 goals conceded was the fifth best in the division behind the top four while their 50 goals scored was the joint second lowest in the league with AFC Fylde. Their matches contained the fewest goals per game total (2.09), second fewest goals per game total at home (2) and joint third fewest goals per game away (2.17). Both teams scored in 43% of matches, joint second lowest. They conceded 3 or more goals on just four occasions, joint second best. Only two sides scored fewer than Halifax’s 22 at home.

As noted, Halifax had issues at home so it was important they impressed on the road. No side had a bigger difference of points accrued away from home against home, the Shaymen earning 0.26 points per game more on the road. They conceded the joint fewest goals away from home (22) and had the third best away record (10-8-5) behind the top two.

Unsurprisingly, Chris Millington’s team were the youngest in the division based on minutes played (24.8). That led to a fearlessness that had its pros and cons, Halifax having the fourth best PPDA, being the second most fouled team and seeing seven opponents sent off, also second highest. However, they also conceded nine penalties, which was joint second highest. A major issue was their ability to score, their quality of chance per shot the lowest in the division while they ranked second bottom for box entries and bottom for box entries per touch of the football.

What Happens Next?

I’m concerned by what happens next for FC Halifax Town.

It’s no surprise to see that players have departed with Adam Senior, Jack Evans and Ryan Galvin the latest in a long line of Halifax players in recent years to step into the EFL but Chris Millington’s decision to depart is a big blow. This doesn't feel like when Pete Wild departed and his assistant and fellow coaching staff stepped into the fray. This feels like a body blow.

Adam Lakeland has taken the baton and he faces a tough task getting Halifax to punch above their weight once more – at least in budget if not size of club. The primary positive to date is confirmation that the pitch is going to be fixed but there remains an awful lot of work to be done with regards to the squad. I’m reserving judgement for now.

Forest Green Rovers

Position: 3^rd

Record: P 46; W 22 D 17 L 7; F 69 A 42 GD +27; Pts 83

Most Starts: Jamie Robson & Adam May (46)

Top Goalscorer: Christian Doidge (12)

Most Assists: Kyle McAllister (7)

Clean Sheets: 16

Discipline: Sean Long (9Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 2^nd

I’ve chopped and changed my title winners between Barnet and Forest Green Rovers. I’ve backed the former but it remains tight. I envisage Forest Green being a different animal this season, a team that learns how to win again, learns how to hold on to leads, manage football matches and do the ugly stuff much better. They will be solid defensively, will have obvious outlets and should improve their set-piece record. I think Cotterill will get the backing to add one or two more through the season when necessary too, which could play a key role. I’m confident they finish in the top three and it should be tight towards the top.

Mid-season Prediction

They’ll be in the conversation for the title and certainly for the top three. While their underlying numbers aren’t as exciting as others, there is a lot of experience and knowhow in and around the Forest Green dressing room which means you can rely on them to turn tight games in their favour and continue doing the basics right. I’m not going to predict a title win. I think they stay in the top three.

The Reality

It started so well.

On 16^th November, Forest Green Rovers topped the division. They had had a strong summer on the face of it with Steve Cotterill reducing the size of the squad, adding players from the same or higher levels with plenty of experience. Improved dressing room culture. And they flew out of the traps, collecting 40 points from their opening 18 matches to sit at the top of the National League table, beating York City to reach that point.

The campaign didn’t go to plan from there. Having won 12 of their opening 18, Cotterill’s side would win just 10 of the next 28 and collected 15 and 22 fewer points than the two teams they were hoping to challenge for the title.

It was a slow burn. That win against York was the seventh of a 19-match unbeaten run that would finish with seven draws from the final 12. The unbeaten run ended with defeat at Braintree Town and from thereon, Forest Green would produce mid-table form, collecting 21 points from 16 matches.

And then onto the play-offs where they faced off against Southend United in a topsy-turvy affair that outshone the shambles of a Europa League final with a fairly entertaining, drama filled semi-final only to fall short on penalties.

My primary thoughts are that the difference between FGR and the others they were contending with was the control they had over matches. While the Gloucestershire outfit have forwards more than capable of playing in the EFL, their approach in the final third felt more about individualism than a team with clear patterns and approach play in the final third. They were sound defensively for the most part and progressed into the final third well while also making good use of set-pieces, but that lack of control meant they failed to consistently create quality chances and left themselves vulnerable.

If there is a statistic that shows the frustration of their final third play, it is perhaps that across the team’s final 31 matches, strikers Joe Quigley, Harry Cardwell and Christian Doidge managed just seven goals, and just two of those came when starting matches.

And yet, while there is undoubtedly frustration that a club with one of the biggest budgets in the league couldn’t keep pace with the top two, I don’t think this was a bad season. It’s easy to forget that the club suffered back-to-back relegations, with various managers and sporting directors passing through along the way. To catapult themselves into a push for promotion immediately suggests that they got plenty right, while also needing to acknowledge there is still a lot of work to do.

The Stats

Forest Green Rovers didn’t lose too many games – they lost one fewer than second place York City. They also rank second for fewest goals conceded (42), fewest goals conceded at home (17), games in which they conceded 1 or 0 (37) and games conceding 3 or more (3) – Forest Green were good defensively. And they rank third in areas such as best home record (15-7-1), most time leading (33.2%), least time trailing (17.3%) and record when conceding first (1 PPG earned).

The big kickers were sitting third for most draws (17), losing the third most points in the division after the 75^th minute (12) and having the biggest home v away difference, collecting 0.91 points per game more at the New Lawn than away from it – work to do on the road.

Stylistically, there was good and bad. Forest Green completed the third fewest successful dribbles per game (11.6) but were also the third most fouled team. Their goals difference compared to their expected goal difference was the biggest in the division, overperforming at both ends. It helps that they conceded the second lowest quality of chance per shot conceded.

Finally, no side used fewer players than FGR’s 26. They were the only club to have more than one player start all 46 league matches.

What Happens Next?

Forest Green Rovers have the budget. They have a manager that has been there and done it. They have a squad containing leaders and a lot of excellent National League players of a good age. There is no reason why they shouldn’t be right towards the top end of the division.

My intrigue lies in whether Cotterill can find or coach that extra control, fitness, mentality or whatever else to turn those draws into victories, to keep the ball better, to create better chances and take them. They’re not far off but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to improve.

As of right now, my prediction is play-offs.

Gateshead

Position: 8^th

Record: P 46; W 19 D 10 L 17; F 76 A 68 GD +8; Pts 67

Most Starts: Luke Hannant (44)

Top Goalscorer: Luke Hannant (15)

Most Assists: Luke Hannant (10)

Clean Sheets: 11

Discipline: Luke Hannant & Regan Booty (10Y 0R)

Pre-season Prediction: 11^th

They’ve roped me back in. I had big concerns around Gateshead to the point I considered them for my bottom four. I have no doubts over the quality of the starting XI or the quality of football they will play, but it’s a system that requires everybody to be on song and their depth looked to be entirely young lads stepping into the game, which would have led to some short-termism in stopgap signings and similarities to their first season back under Williamson when they required a late fight back. And then in the space of a week, they let a number of young players depart on loans and signed Jacob Butterfield and Mark Beck. They are serious. They will be quality operators. They might just fall short in another push for the play-offs.

Mid-season Prediction

I wrote Gateshead off in pre-season so I’m loathe to do it again. But also, I think they’re finishing outside of the top three. I love what they are about but feel they’re a little behind Oldham Athletic, York City, Barnet and Forest Green Rovers in terms of budget, knowhow and defensive strength. I dislike that predicting Gateshead to finish 4^th or 5^th sounds negative because it really isn’t. Their budget is small compared to most, they’ve lost their first-team coaching staff (which included their long-serving centre-back) while their captain and arguably best player is missing the campaign with a broken leg suffered on opening day. As a neutral, it’s easy to get behind the Northeast outfit and would love it if they prove me wrong.

The Reality

It was 23^rd December when I wrote the mid-season review and Gateshead were 4^th, eight points clear of 6^th and nine clear of 8^th. They had scored just two fewer than Barnet and York City. It felt inconceivable at the time that the top five wouldn't finish up as the top five, or at least top six given Rochdale's games in hand.

From the date I released that piece, Gateshead were the fifth worst team in the league, losing 12 of their final 23 matches and conceding 40 goals. They collected just seven points from their final 12, including a final day goalless draw with Southend United in a shoot-out for the final play-off spot. The performance was symptomatic of their end of season run, having plenty of the ball but lacking confidence and looking vulnerable.

Their issues lay in the constant player churn. Greg Olley breaking his leg was unfortunate, as was Jacob Butterfield doing his ACL while Kenton Richardson and Joe Grayson managed just 25 starts between them. Rob Elliot, Louis Storey and Chris Bell jumped at the chance to join Crawley Town. Ben Radcliffe and Josh Williams didn’t last long on loan, both departing in January while Callum Whelan and Owen Oseni were sold and Regan Booty missed a couple of matches while his future was looked at.

On 8^th February, Gateshead played their first match after the transfer window. Only Luke Hannant, Robbie Tinkler and Regan Booty remained from the starting XI that played on opening day. While the club would back Carl Magnay with new some new additions, they were now playing catch-up.

Meanwhile, there were off-field issues to factor in, many of which Greg Olley made clear during this interview (https://x.com/GatesheadFC/status/1919486939402518666?t=9Q7f169PcxWj2eP78mOY7w&s=19). I still think it's quite something that the club posted this on their own channel, probably knowing Olley was close to departing.

Being a club in Gateshead's position financially, it was never going to be easy to retain top talent and keep punching above their weight but the way things have unfolded in the space of one season, from missing out on the play-offs due to being non-compliant with EFL rules and regulations to winning the FA Trophy to thriving in the league only to somehow miss out on the play-offs understandably leaves a bad taste in the mouth of fans and players.

The Stats

Gateshead were a lot of fun in general. Their matches saw the second most goals total (3.13) and also sat second for goals total away from home (3.3). It helped that they were largely excellent going forward, scoring the third most goals (76), joint most away from home (39) and they scored the second most first half goals (42). It makes sense with Gateshead sitting third for possession (55.8%), joint second for shots per game (12.8), first for crosses, first for penalties won (12) and second for PPDA against.

Gateshead were generally fine in the first half of matches and goals conceded in the final 15 minutes of matches only cost them three points. But the Northeast outfit ranked 13^th for their second half results and collected only four points from the 18 matches in which they conceded first, the third lowest points per game in the division.

Why? For starters, Gateshead used 45 players, more than any other National League side, and on average they had the third youngest team (25.6). They committed the third fewest fouls, which may suggest a soft spot and coincides with their PPDA increasing. But most damning is that they conceded the highest quality of shot conceded by (0.014xG per shot), which will have played a role in them conceding at least 20 more than any of the top seven.

What Happens Next?

There are a lot of lessons to be learned. At the time of writing, they have a transfer ban enforced by FIFA, have lost manager Carl Magnay to National League North South Shields, have allowed captain Greg Olley to leave the club, Regan Booty has shared his unhappiness with his own situation and fans are raising concern with chairman Bernard McWilliams trying to fan the flames with a series of statements. It’s an awkward situation the club finds themselves in.

I don’t think it’s unfair to suggest that the club’s aim first and foremost given the scale of change in recent times is to avoid being dragged into trouble. There are still good people at the football club and some good players that could help plan towards a more positive goal but they have to make a decision on whether they are to continue on with the same philosophy and culture that helped them rise, or start over with new ideology and freshen things up.

Since writing the above, ex-Blyth Spartans and Darlington boss Alun Armstrong has been appointed. He has already discussed bringing an identity back to the team and it will be interesting to see whether he manages to do that.

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Hartlepool United

Position: 11^th

Record: P 46; W 14 D 18 L 14; F 59 A 62 GD –4; Pts 60

Most Starts: Nathan Sheron (44)

Top Goalscorer: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (16)

Most Assists: Luke Charman (5)

Clean Sheets: 12

Discipline: Jack Hunter (8Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 5^th

Despite continued concerns around the club’s ownership, I see Hartlepool United having a positive campaign. The reasons are threefold. One, Darren Sarll enters clubs and tends to have a fast start, meaning we should see a Hartlepool United side that are up for the fight early doors, catch teams off guard and retain a high league position. Two, the squad suits what Sarll will want to see which is being dominant through the centre of the pitch physically supported by plenty of energy and quality delivery. Three, it’s a fairly reliable group with a number of players proving they can play regular football. Hartlepool won’t be a sexy team to watch, but they will be functional, reliable, hard to play against and will find a way to score goals. The question is whether they can find another gear to finish strongly, assuming my prediction of a fast start is correct.

Mid-season Prediction

A part of me wants to get behind them. They have an experienced spine, are already proving stronger in both boxes and there is more trust in the playing staff. The other part of me assumes that Lawrence and Limbrick are going to face new challenges as the season goes on with recruitment and injuries / knocks. They’re in the conversation for the top seven. I’ll predict them just missing out.

The Reality

Eurgh.

So, Darren Sarll had had three jobs prior to taking on Hartlepool United and started pretty punchy in each one. He inherited a squad with experience, physicality and a combative nature, which I figured may suit his preference for direct football. In some ways, I wasn’t wrong – Hartlepool worked hard, were hard to beat, made games tight and lost just one of their first eight. But they couldn’t buy a goal, partly because they were creating poor chances on average, and fans were quickly frustrated by it. Rather than form turning in their favour, it got worse and by mid-October, after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Brackley Town, he was gone.

The return of Lennie Lawrence to the dugout followed and simplification was the order of the day. A strong base, speed out wide, Dieseruvwe firmly installed as the main man and Hartlepool improved. He oversaw just three defeats in his 16 matches in charge, away at Barnet, York City and Gateshead, but an inability to turn draws into victories scuppered any further climb. Still, the team had settled down, consistent shape, clear game plan and there was a little more positivity on the field.

The 77-year-old ended his interim spell by handing the reins to assistant manager Anthony Limbrick, who had previous at this level with Woking. His time in charge wasn’t entirely fruitful, the Pools collecting 21 points from 17 matches, but there were positives to take as Limbrick took the handbrake off with a bold system designed to get wing-backs high up the pitch and two strikers on the field.

There were some successes. Reyes Cleary turned into one of the most dangerous wide men at the level, Dieseruvwe scored five in his last eight and the team in general went from one win in 11 to one loss in eight. Furthermore, their underlying numbers were strong with the team creating plenty and simply falling short in both boxes.

It’s a weird season to look back on. The continued off-field noise means positivity is few and far between for Hartlepool fans who want a reason to really get behind the club again. On the field, the team were never in danger of going down but equally fell short every time it looked like they may close the gap on those pushing for a shot at promotion.

The Stats

Reasons to be positive, reasons to be frustrated.

Let’s start with the latter. Hartlepool drew the second most games in the National League and when you consider they were level in matches for more time than anybody else (55.5% of minutes) but joint third for most points lost after 75 minutes (12), you get a picture of where their problems lay. Also, Hartlepool collected just nine points against bottom four teams, the joint third fewest in the league.

Another frustrating statistic is that the Pools were the second biggest underachievers against their xGD, being close to 20 goals short. But to frame it positively, it means that they were a top six side for xGD, conceded the lowest quality of shot conceded, ranked fifth for box entries and second for box entries per touch. Hartlepool did a lot of stuff well and it was only a lack of quality in good positions that hurt them.

Elsewhere, for additional nuance, it’s little surprise that a team put together by Darren Sarll ranked top for fouls conceded (12.4) while Hartlepool had the second oldest team based on minutes played (28.8).

What Happens Next?

On the day I wrote the above sections on Hartlepool United, Anthony Limbrick was removed from his post and Simon Grayson was employed in his place.

What level is Grayson at as a manager these days? It remains to be seen. He’s not managed a full season in England since leaving Preston North End in 2017 and has since managed Sunderland, Bradford City, Fleetwood Town, Bengaluru (India) and Lalitpur City (Nepal).

Meanwhile, off field issues remain. It was announced in March that Raj Singh would step down and stop funding the club after the last game of the season, but then Singh stated that nobody had the funds to run the club so he would step back in if supporters wanted him to, leading to fans choosing to keep him at the club, a decisions disputed by said fans who are a little dubious over the situation. Meanwhile, Jeff Stelling removed himself from the club speaking against the owner and the lack of communication to people paying to be involved.

The retained list suggests an awful lot of work needs to be done to convince players to stick around with the squad now looking bare. Will Grayson get a budget that enables him to push the club forward? How quickly can he get on top of the job, recruitment et al? It’s hard not to be concerned by where things go next, yet I’m pretty confident that they won’t go down.

Maidenhead United

Position: 22^nd

Record: P 46; W 14 D 10 L 22; F 57 A 75 GD –18; Pts 52

Most Starts: Casey Pettit (46)

Top Goalscorer: Shawn McCoulsky (16)

Most Assists: Nathan Ferguson (9)

Clean Sheets: 9

Discipline: Tristian Abrahams (9Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 20^th

I feel like I’m repeating myself every year with Maidenhead United. But it doesn’t matter whether they don’t have a first-choice striker at the moment, or may still lose Smith, or that their new full-backs are novices at the level. Devonshire and his team will have their finger on the pulse, they’ll add what they need to add, they’ll go on bad runs and good runs and bloody the noses of those in the top half at York Road and find a way to survive. They might finish higher than 20^th but so long as they stay in the National League, I’m not sure they will be too bothered.

Mid-season Prediction

In my head, there are three sides I feel are heading down. I’m struggling with the fourth. I confess to being prepared to put my head on the chopping block and consider Maidenhead United as that fourth team. But, they’ve faced such a tough opening to the campaign and walk away from it in touching distance of 20^th. I’m not ready to call it yet. The club’s experiences could prove pivotal.

The Reality

After sharing my season preview, I received a message from Lee Devonshire saying “Hi pal. Did you forget Tristan Abrahams plays for us at Maidenhead”.

Ffs.

The 2024/25 season would be the one where Maidenhead United finally fell through the trap door back into regional football after eight seasons in non-league's top tier. But unlike most relegations, this isn’t the story of a club who deserved to go down after a myriad of poor decisions but simply one who had punched above its weight season after season and finally fallen short. And even then, they can feel hard done by – the Magpies finished 22^nd with 52 points, enough to keep them up in eight of the last ten 46-game seasons with no side in 22^nd attaining more than 50. The pitfalls of such a competitive division.

When you’re a club of Maidenhead’s stature, it’s difficult to play catch up. They have a tendency to start slowly but are usually settled, allowing them to pick up the pace and respond positively. Losing four of their back seven within a couple of weeks of the season starting was unhelpful and extended the slow start. Ten matches, seven losses.

Still, this was Maidenhead United. They will find stability, they’ll hit a run or two and do enough to avoid any danger. And when they went five unbeaten in Autumn, it felt like we may be hitting the type of form they have a tendency to hit. They followed that up with three wins in 13. And then after two wins and a draw in February, they picked up five points from the next nine. By the end of the last run, they were four points adrift of safety with six to play, with the others above them having a game in hand.

They had a chance, but it was a small one. They had already signed a couple of forwards and it enabled them to revert away from the three-at-the-back system used in lieu of natural, dependable width. The fixture list looked kind on paper. They beat Tamworth. They beat FC Halifax Town. They earned points against Woking and Wealdstone. They beat already relegated Ebbsfleet United. And so to the final day and a home game against Boston United. They needed a win and for Dagenham and Redbridge and Wealdstone to fall short. They did their job convincingly, but it wasn’t enough.

As above, there are questions that can be asked, like any club that goes down. What would have happened if Kevin Lokko stayed fit? What if they could have got their full-backs up to speed earlier? If experienced pros such as Remy Clerima and Kane Ferdinand could have played a bigger part? If Jayden Mitchell-Lawson didn’t do his ACL in October. If Josh Johnson could have played more football after joining on loan. But ultimately, this was a case of a club generally doing good things, taking gambles, coming close but not quite having enough. It happens.

The Stats

Maidenhead United’s season could almost be boiled down to two statistics. Maidenhead United were one of two sides not to lose when scoring first, enjoying a 13-6-0 record in such matches. Maidenhead United had the second worst record when conceding first, collecting five points from the 25 matches in which they conceded the first goal.

Elsewhere, the Magpies couldn’t make their presence at York Road felt, having the second joint poorest home record (7-7-9) while on the road, only AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United lost more matches (13). They also won just two points after the 75^th minute in matches, the joint fewest in the division. It’s perhaps not too surprising given the Berkshire outfit averaged the second lowest possession (40.7%), took the joint second fewest shots per game (8.4), had the third fewest box entries and worst PPDA against. Maidenhead were a side that didn’t look after the ball and didn’t make the best of use of it when they had it.

And yet, as is tradition, Maidenhead did so much of their best work against the best in the division. The 17 points they collected vs top seven sides was the joint third highest in the league behind the top two, making up 32.6% of their points.

What Happens Next?

Maidenhead United play in the National League South. As noted above, it’s going to be a very competitive division with several full-time outfits so while the natural inclination is to suggest the Magpies will fancy an immediate return, it’s not going to be easy.

They drop with the consistency of their management team but have seen a number of players depart including long-serving captain Alan Massey, top scorers Shawn McCoulsky, Tristan Abrahams and Reece Smith as well as Craig Ross and Kevin Lokko while Casey Pettit will have suitors. But Devonshire is sticking around, the club are well run and I’m somebody who sees stability as important.

I’m not convinced they find themselves in the automatic promotion race. Top seven? They’ll be in the picture.

Oldham Athletic

Position: 5^th

Record: P 46; W 19 D 16 L 11; F 64 A 48 GD +16; Pts 73

Most Starts: Charlie Raglan (40)

Top Goalscorer: Mike Fondop-Talum (17)

Most Assists: Mike Fondop-Talum & Tom Pett (5)

Clean Sheets: 16

Discipline: Josh Kay (5Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 4^th

The general consensus will be that Oldham Athletic are aiming for promotion and understandably so – it's Oldham Athletic in the National League. They may achieve it this season, but I think they have a number of hurdles to overcome still as they look to realise that ambition. Micky Mellon and Darren Royle certainly seem aware of Oldham’s recent history, not winning promotion for over three decades while their back-to-back top half finishes were their first since 2008-09. They are learning lessons as an ownership, a fanbase, a football club, a management team and that will continue this term as they look to deal with expectation, improve home form, put together winning runs, respond to setbacks and more. I’m confident they finish in the top seven. League winners? Maybe not yet.

Mid-season Prediction

The Latics’ recent winning run has firmly established them as part of the title chasing pack and there a number of reasons to get behind them. They have already showcased a steeliness to earn results against three of their title contenders and the numbers look fine. The challenge to finish in the top three is definitely there. Can they win the league? I think they’ll fall short.

The Reality

Oldham started the season with two wins, followed by five 1-1 draws either side of defeat to Aldershot Town. They then backed that up with ten wins, two draws and one loss in 13 matches. You can see why I was so high on them leading into my mid-season review piece on 23^rd December.

Things got a little chaotic from there. Over the next month or so they would lose goalkeeper Mat Hudson, Tom Conlon, and Manny Monthe to injury as well as Sam Clucas and Josh Stones to transfers and things got a little messy. Having averaged around 1.45 changes to the starting XI per game in the first 21 matches, they would average 2.68 over the rest of the campaign.

There are two ways to look at things. On the one hand, they were able to sign the sort of players many in the division wouldn’t be able to get their hands on, let alone the number of players they added leaving them with a big squad. On the other, the constant chopping and changing of personnel as they attempted to cover for injury, suspension and departures led Mellon to having a very unsettled side over the rest of the league campaign. From 22^nd December, Oldham played 25 matches and were the 16^th best team in the league on a points-per-game basis. But they had done most of the hard work. And thanks in part to many of the sides in the race for the play-offs faltering, they were able to achieve play-off status.

There’s little denying that Oldham were the club to benefit most from the extended break before the play-offs took place. Manny Monthe returned to fitness. Joe Garner and Mike Fondop-Talum had time to set themselves. Corry Evans returned. Reagan Ogle had a little more time to get fit. By the time the play-offs started, the Latics were virtually at full strength. They hammered an undercooked, youthful FC Halifax Town and did the same to York City having initially punished an error playing out. What followed was a tremendous final in front of a huge crowd at Wembley despite all the issues leading into it. And having looked like they may fall short, two goals in quick succession in injury time got the job done and Oldham Athletic are once again an EFL club.

This wasn’t the easiest season to follow Oldham. Some similar issues of recent campaigns arose and they made far too many changes to the squad having initially settled down. But all that matters is that they got over the line, won promotion and can begin to look up once more. Hopefully they won’t have to wait over 30 years for their next promotion.

The Stats

Despite the turnover they faced during the campaign, the strength of character and depth at Oldham was rarely in question. Oldham Athletic were the only side not to drop points after the 75^th minute in matches and also won the joint most points during the same period (13). They also had the second best second half record.

Consistently doing good things helped: Oldham delivered the second most crossed and second most accurate crosses into the area while conceding the third lowest quality of chance conceded per shot. It’s little wonder they conceded 3 or more goals on just four occasions (joint second fewest). They also had the third best PPDA.

Experience was a key part of all that, the Latics having the joint third oldest team in the division based on minutes played (28.7). And being able to perform in front of the third biggest attendance in the league was important too.

What Happens Next?

Oldham Athletic play in the Football League once again and like so many before them, they will be looking up rather than down.

Manager Micky Mellon is now a six-time promotion winner and has achieved promotion out of League Two twice before. He steps up with a squad that has plenty of Football League quality and knowhow and the club has the financial power to attack the division should they choose to do so.

A top half finish is my initial prediction. Top seven? It depends on whether Mellon is able to build a side that can play consistently to avoid coming across the same issues they endured this term.

Rochdale

Position: 4^th

Record: P 46; W 21 D 11 L 14; F 69 A 44 GD +25; Pts 74

Most Starts: Sam Beckwith (43)

Top Goalscorer: Devante Rodney (17)

Most Assists: Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (9)

Clean Sheets: 18

Discipline: Sam Beckwith (9Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 14^th

I think another season of consolidation is likely for Rochdale. The new ownership aren’t getting carried away and are likely to focus their work on improving facilities, relationships and standards around the club as they bid to adhere to their goals. Recruitment for the first-team has followed a similar process to last year, McNulty taking on a small squad of players, many of whom are moving towards their prime years and are looking to develop their game while playing a patient, possession-based brand of football. There has been big change in the defensive area of the pitch and will be a lot of moving parts around the club generally. A mid-table finish as they set themselves up for a more consistent push in 2025-26 is where I see things heading.

Mid-season Prediction

I believe Rochdale are on the right path as far as the long-term is concerned and I expect them to continue learning as the season progresses. They will finish in the top half. Top seven? I’m not sure. They have now lost a third of their league matches this season, including six of their last 13 after such a positive start. I feel they may sink into the pack and it’s going to be about whether they can turn their style into one that creates chances more regularly. Keeping Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney fit could be the difference.

The Reality

I thought I had done Rochdale a minor disservice by suggesting they may drop down the league table, even while believing they would do good things and continue to grow after years of off field issues. They blew my expectations out of the water.

They had an interesting summer with some creative additions and started excellently, collecting 17 points from their opening eight matches, conceding just three goals. Then after back-to-back defeats, they added another seven points to leave themselves in 5^th. A good start.

What followed was a curious set of results: LWLWLWLWWLWL. Four of those losses came against eventually top seven opposition while the wins remained important to their goals, but the run itself showed there was a chink in the armour and why I wasn’t so confident heading into the second half of the campaign. Four draws and a loss followed with Rochdale dropping to 10^th – albeit with games in hands – and it felt like this could be a brutal end to the season.

The response was good. Across their final 16 matches they picked up 28 points, including four wins from five to secure their play-off spot with a game to spare. While there weren’t too many points in it, to finish 4^th and get that visual of being the best side outside of the runaway top three looked good.

The play-offs didn’t go to plan. They hosted Southend United and were on the wrong end of a barmy affair that finished 4-3 after extra-time having taken a two-goal lead. Rochdale had struggled to earn results against the sides around them all season and this was further evidence of the work in progress they remain.

Still, this was a positive campaign. While Rochdale aren’t paupers, they are also not as rich as some of the other clubs in the division and have had to work smart to give themselves a shot at promotion. They have a distinct, fairly unique style, plenty of good characters, an emotionally intelligent manager and some excellent players for the level. They got plenty right during the 2024-25 season and leave themselves with something to build upon.

The Stats

Rochdale were excellent defensively. They ranked fourth for goals conceded (44), joint third for fewest away goals conceded (23), third for clean sheets (18) and second for both games in which they conceded 1 or 0 (37) and for games in which they conceded 3 or more (4). Meanwhile, they weren’t so bad going forward, ranking third for games in which they scored 3 or more goals (12) and for goals scored in the second half (41). Little wonder they went 13 wins out of 13 when scoring first at home (only team with a perfect record.

What makes Rochdale unique is the style they used to manage all of that. They played a slow possession style and stood off in possession, making their games non-combative. They ranked fourth for PPDA against but bottom for PPDA for which led to them having the best discipline in the division (54 yellow cards and 1 red card), committing the fewest fouls per game (7.9) while also seeing their opposition receive the fewest cards (73 yellow cards, 1 red card) and being the least fouled team. The style worked with the ball – they ranked third for most successful dribbles and second for box entries.

The sour note in terms of their results was their record against the top and bottom sides in the division. They took the second fewest points of any side in the division against the top seven (7) while the percentage of points taken off the bottom four sides was the joint third lowest in the league.

What Happens Next?

It’s going to be an interesting season for Rochdale. They finished fourth and that isn’t going to be easy to match in what promises to be another very competitive National League campaign, and it means that even if they improve from the standpoint of preparing themselves for success longer term (the club had a three-year plan) but drop a couple of places in the league, or even miss out on the play-offs for various reasons – say an injury crisis – it's potentially not going to reflect all that well tangibly.

I like Jim McNulty and I think everything he does or says is for the benefit of his players and looking after them. He’s clearly emotionally intelligent and that goes a long way. And yet, I do wonder whether he may need to be a little more constructive, brave and / or ruthless when the time calls for it, avoiding some of the reasons he has a tendency to find when things haven’t gone their way. This isn’t saying he needs to change who he is – there is clearly plenty of good in what he’s doing and how he manages – but just that slight change to demand a little more from people and drive that consistency.

Elsewhere, I wonder if next steps for Rochdale to improve include being more aggressive without the ball – as above, their PPDA was the highest in the division – while McNulty made three or more changes on 26 occasions, which feels a lot. The signings of Dan Moss and Mani Dieseruvwe appear to be a step in the right direction as far as ambition goes and I’m looking forward to seeing how they go.

Solihull Moors

Position: 14^th

Record: P 46; W 16 D 10 L 20; F 61 A 67 GD –6; Pts 58

Most Starts: Alex Whitmore (43)

Top Goalscorer: Conor Wilkinson (13)

Most Assists: Jamey Osborne (10)

Clean Sheets: 6

Discipline: Conor Wilkinson (12Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 9^th

On the one hand, they have a pretty good spine in Walker, Clarke, Whitmore, Osborne and Campbell and there is better depth to the group on paper. On the other, I need more evidence around the reliability of the group as a whole, particularly in deep and attacking midfield, while Whing and Ward will face more expectation than last season having arrived at a point where there was nothing to lose. I think last season brought people together more and while I’m not sure they improve on last season’s remarkable finish in both league and cup, I think they are beginning to build for something better and should challenge.

Mid-season Prediction

Like a lot of sides in the race for a play-off spot, I can’t rule Solihull Moors out. Will they tighten up? Will they stop scoring so many? Will they just balance out? It’s all a little chaotic at the moment and I can’t answer any of those questions definitively. I remain concerned by the defensive area of the pitch, so I’m going to follow my gut and my pre-season prediction and say they’ll finish outside of the top seven.

The Reality

It’s hard to know where to begin with a season that promised plenty, hit some avoidable problems, got thrown right up in the air after New Year and ended miserably.

I wasn’t necessarily wrong with my pre-season prediction for Solihull Moors – there was quality but a lack of reliability with only Alex Whitmore, Jamey Osborne, Joe Newton and James Clarke starting more than 30 games. The fact that two of those would find themselves seemingly unfancied by the incoming Matt Taylor did little to help.

But Andy Whing was getting a tune out of people. They were short early doors, leading to a shift in formation that prioritised defensive solidity over quality but as bodies returned or were signed – Michael Adu-Poku had a big impact – they improved and jumped from 14^th to 6^th after eight wins from 13.

And so to my mid-season prediction of believing they may fall short, which proved correct. Only, I had no idea that Whing was going to head up to Barrow, Darryl Eales and Stephen Ward were going to outline that the outgoing boss had failed to match the club’s ambition of a top three league finish and put summer recruitment firmly at his door before employing Matt Taylor, much to the delight of Wealdstone supporters who felt they were going to be relegated under his management. A wild turn of events.

Things got bad. Taylor would lose eight of his first nine matches in charge and his only win in the first 15 came against Ebbsfleet United, the winner scored after the runaway winners of the wooden spoon had a man sent off. Taylor would do that rather frustrating thing of saying he takes responsibility before taking minimal accountability, often citing the fitness of the players he inherited from a poor availability point of view or at times questioning the desire and character of them.

Three wins on the spin coinciding with the return of Laurie Walker helped to ensure Moors avoided trouble and they played their part on the final day by somehow managing to deny Dagenham and Redbridge a winner. However, very little about their end of season form was convincing and a 14^th place finish, while having been the second worst side in the league in 2025, was far below their expectations.

The Stats

Solihull Moors started matches badly and tended to improve. They spent the third least time leading and second most time trailing, had the fourth worst first half record in the division, the worst record in the first 15 minutes of matches (4 scored, 12 conceded), conceded first 32 times, the most in the division, and kept the joint fewest clean sheets (6). And yet, the Moors had the ninth best second half record, won the joint most points after the 75^th minute (13) and had the best points-per-game record when they did score first, winning 12 and drawing two of 14, including a perfect record in all seven matches they scored first on the road.

Home form was an issue with them losing ten matches (most outside of the bottom two) and only Ebbsfleet United conceded more goals at home than Moors’ 40. Perhaps it’s a good job their attendance is the third smallest in the league.

Stylistically there wasn’t too much to note. They were the third most fouled team but didn’t utilise that to good effect in play, sitting 20^th for box entries and 23^rd for box entries per touch of the ball.

What Happens Next?

The 2025-26 campaign is a fascinating one for Solihull Moors.

This feels like Matt Taylor's final shot in management having struggled to get over hurdles at Shrewsbury Town, Walsall and Wealdstone and it’s fair to say he’s not popular with his new supporters.

Having referenced so many issues about the players he has inherited at Solihull Moors, he now has a full pre-season to work with a good friend in Stephen Ward to rectify those problems and while the budget isn’t at York City or Forest Green Rovers levels, it’s unquestionably healthy for the level. There are minimal excuses if this doesn't work out.

It means that we are about to see Matt Taylor the manager prove himself capable or his bosses are going to have to make an uncomfortable decision. And if that decision is made, how does it reflect on Ward? A lot of unanswered questions.

Southend United

Position: 7^th

Record: P 46; W 17 D 17 L 12; F 59 A 48 GD +11; Pts 68

Most Starts: Harry Taylor (45)

Top Goalscorer: Gus Scott-Morriss (17)

Most Assists: Charley Kendall & Leon Chambers-Parillon (5)

Clean Sheets: 18

Discipline: Cavaghn Miley (8Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 3^rd

No more distractions. No more off-field issues. Just a chance to look forward. They have a fantastic manager, a quality coaching staff, plenty of people behind the scenes that care, a quality group that have proven their togetherness over time and the ability to add more quality to that group with John Still helping lead that. This squad will be one of, if not the, best defensive sides in the division and amongst the best going forward – they will hope to improve on a record of scoring 15 goals less than expected last term. I could place Southend anywhere in the top three and feel comfortable with it.

Mid-season Prediction

If Southend United want to reach 75 points, they will need to accrue 2.09 points per game between now and the end of the season. That’s what the top three are currently hitting. For 70, it’s 1.89, which would be a top five performance. The chances of the Blues reaching the top seven at this stage are minimal. A top half finish is likely the focus now as the management team work towards building a team that can finally start the new season prepared and ready to go from the off.

The Reality

There was good and bad in the above predictions.

For the first time in a long time, Kevin Maher and his staff were able to introduce change but they were quickly dealt a number of blows. Ollie Kensdale left the club following an off-field incident, Harry Cardwell was sold to Forest Green Rovers after five matches while Cavaghan Miley was injured on matchday five and would wind up missing a fair portion of the season, all while a number of new additions, several made after the season had begun. That’s big change to the spine of the team and, for the first time in a long time, change in the dressing room too.

And so on 21^st December, they found themselves in 16^th position having won just six of their opening 23 matches, all while continuing to post strong, if not quite excellent, underlying numbers. And that last bit is why, despite being narrowly closer to the bottom four than the top seven, I was more concerned by whether they would reach the play-offs as opposed to fall closer to the trapdoor.

You can track the team’s progress over various points. For starters, the last time Southend lost back-to-back matches was in November and the first time they won back-to-back matches was during the Christmas period. And the thing about predicting them to finish 3^rd? From 6^th October onwards, so 33 matches, they were the fourth best team in the division, just two points shy of Forest Green Rovers.

What changed? My honest belief is that after the early inconveniences, the management team and players got themselves re-organised, re-established their principles and new leaders began to emerge. It helped establish a togetherness that improved their defensive record and the quality of their attack – Southend’s xG numbers across the season were the third best in the National League behind the top two come the end of the season.

Still, while they were managing to avoid defeat – five losses in their final 28 – they were still drawing too many games and couldn’t quite turn back-to-back wins into a run and they fell short of the 1.89 points-per-game needed for 70 points. Fortunately for them, only six teams managed to reach that figure allowing Southend United to earn a final draw away at Gateshead on final day to slip into 7^th on 68 points, the lowest points total for that position since the 2012-13 season (excluding COVID interrupted years).

Their play-off campaign was every bit as dramatic as you would expect for a club that have been on Southend’s journey over recent years. Three matches. Over 360 minutes of action. Sixteen goals. A comeback from 3-1 down away from home. A penalty shoot-out victory. A devastating loss in extra-time at Wembley after conceding twice in two minutes. Football is fun. Football is brutal.

Southend United have gone through a lot of heartache in recent years and while losing out on promotion in the manner they did will be hard to stomach and live long in the memory for all the wrong reasons, I’ve no doubt those associated with the club are proud of the way they have bounced back. They deserved that day out at Wembley and they now have something tangible to build upon.

The Stats

As noted above, Southend United were one of the better performing sides in the division. They ranked fourth for xG and third for xGD. No side produced more crosses or accurate crosses per game and were fourth for box entries, suggesting they played a style that allowed to get the ball into dangerous areas in the final third consistently and gain opportunities. Meanwhile defensively, they ranked third for xGA and kept the joint third most clean sheets (18).

So why did they finish 7^th? For starters, too many draws (17, joint third most). They did not win any of the 17 matches in which they conceded first (six draws, 11 defeats, 12 scored) and won the third fewest points after the 75^th minute of matches (4). And while they were strong in the final third in terms of gaining opportunities, they perhaps didn’t commit the opposition enough, ranking second bottom for fouls won and joint bottom for penalties won (1). An argument for improvement on game management and fitness?

Southend weren’t the most exciting team to watch, ranking second bottom for goals per game total (2.33), joint third bottom for goals per game total away from home (2.17) and second bottom for games in which both teams scored (43%). However, their attendance was the biggest in the National League on average (7.34k) and only Barnet and York City took more points off the rest of sides that finished in the top seven (17). They were well disciplined or too nice depending on your view of their discipline being the third best in the division.

What Happens Next?

Southend United build towards the next step. The Shrimpers have consistently been one of the better performing sides in the National League since Maher, Currie and Bentley arrived and have generally fallen just shy of their aims for various reasons. However, they will start the new season as one of the most stable groups in the division.

Still, there is work to do. For starters, those statistics around their record when behind or producing towards the end of games needs to improve. And their season ending on 1^st June means they are a month behind the rest of the division as far as recruitment is concerned, unhelpful when the spine of the team does need work following a season of mixing and matching depending on availability.

I think Southend plant themselves firmly in contention for the top seven again. Can they push for the top three? I think I need to see who they recruit first.

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Sutton United

Position: 12^th

Record: P 46; W 15 D 15 L 16; F 59 A 64 GD –5; Pts 60

Most Starts: Will Davies (40)

Top Goalscorer: Will Davies (18)

Most Assists: Ashley Nadesan (7)

Clean Sheets: 12

Discipline: Tyler French (10Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 12^th

I’ll be honest, I have absolutely no idea with Sutton United. On the one hand, I think Steve Morison is very clear in what he wants and will have made moves this summer to fit his demands. I think he’s got a young group that will play a tidy style of football and have the kind of wildcards in the final third that should make them enjoyable to watch, as well as a threat to opponents. Yet I’m also concerned by the sheer scale of change this summer, not to mention only signing one player over the age of 25. I think they will be more than fine but I feel like inconsistency is likely.

Mid-season Prediction

I don’t foresee a huge amount of change to their spot in the table. The scale of change has been the key aspect to their inconsistency but this is only the start of their journey. I’m expecting more challenges to creep up, another change or two in a bid to find the right balance and a team that is left in a good spot to build on in the summer where they can look to step up a level or two.

The Reality

That Sutton United’s season was an inconsistent one in which they showed plenty of good but were regularly undone by the naivety of a young group finding its feet together. The scale of change to the squad was showcased on opening day when they named 15 new signings in the matchday 18, nine of whom started. Of that 18, 14 were aged 25 or under.

The inconsistency of their campaign is easy enough to read. They started positively, going five unbeaten before losing three in a row. They took ten points from the next four then lost three in a row. A win. A loss. Three wins in a row. Six without a win but only two defeats. Back-to-back victories. Five without a win. Their record across the final ten games of the season read WDLDWLDLWD. No back-to-back results. From December 14^th onwards, Sutton sat exclusively between 10^th and 14^th in the table, never caring for the relegation scrap unfolding below them but never able to truly trouble those pushing for promotion.

From the start of the summer, it felt like the club were taking an opportunity to restructure the club’s identity, modernising their approach to the football side of things by playing a more expansive brand of football and developing young talent to make them a more appealing football club. But it's the kind of approach that takes time and patience to build and to his credit, Steve Morison proved an honest but patient leader of this project. Or at least, he often presented himself that way during his pressers.

He tried things. Sutton changed shape on a couple of occasions depending on the available options and always tried to play in a progressive way. He wasn't afraid to make a big call when he felt it was needed, such as recalling youngster Jack Taylor and giving him plenty of minutes at the end of the season or using his wingers at wing-back.

But this was an inconsistent season that can be outlined by three things: only three players managed to play at least three-quarters of available minutes, at least three changes were made to the starting XI in over half of their league matches and they never named the same centre-backs in more than four games consecutively.

This was an okay season. Nothing more, nothing less. Sutton have never been a club with a huge budget and the turnover meant a promotion challenge was unlikely. A solid, mid-table, consolidatory campaign that allows them to look up rather than down is a positive one in my book.

The Stats

Like their season, the statistics noted on Sutton United’s season don’t provide a clear pattern and structure for the way their season went down. So, I’m simply going to provide the information and allow you to make your own co conclusions.

Sutton United were one of two teams in the National League to accrue more points away from home than at home (0.09 points per game swing). An impressive 63% of their matches saw both teams score. The Amber Army ranked third for most points in the final 15 minutes of matches.

Steve Morison’s side were the second youngest on average based on minutes played (25.2). They were the only team not to see an opponent sent off but they drew the third most yellows cards out of their opposition (107). They earned 70% of their overall points total against bottom half teams, third highest, having taken just 18 points from games against the 11 sides to place higher than them, joint fourth fewest.

What Happens Next?

I guess the expectation will be to improve on their 2024-25 campaign. And yet their early summer recruitment suggests we may get more of the same as they raid the National League South for young players who will hope to prove themselves having made the step up. Plus Nadesan and Jones, of course.

I will admit that that is a lazy view. I haven’t completed further digging into the quality of player signed and I’m conscious that numerous Twitter accounts are quick to praise every signing a non-league club makes, so I’m reticent to get too excited. But I do like that they are moving quickly for quality width, an area they suffered last season.

Another concern for their play-off hopes arises from losing Davies, French, Barbrook, Coley and Topalloj, two of Sutton's most used eight players, while Simper is also highly thought of. It creates the likelihood of more inconsistency with selection as they head into the season.

But despite my initial doubts over their play-off chances, I continue to believe Sutton are doing good things and moving in the right direction, so there is no longer term concern. They are being brave with the approach and hopefully they take another step up forward.

Tamworth

Position: 10^th

Record: P 46; W 17 D 13 A 16; F 65 A 72 GD –7; Pts 64

Most Starts: Haydn Hollis (46)

Top Goalscorer: Dan Creaney (19)

Most Assists: Dan Creaney & Tom Tonks (5)

Clean Sheets: 6

Discipline: Jordan Cullinane-Liburd (11Y 2R)

Pre-season Prediction: 24^th

It always feels lazy to predict newcomers to go straight back down, especially in bottom place. However, the last two seasons have seen a newly promoted club finish bottom, a third has been relegated, two survived after late runs of form dragged them out of the relegation picture and none have finished in the top half. Tamworth remain a part-time outfit and have stepped up two divisions in a short amount of time. I’m getting shades of Kidderminster Harriers in how I see Tamworth this season. They will be competitive, they will play games on tight margins and look to utilise what they can to win games. But turning tight margins affairs into enough victories will be tough and I can only hope they prove me wrong.

Mid-season Prediction

Tamworth are staying up. Going into the second half of the campaign, they are nine points clear of the drop with a number of games yet to play against the sides below them in the table. The consistency of their approach and on-field leadership and reliability will be important, along with their home form. I don’t see the squad being picked apart by the vultures in January. What a job Peaks and his team have done.

The Reality

I had completely forgotten what I wrote in pre-season and I'm wondering this lot pinned those comments on a wall somewhere as they became the first side since both Salford City and Harrogate Town to complete a full National season and finish in the top half following promotion.

Tamworth took a beat to find their feet, winning one of their first seven, failing to score in four and being hammered 7-0 by eventual champions Barnet. But Andy Peaks and his squad haven’t come this far without being able to learn along the way and they stepped up.

Peaks said early in the campaign that he wanted to utilise the squad that he had put together and he did just that, giving as many as possible the opportunity to step up while working out what worked best. Some fell to the wayside, some took their time, some stepped up early and kept that up. New signings mid-season were rare and often added out of necessity rather than Peaks having a penchant for signing footballers.

They won three in a row in September and then followed up back-to-back losses with back-to-back wins before going 4-5-6 with no back-to-back results whatsoever across the winter months. And in the midst of that, they knocked off resurgent Macclesfield Town, League One promotion contenders Huddersfield Town and local rivals Burton Albion to set up a match at the Lamb against Tottenham Hotspur, taking them to extra-time. The season that just keeps getting better.

With all the distractions out of the way, Tamworth set about securing their National League status, only to find themselves on a run of five wins from six and one loss in 11, giving them feint hopes of a play-off push. They fell short. Three defeats in four put paid to that. But the sheer fact that the Lambs were in the conversation as late as April was a testament to this whirlwind of a season.

“Dreaming is for free” wrote Tom Tonks on 22^nd March. Back-to-back promotions, a 10^th place finish, an FA Cup run that allowed their story to be told to a mainstream audience and a Birmingham Senior Cup trophy to finish up.

What a story this has been.

The Stats

Tamworth were one of five sides not to be full-time this last season and their attendance was the second smallest in the division on average. They therefore had to maximise what they had - and they did just that.

Experience was important. The Lambs had the third oldest side in the division based on minutes played (28.7). What they lacked in natural quality – bottom for possession (39.4%), second bottom for PPDA and third bottom for successful dribbles – they made up for with a clear structure and style, having the second most shots per game (12.8), third highest xG (70.34), most box entries per touch of the ball and they also drew more cards from their opposition than any other side (118 yellows, 8 reds). Talk about effective.

They had to be in many ways. Had they not scored and created the chances they had, they would have likely struggled – no side kept fewer clean sheets than Andy Peaks' side with 65% of matches finishing with both sides scoring, second highest. They ranked third for goals per game total (2.98) as well. An entertaining and effective outfit.

If there is an area for improvement, it’s getting results against the best in the National League. Only Ebbsfleet United took fewer points off sides in the top seven (5) and they also ranked third bottom for points collected from top half teams (17). However, they finished 10^th, which means they were pretty good against the rest. They collected 47 points against bottom half sides, only bettered by the top two while their 19 points against the bottom four was the fifth best record in the league.

What Happens Next?

That’s a tough question to answer.

As with many clubs punching above their weight, the answers that immediately comes to mind relate to reality hitting them and a dip forthcoming. But this lot have shown time and again that they don’t care for outside noise and narratives. And why should they?

Andy Peaks has signed a full-time contract, ensuring some stability within the management team while it’s highly likely they will retain the core of last season’s squad – Singh, Tonks, Hollis and Digie are all signed up at the time of writing. And that is important given there will be a natural turnover of playing staff.

But improving on a 10^th place finish while having one of the smaller budgets in the division isn’t going to be easy. I have to assume the most important aim is avoiding relegation with anything more a well-earned bonus.

Wealdstone

Position: 20^th

Record: P 46; W 13 D 14 L 19; F 56 A 76 GD –20; Pts 53

Most Starts: Enzio Boldewijn (41)

Top Goalscorer: Alex Reid (16)

Most Assists: Max Kretzschmar (9)

Clean Sheets: 7

Discipline: Craig Eastmond (7Y 2R)

Pre-season Prediction: 17^th

I’ve been pretty consistent all summer about Wealdstone going down. And the longer the summer went on, the more I got cold feet about that decision. I have reservations around Taylor, I must confess. But I see it going one of two ways for him – he either shows he can give Wealdstone a platform to perform or they replace him with somebody who proves that. The back three is strong, they have clear outlets out wide, huge experience through the spine and enough direct threats to cause problems. Aside from Taylor, I have concerns around consistency of the starting XI meaning we could see peaks and troughs. I think Wealdstone will have enough.

Mid-season Prediction

Wealdstone are a side I’ve had my eye on in the race to go down. Their fixture list and general performance give me reason to believe they’ve got an excellent chance of survival and though I have concerns about their ability to replace Reid and the depth of their midfield and attack, I’m siding with them avoiding the drop.

The Reality

Woof. They had enough... just. Though I can’t deny that this feels like a classic case of predicting the right result despite getting the working out wrong.

Unsurprisingly, Wealdstone had issues with selection. Only Enzio Boldewijn started more than 35 league matches – and he played virtually every outfield role – while only six players managed more than 26 starts. But so many of their issues around consistency arose during the first half of the season when Matt Taylor was still in charge.

The Stones found themselves in 23^rd by mid-October having won just one of their opening 14 matches, a 1-0 win over AFC Fylde. They used a high number of different shapes, introduced a raft of new signings, saw a constant change in personnel. Their underlying numbers weren't good defensively but there was big underperformance in the final third. Enter Alex Reid.

The Stones would collect 15 points from the next nine, taking them out of the relegation zone having scored 19 goals. Reid scored in six of his eight starts during that run and it was no surprise to see some relative consistency form in terms of shape and personnel too. The fixture list was favourable on paper, but this was a big shot in the arm and their underlying numbers improved with it.

On 23^rd January, the Stones announced that Matt Taylor has moved to Solihull Moors to link up with old friend Stephen Ward. It’s fair to say that fans weren’t entirely upset by the news. Meanwhile, Alex Reid returned having failed to impress at Oldham. A few players were moved on during January while Luca Gunter, Connor McAvoy and Harrison Sohna entered the fray. And Neil Gibson was appointed as manager – a left-field choice for sure.

It didn’t start great. Three home matches, one point, a 4-0 thumping by Gateshead. Business picked up, however, and from 8^th February, Wealdstone were a top seven side. The club backed Gibson to make a couple of punchy signings with Mustapha Carayol, Will Randall and Tyler Walked joining the club. He was brave in ousting loan keeper Gunter for Dante Baptiste. And yet despite number of changes made, it’s fair to say that Gibson was able to find some consistency in shape while getting the best out of players such as Reid and the fast-developing Kallum Cesay.

They won three in a week during February, earned three huge 1-0 victories across March and April, produced an almighty comeback from three-down against Eastleigh and collected four points from Forest Green Rovers and Barnet. The thumpings on the road (4-1, 4-1, 3-1, 3-0, 2-0 and 3-0) did little for their goal difference but the brave style was generally paying off and left them with a simple solution on final day: win, and you survive. It wasn’t a contest. They hosted FC Halifax Town and were 3-0 up within 25 minutes, running all over a much-changed outfit to secure their survival.

An interesting campaign to look back on. The club took gambles in the selection of their managers and put money down to ensure their survival with some big-name additions. It proved successful and in the short-term, that is the most important results – every time a part-time outfit survives in the National League, it is an achievement to be celebrated. And yet, you sense this is a year from which the ownership will learn plenty from.

The Stats

It perhaps says plenty about Wealdstone and their performance over the season that they didn’t rank too high or low in many metrics, whether tangible or intangible. They weren’t a good or bad team, they just couldn’t nail a style or run of form consistently to avoid being dragged into the battle at the bottom.

Goals conceded was the big issue. Their 76 in the against column was the fourth highest and it didn’t help that they were so often coming from behind, having the third worst first-half record (they led at half-time on just nine occasions) and trailing for the most amount of minutes (35.5%). They also ranked second for most penalties conceded (9).

But then what do you expect when the team is regularly chopping and changing? Wealdstone used a whopping 42 players, the most outside of Gateshead and Ebbsfleet United (who had a number of issues highlighted during the campaign) and the Stones never fielded the same back three for more than three games running consecutively. While injuries will have played a part, it’s not a sustainable way of going about things.

What Happens Next?

More change. Wealdstone were very open about their situation, announcing the departure of Neil Gibson and Lee Jones due to the pair’s challenge of being a full-time management team that couldn’t locate to Ruislip permanently while also having to reduce the budget for the new season for long-term sustainability reasons.

Sam Cox has returned to the club, this time as permanent first-team manager after a brief interim spell keeping the club in the division in 2023/24, and the challenge is evident – find some stability while aligning with the processes that have stood the club in good stead over recent years.

There is a lot of work to do. At the time of writing (20^th June), a number of first-team players are still negotiating deals while there has been no official announcement of his coaching team. The long-serving Alex Dyer and exciting youngster Kallum Cesay are the two most notable departures to date.

It’s hard not to suggest the obvious, which is that survival is the aim for Wealdstone, but if they can continue to play a decent brand of football and develop some talent along the way, it will be all the more enjoyable. Cox has coaching credentials behind him, knows the club and chairman very well and maybe that is what they need at this moment.

Woking

Position: 15^th

Record: P 46; W 13 D 19 L 14; F 52 A 59 GD –7; Pts 58

Most Starts: Will Jaaskelainen (44)

Top Goalscorer: Harry Beautyman (10)

Most Assists: Dale Gorman (8)

Clean Sheets: 10

Discipline: Dale Gorman (18Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 16^th

I like Doyle, I like the early business, I like what I saw last season. I’m confident that Doyle will get his messages across and we will see a team with leadership and quality, built from a fairly solid base. But it’s hard to ignore the number of changes to the squad coupled with off-field issues that leave the recruitment feeling a little unfinished – particularly in attack. While there is confidence a takeover will happen, there will likely be some short-term pain that follows given the reported debt and cashflow issues. I want to base this prediction on the football as much as I can and hope the financial concerns don’t escalate further. Doyle will get his ideas across and he doesn’t strike me as somebody that will look for the excuses that others may in the situation. However, he is likely to be fielding an XI with square pegs fitting round holes at times and they may lack the natural balance and quality to carry out what he wants on a consistent basis.

Mid-season Prediction

The appointment of Ardley makes me confident Woking survive. I don’t think it will be pretty and he, the players and fans may endure short-term pain as far as style is concerned, but I think he will identify the leaders in his team, players who possess proven quality at National League level, and work around them leading to an improvement in results.

The Reality

The early business was positive with some big-name additions such as Dale Gorman, Harry Beautyman and Cian Harries but the moment off-field issues came to light, it was apparent that Woking were going to have to make do with whatever they could muster and would spend much of the season in catch-up mode.

The Cards started positively enough, winning four of their first eight, keeping four clean sheets and managing to find relative consistency but issues quickly came to light for a team lacking depth across the squad and quality or consistency in attack as Michael Doyle tried to mesh his preferred high pressing, high possession style with the pragmatism necessary given the quality of player available.

What followed was a lot of chopping and changing of personnel (2.93 changes per match), shape and ideas with players playing numerous roles and gambles being taken to improve the attack, few of which paid off as they ran through 14 matches, winning one and scoring just 11 goals. For the most part, Woking were competitive but a run of six matches, four defeats and one goal scored saw the end for Doyle.

By that point, a new ownership group had agreed terms to take on the club and Jody Brown had been appointed their new Director of Football. Doyle’s former boss Neal Ardley was given the reins and some important additions at both ends of the pitch paid dividends as the likes of Inih Effiong, Junior Morias, Aiden O’Brien, Sam Ashford and Chin Okoli arrived while Harries and Charley Kendall were sold.

As expected, it wasn’t a pretty finish to the season but Woking found a way to grind out results and achieve survival with relative comfort. Across Ardley’s 24 league matches in charge, they won eight (six at home), drew 13 and lost just three, two of those being against York City and Barnet. The loss at York was the only game in which an Ardley team conceded more than two goals while they conceded one or zero on 18 occasions. They also reached the FA Trophy semi-final too, losing to local rivals Aldershot Town in controversial fashion.

Woking’s season will be seen in different ways by different people. The squad always contained high calibre National League footballers so spending so much time closer to the bottom four than the top seven can be cited as a disappointing performance. On the other hand, the off-field issues and need to play catch-up were unhelpful and these things will always play a bigger role than us outsiders may realise.

To call it a success might be too far but Woking remain in the National League and finish the season in better shape as a club and as a football team than they started and that is enough reason to be positive.

The Stats

As above, Woking drew a whopping 13 of 24 league matches under Neal Ardley, so it will be no surprise they topped the list for most draws, finishing up with 19 overall. Their wins and losses often depended on whether they were home or away, their ten wins helping them to the 7^th best home record in the division while their three wins on the road was the joint second fewest in the league. They achieved 0.78 points per game more at home than away, the second highest in the division.

In the above section, I spoke of Woking’s issues beginning the season and a lack of quality in attack. Well, Woking had the second worst first half record (9-19-18) and scored the second fewest first half goals (17). They were one of two teams not to score four or more goals and they scored three or more goals on four occasions (joint third lowest).

What they were was tenacious (joint second most fouls per match) and able to get results in the games they needed to. They managed just one win against teams in the top eight and sit 5^th for percentage of points accrued against top half teams but they sit third for percentage of points accrued against the bottom four having been unbeaten against such opposition. They lost just two of 18 against teams below them in the league table and won eight of ten against the bottom 11 at home.

What Happens Next?

At the time of writing, Woking have waved goodbye to 16 of the players that finished last season, including loanees, suggesting we are going to see quite the turnover at the Kingfield.

The additions so far have been young lads looking to make the step up, a strategy that has also seen them sign Joshua Osude as well as given Tariq Hinds, Tunji Akinola and Matt Ward new contracts. There is plenty of experience in the building to work around and Ardley has previous in this sort of environment with his work at Solihull Moors excellent.

The expectation has to be an improvement on a 15^th place finish now all parties have had time to get their feet under the table and my immediate belief is that they are going to manage that. A top seven finish? There are definitely places available, is what I will say, but let’s see how recruitment goes.

Yeovil Town

Position: 18^th

Record: P 46; W 15 D 11 L 20; F 51 A 60 GD –9; Pts 56

Most Starts: Charlie Cooper (36)

Top Goalscorer: Brett McGavin & Aaron Jarvis (7)

Most Assists: Ciaran McGuckin & Sam Pearson (4)

Clean Sheets: 12

Discipline: Jake Wannell (8Y 2R)

Pre-season Prediction: 18^th

I remain frustrated for Yeovil Town fans given the off-field noise but it seems apparent that on the pitch, Mark Cooper has attentions focused and a group that are together. There are leaders, there is reliability, there is a team that have learned how to win football matches regularly and they have a shape that enables them to play the sort of football Cooper has a reputation for playing. It’s all fairly positive from where I sit and it means I have confidence they won’t be too worried about relegation. They sit 18^th on account of the step up being a big one for any club – no promoted side has finished in the top half since Stockport County and Woking managed it in 2019-20 – and the squad just generally not being as strong as others at the level.

Mid-season Prediction

Cooper is a very experienced football manager at this point in his career and he will know exactly what he needs in order to progress Yeovil a step further. The challenge is whether he can get what he needs on a modest budget – they have found themselves relying on youngsters stepping in on loan to date. They’ve had an excellent start and I see no reason why they can’t finish in the top half. I do think they will fall short of a top seven place, however, just on account of lacking the extra bit of quality that allows them to collect more results against the better outfits in the division.

The Reality

From 10^th August until 20^th December, Yeovil Town were the 8^th best team in the division, level on points with 7^th place Altrincham having won ten of their opening 22 matches. From 20^th December until the end of the season, Yeovil Town were the 22^nd best team in the division, losing 12 of their final 22 matches. And on a basic level, that sums up their campaign.

However, as is often the case, there is far more to it and so much of that was self-inflicted.

Yeovil arrived back in the National League with relatively positive vibes from the outside. There were some concerns over owner and manager but they were National League South champions, had a good core remaining at the club and they started the season well. The underlying numbers weren’t bad. There was a seven-match unbeaten run as part of a run of 11 matches that saw the team concede just five goals. Things were going well.

Then came change. And lots of change. Injuries were unhelpful (not one player started more than 36 league games). Some loan recalls. A sale or two. It happens. But from Boxing Day onwards, Yeovil made at least 11 new signings. Some players played various roles. A few were reportedly transfer listed.

Meanwhile, things really hit boiling point with the ownership. Martin Hellier had put money down but was alienating the fanbase with his actions away from the field as banning orders started being dished out like confetti to anybody who spoke up against him, including popular fan group Gloverscast. Whether Mark Cooper was simply managing up or was friendly with Hellier, or somewhere in between, remains unknown to me but his public aligning with the owner did him few favours with fans. The cracks previously papered over were once again visible to all.

However, Mark Cooper is 56 years of age and has over 20 years’ managerial experience and he showcased why as the season progressed. He came away from his preferred possession heavy style to move towards a more direct 4-3-3 owing to the players he had available and simplifying the game. Goals were hard to come by but a run of ten points from five games was enough to secure their safety.

An 18^th place finish is lower than all involved at Yeovil would have liked but given they were just two points off 11^th, it’s largely semantics. It’s more about what the 18^th place finish represents, which is a big fall during the second half of the season as wounds old and new opened up and left a sour taste in the mouth. Few in Somerset will have finished the season feeling positive about their future.

The Stats

The statistic that became the talking point of Yeovil Town’s season was their record against the good and bad sides. As of 25^th January, they had picked up 89% of their league points total against bottom half teams, earning all ten victories against the bottom 11. By the end of the season, that figure lowered to 73%, but was the joint highest in the division alongside Tamworth. The 20 points they picked up against the bottom four was the most outside of the top two. However, the 15 points earned against top half teams was the lowest outside of Ebbsfleet United.

Two key reasons for their struggles were goals and how they started and finished matches.

Starting with goals and only Ebbsfleet United, AFC Fylde and FC Halifax Town scored fewer. They failed to score in 16 matches, joint third highest. For many of the positives of their general style, they ranked third for fewest box entries per touch of the ball, which was unhelpful. They also earned just one penalty (joint fewest), a statistic I’m sure Mark Cooper will have plenty to say about.

As for the flow of their matches, they scored four and conceded 12 in the first 15 minutes of matches (only Ebbsfleet United and Solihull Moors performed worst) and their record at the end of games was nine scored and 17 conceded (only AFC Fylde had a bigger goal swing). A lot of those goals conceded were important: only Dagenham and Redbridge gave up more points in the final 15 minutes of matches (13). Perhaps discipline played a role – no side collected more red cards than Yeovil’s seven.

What Happens Next?

The season finishes and as May ends, the club announce that Prabhu Srinivasan has completed a takeover of the club, acquiring all shares previously held by Martin Hellier. Hallelujah.

The PR has been fine so far with the new ownership group and Stuart Robins working together to improve relations and be more open. There has been the big change relating to where the football team will now train, moving to Bristol. Mark Cooper remains in charge. While a lot is due to get sorted away from the pitch, it appears as though it’s business as normal on it.

Does this all work out for the best? Who knows. Yeovil Town are rarely far away from controversy. If nothing else, it’s a fresh start and an opportunity to start the season with owners, management, players and fans more united in what they want for the club. That is a step in the right direction.

York City

Position: 2^nd

Record: P 46; W 29 D 9 L 8; F 95 A 42 GD +53; Pts 96

Most Starts: Callum Howe (46)

Top Goalscorer: Ollie Pearce (31)

Most Assists: Ollie Pearce (10)

Clean Sheets: 21

Discipline: Ollie Pearce (7Y 1R)

Pre-season Prediction: 10^th

Another summer of change and I’m far more positive about York City this time around. However, The Minstermen finished 20^th last season, so turning that into a top seven finish would be a huge achievement for Hinshelwood and his players. The process of moving players out will continue while five of their first nine signings are either stepping up a level or moving into full-time football. It means that I foresee some peaks and troughs during a campaign that will see the club wanting to be ambitious but hopefully understanding the need to build some stability. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they land themselves in the top seven and even higher than that, but I’m going to be cautious in my prediction and see where the season takes them.

Mid-season Prediction

Like others in the top five, the question is whether York will win the title. Having backed Barnet, I have to say no by default. But I’m not ruling them out whatsoever and I’m confident they are finishing in the top three. Given they survived on the final day last season, a top three finish would be some achievement. A title? One of the best turnarounds in National League history, regardless of noise around the budget.

The Reality

I was a little too cautious in the summer, apparently.

The thinking, as above, was simply the scale of change. A manager in his first full-time job, an overhauling of the recruitment team, a raft of new additions, a group of players remaining that were signed by various recruitment teams, managers and even their owner. All the while, the Ugglas had spent a pretty penny or two and the expectations were big.

The perfect response was beginning the season with one defeat in 17, averaging around two goals per game and topping the division. Adam Hinshelwood had been backed in the summer and, partly thanks to the help of numerous ex-Worthing players that he had managed, was coaching the free-flowing, attacking style of football he had made his name coaching at a lower level. His team were playing with confidence, scoring goals and entered 2025 as National League leaders.

So why did they finish second? Across 22 matches played between November and late March, York conceded 2 or more goals on ten occasions, losing seven and drawing one. They wound up winning two less and losing two more than Barnet. People point to the addition of Josh Stones (which is unfair in itself) but the signs regarding the loss of defensive control they would occasionally inhibit were already there and York couldn’t quite tighten up quickly enough to avoid those losses.

With the title race seemingly done, the Minstermen switched back on. Across their final eight matches they won seven, scored 25 goals, conceded five and set themselves up nicely for the play-offs. Just over two weeks later, they were comfortably beaten in their semi-final at the York Community Stadium by Oldham Athletic, a team that finished 23 points below them in the table. Season over. Brutal.

It was a disappointing finish to what had otherwise been an excellent campaign. People reference the money and while it helps, it doesn’t provide a guarantee. Credit is warranted for a season performance that saw the club improve their league position by 18 places, win 17 more matches, lose nine fewer and turn a goal difference of –14 into +53. From the brink of relegation to title contenders.

The Stats

Largely thanks to Barnet, York City ranked second in a lot of areas. They are as followed: most wins (29); most goals (95, at least 19 more than any side not named Barnet); fewest conceded (42); best home record (16-4-3); most scored at home (57); first half record (22-17-7); second half record (24-15-7); points lost after 75^th minute (2); goals per game total at home (3.35); games in which they scored 3 or more goals (15); clean sheets (21); games in which they conceded 3 or more goals (4); most time leading (38.2%); least time trailing (16.5%); best record after conceding first (1.07 PPG); xG; xGD; xGD overperformance; most points taken from the top 7 (22) and top half (39) sides. They even wound up finishing second for best average attendance (6.01k).

Still, they topped some areas. They had the best away record (13-5-5) and conceded the fewest goals away from home (22). No side scored more second half goals, scored more in the final 30 minutes of matches (49, the most by 16 goals), won more points after the 75^th minute (13) or had a better record in the final 10 minutes of matches (24 scored, six conceded). No side scored in more matches (41) or won to nil in more matches (41%). No side had a higher possession average (63.5%) or a better PPDA against and they also ranked first for quality of chance per shot. Finally, York had a perfect record against the bottom five – unmatched.

Finally, York ranked third as followed: most away goals (38); most first half goals (38); most goals per game total (2.98) and most penalties (10).

All in all, not a bad side.

What Happens Next?

York City enter 2025-26 amongst the favourites for the league title.

The Minstermen have spent 16 of the last 20 seasons in non-league – this is all a generation of fans have known supporting a club that spent the previous 70+ seasons as a Football League outfit. There is some desperation to finally come away from non-league football and return to a level many believe they ought to be as a minimum.

The signs are positive. Adam Hinshelwood remains, as do much of the squad he managed to second place. Early additions show that they aren’t messing around as they bid to close the gap on first, adding recent title winners Ash Palmer and Ollie Banks, as well as Altrincham star Alex Newby. There is no question around their financial clout, so it’s all about whether they make the minor improvements necessary to take that next step.

As of 22^nd June, they’re my title favourites.

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Barnet and York City unsurprisingly take much of the gold but I’ve enjoyed being able to talk up players and moments for Braintree Town, Ebbsfleet United, Tamworth, FC Halifax Town, Southend United and Altrincham too.

Without further ado, the NL Musings 2024-25 awards.

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Manager of the season: Dean Brennan

Dean Brennan joined Barnet as Head of Football with the club in a mess. They had avoided relegation to the regionals due to COVID stopping the season and he was made caretaker manager within two months of the 2021-22 campaign starting after a chaotic start under Harry Kewell. Bit by bit, he has bred success. Ruthless decisions, good recruitment, high demands. And in 2024-25, despite the challenges of clubs who have much bigger budgets, Brennan has reached his preferred target of over 100 points and taken Barnet back into the Football League. It’s the 44-year-old's third promotion in management and now he gets the opportunity to tackle the Football League for the first time.

Player of the season: Anthony Hartigan

I’m a simple guy and sometimes, the simple option is the best one. Barnet won the league. Barnet were the best performing team in the league, both in results and performances. Anthony Hartigan was, to my eyes, their best player. Therefore, he wins player of the season. The 25-year-old has been a revelation since joining Barnet, starting every single league game since his full debut at the start of last season and his ability to dictate matches for a side that play such a high pressing, high tempo, high possession game has been crucial to the Bees’ success.

Young player of the season: Kyrell Lisbie

Firstly, I’m aware people have different rules for this award. For me, it is anybody aged 21 or under at the end of the season. Surprisingly, it narrows it down a lot – this has not been a year for young players playing regularly in the National League with only six players finishing the season aged 21 or under have started 30 or more matches: George Morrison, Finley Barbrook, Dylan Hill, Angel Waruih, Kyrell Lisbie and Frankie Maguire. Truthfully, it could be any of them. Why Lisbie? He’s the player I’ve had the most fun watching of the group. His speed and directness has makes him a joy to watch and I’m a sucker for a player with such individualistic qualities. He finishes with 13 league goals and was a big part of Braintree Town’s survival.

Goal of the season: Sean McGurk vs Ebbsfleet United

Goals from halfway. Thumping strikes. Moments of brilliance. The goal of the season competition has been as strong as ever this year. Initially, 20 made the cut and that was reduced to five. And I plumped the moment of brilliance. Sure, it was against Ebbsfleet United, but that doesn’t mean it’s not brilliant. McGurk’s first touch isn’t the best but he’s aware of the challenge from Ben Chapman and produces a lovely Cruyff turn. He drives forward before nutmegging Alexander Aoraha, taking another couple of touches then firing in off the near post.

Assist of the season: Ben Milnes vs Hartlepool United

I found assist of the season tough. There are some defence splitting passes. There are some nice skills before a pass, but none that allow for a first time finish. A couple of longer passes. Then this. And I’m plumped for this because of the simplistic brilliance of it. The ball is passed backwards with little intention but Ben Milnes’ experience takes over. He runs onto the ball and crosses while the Hartlepool defence aren’t expecting it and his striker is, Jordan Ponticelli reading the cross and finishing.

Save of the season: Mark Cousins vs York City

It’s fairly early on in the season and Ebbsfleet United are finding life tough. They would even lose this game 4-0. But Mark Cousins is one of few to come out of the campaign with some sympathy based on his performances behind a defence that struggled for consistent selection and performance. York City break down the right-hand side and put a low ball into the box. Josh Wright gets the touch towards goal with Cousins forced to react sharply to push the ball wide and he gets up quickly to leap once more, his outstretched arm denying Tyrese Sinclair an easy finish.

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Team of the Season

GK: Sam Johnson (FC Halifax Town)

Truthfully, it has not been a stellar season for goalkeepers. Only ten clubs in the division had a goalkeeper that played 75% of minutes, for a start and using data from Wyscout, only seven prevented more goals than they conceded against the shots they faced. With that in mind, I’m going for Sam Johnson, who until his end of season injury was an ever-present for FC Halifax Town for years in succession. The experienced keeper was as strong as ever in net behind the youngest side in the division and his absence is felt.

RCB: Adam Senior (FC Halifax Town)

Adam Senior played every single minute of the league campaign. I’ll get to the rest, but that is a fantastic achievement. He was the only player under the age of 30 to manage that feat and one of just four outfielders under the age of 24 to play at least 3600 league minutes. He was also the only one of those players to manage that for a team that finished in the top half and he has shown real growth in his second full season at the Shay, taking on more of a leadership role for a young group.

CCB: Callum Howe (York City)

York City have been a lot of fun this season. Their 95 goals and +53 goal difference was the best in the league by some distance outside of eventual league winners Barnet and it’s the attack that has received so much credit. However, it’s hard to produce without players that know the job and Callum Howe has stepped up, the 31-year-old donning the armband, leading by example, showing growth in his own game and playing every league minute of the National League campaign.

LCB: Myles Kenlock (Barnet)

Myles Kenlock hasn’t had a particularly easy career, unable to truly breakthrough at Ipswich Town and eventually finding himself in the National League, involved in back-to-back relegation fights. He decided to join Barnet in the summer and has had the best season of his career, a near ever-present until a late season injury. He has often played on the left-side of a back three and his quality as a defender, ball-player and physicality has shone as part of a well-oiled unit.

RWB: Gus Scott-Morriss (Southend United)

The numbers speak for themselves with this selection. Here’s a right wing-back that has started 44 matches as part of an excellent defensive unit and provided sufficient support going forward to find the net 17 times. He sits 5^th in the non-penalty goals list with the nearest defensive players being Ludwig Francillette and Ryan Glover. His consistent performances have been a huge reason as to why Southend have been able to claw their way into the top seven.

RCM: Joe Felix (York City)

Joe Felix had to be in this team. Another who had played for Adam Hinshelwood previously, the versatile 25-year-old has had the season of his career. It doesn’t matter whether he is playing right-back, left-back or in central midfield, whether he is tasked with a role higher up the pitch, out wide or deeper, he does the job to the best of his ability with speed, energy and tenacity and has been an enormous part of the second best side in the league.

LCM: Anthony Hartigan (Barnet)

See above.

LWB: Ryan Glover (Barnet)

I’ve quietly been a fan of Ryan Glover for a while now. He has gone from a slight winger with decent acceleration to a dependable option in any area of the pitch he is asked to cover. This season, the ex-Bournemouth youngster has played on both flanks, central midfield, part of a front three and has been busy, creative and a constant threat. He finishes the season with a career best 17 goal contributions and deserves his opportunity in the EFL.

RAM: Callum Stead (Barnet)

Like a lot of Barnet’s players, Stead is dependable. He turns up almost every week, plays whatever role he is asked to and his work ethic, speed and quality has led him to become a regular for the best team in the division and led to his personal best season. Now 25, Stead is looking more like a man and finishes up third in the goal contributions list with 27, showing he’s as capable as creating as he is finishing.

LAM: Regan Linney (Altrincham)

Near the start of the season, Phil Parkinson stated that in Regan Linney, Altrincham had a 20-goal striker provided he could avoid injuries. He netted 13 the previous campaign in a fairly stop-start first season as a professional footballer. This year he played 42 times and scored 23 goals, finding his role as a forward who can step inside from wide positions and strike a ball with accuracy and power towards goal.

ST: Ollie Pearce (York City)

So close to being named my player of the season, Ollie Pearce has had an outstanding first season in non-league's top tier. The ex-Worthing man linked back up with former boss Adam Hinshelwood this summer and has cemented himself as the main man in York City’s attack despite the riches around him. The 29-year-old finished up with 41 goal contributions in the regular season, scoring 31 with 10 assists. Of those 31 goals, 23 were non-penalty and 16 were the opener in matches.

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We’re chatting about what we’re doing over the next week and I mention a piece I’m working on relating to the National League given we have a rare two-week break from action. He mentions it might be a “good time for a current state of play post”.

“If I ever get time” is the normal response.

My NLMusings page is a bit quieter than it ought to be and is probably to my detriment. I watch highlights of every game, watch as many games with my own eyes as possible, do my research for Football Manager and converse with a lot of smart cookies from all backgrounds about this division. What I lack is the time to converse and debate publicly, which means I’m quieter than some of the other brilliant accounts that cover this division.

But there was another break in the National League campaign, we’re at the halfway stage of the campaign and it’s almost Christmas. So, here’s my review of all 24 National League clubs to date.

AFC Fylde

Position: 20^th

Record: Pld 23; W6 D4 L13; F28 A47 GD –19; Pts 22

Predicted position: 8^th

What did I say?

I’ve had a good feeling about Fylde since the end of last season and I think they will be in the mix for a top seven finish. A lot of this comes down to Beech, who has played an important role as Director of Football and then interim manager, creating a younger, more vibrant group. The football has been simplified, the team are fearless and forward thinking and the spine of last season’s team has stayed put. I see the Coasters getting off to a strong start thanks to the energy and quality of their performances and though they may tail off, they’ve got a chance of sticking in there.

The reality is...

That I was miles off. It started well, an opening day Nick Haughton hat-trick earning three points against ten-man Solihull Moors. However, not even his star power was enough to save Beech, who was sacked after eight league games with his team sitting second bottom in the table and having conceded ten goals in a week. Defensive issues had blighted them and a side that looked so dangerous in transition following his arrival had lost much of what attracted me to Chris Beech’s AFC Fylde.

Kevin Phillips has taken on the challenge and it’s been a mixed bag. After chopping and changing early on, he has found a relatively settled starting XI and is beginning to add bodies to it. It remains heavily reliant on the quality of Haughton – he has directly contributed via goal or assist to around two-thirds of their league goals – but others are beginning to step up with Ethan Mitchell and Jon Ustabasi finding their feet again.

The issue is consistency now. Phillips stated after the Eastleigh game that his team have proven they can compete with anybody on their day and he’s not necessarily wrong – they have beaten Solihull Moors, Southend United and Gateshead this season. But they have also failed to score in six of their last 12 and have conceded 2 or more goals in eight of those. The additions of Max Bardell and Will Hugill suggest Phillips and the team behind him have an idea of what their issues are – it's all about doing as much as possible to resolve them now.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Phillips showed last season at Hartlepool United that he can organise a team and get results but the challenge is tougher here, taking on a weaker squad with less experience and with a smaller budget to work with. Their goals against record is appalling. Yet they have done the hard part, escaping the bottom four. The youthful nature of the squad means Fylde are likely to remain inconsistent and endure the defensive issues that have cost them dearly this season already, but I think they will improve enough to stay out of the bottom four come the end of the season.

Aldershot Town

Position: 19^th

Record: Pld 23; W5 D8 L10; F32 A40 GD –8; Pts 23

Predicted position: 7^th

What did I say?

Aldershot were a real wildcard last term, finishing 8th with a negative goal difference and sitting high in the league for goals scored, goals conceded and their disciplinary record. There’s been a decent turnover, they’ve lost some important players, are backing a number of players to step up and I can see the Shots settling down a bit. A few will step up, a few may need more time and the challenge is set for people to grow as leaders. A few less goals scored, a few less conceded and another positive campaign that sees them competing for a top seven finish.

The reality is...

Aldershot Town are still agents of chaos. This season they have drawn 3-3, won 4-1 and 4-3 and lost 3-2 (twice), 5-2 and 4-3. They have beaten Oldham Athletic and Altrincham and succumbed to Tamworth, AFC Fylde and Wealdstone. Even their goalless draws leave you confused – one against title chasing York City and another against rock bottom Ebbsfleet United.

There are few signs that the team has settled down. Only Ebbsfleet United have recorded more changes to their starting XI per game at the time of writing and the defence has been an enormous part of that, recording 32 changes to the back five in 22 matches. They have fielded the same back three for no more than three games in succession due to various factors. Then there is the club looking after the legs of Josh Barrett and 35-year-old James Henry and looking to give Jordi Van Stappershoef as many opportunities as possible despite appearing to be second choice. A lot of change.

It leaves the Shots three points above 22^nd place Maidenhead United having won just five of their opening 23 league fixtures and two of their last 17. There has been minimal improvement on their away form – 1 win in 12 – and their disciplinary record continues to be amongst the poorest in the league. And despite all that, they are one of two sides in the bottom half to score more than 30 goals. Rarely a dull moment.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Aldershot Town score goals, and I think it might be enough to keep their heads above water. My belief is that while I think the Shots will continue to be one of the more entertaining sides in the division with goals for and against tallies that will rank towards the higher end of the division, they will settle a little. The first is that as form and fitness improves, combined with a number of new players having found their feet, they will chop and change less. The second is that 10 of their remaining 12 home games are against sides currently 10^th or lower in the league table, including four of the five sides below them.

Altrincham

Position: 9^th

Record: Pld 23; W9 D7 L7; F37 A30 GD +7; Pts 34

Predicted position: 6^th

What did I say?

I found Alty difficult to predict. It’s easy to see they’ve lost Conn-Clarke and assume that’s the end of their promotion hopes but as outlined above, it’s not that simple. They remain a very strong, settled outfit that know their strengths and still contain plenty of quality in the final third. And their business isn’t done yet. The loss of Esteva and potential loss of Parkinson and Sorvel, who will no doubt be courted, is difficult to predict from the outside. I’m backing them for another top seven finish. They could probably finish anywhere in the top ten.

The reality is...

I wasn’t far wrong, but it hasn’t always felt like that. Alty have quietly gone about their business and turned an awkward start into an impressive first half of the season.

Phil Parkinson’s side lost three of their first five matches, one of which was a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Sutton United. And they won just three of their first ten, with those coming against Woking, Maidenhead United and Ebbsfleet United, not exactly the cream of the crop. After matchday 23, they find themselves in 9^th, two points off 6^th and on a run of four losses in 18 while being unbeaten at home in nine, winning five and each of their last three without conceding.

Finding their touch in front of goal has been key. Alty have scored 28 goals in their last 14 matches (2 or more in nine of those) with Regan Linney pushing for the top goalscorer gong and the likes of Alex Newby and Matty Kosylo finding their way into the campaign. They are overperforming on that side of things, but their underlying numbers are improving, which makes me feel as though they will continue to be a threat in front of goal, even if a drop-off may come.

Alty and Parkinson have been at this level a long time now and showcased their ability to respond to setbacks. His team is looking more balanced and settled with key players playing their way back into fitness. Their improvement this term has been synonymous with their time in the National League as a whole, quietly getting better at key aspects of the game and climbing the table. The next stage of their promotion is to put back-to-back wins together, something they have managed just once this term.

Prediction for the rest of the season

There are plenty of reasons to feel comfortable about Altrincham and their quest for back-to-back play-off finishes – they are already in the mix and still haven’t truly hit their stride. There is some work to do defensively but they have showcased an ability to keep clean sheets and improvement in that depart will be key for the period where goals to dry up, as I anticipate. Of all the sides in the chase for a play-off spot, I feel most comfortable about Alty making it.

Barnet

Position: 2^nd

Record: Pld 23; W15 D3 L5; F47 A26 GD +21; Pts 48

Predicted position: 1^st

What did I say?

I’ve gone back and forth on this but as the summer has gone on, I’ve gotten more confident that Barnet will do it. Looking at the squad written down, it’s easy to get spooked by the number of new signings, which could lead to some teething issues. But Brennan has a way of simplifying things. They conceded a few too many goals so they signed defenders. They lacked a wildcard and signed one. They lacked an energetic midfielder and found one. And they got it done early. Brennan will also get the backing he needs later in the season too. I think it’s their year.

The reality is...

Barnet are 2^nd on goal difference and are looking good for it. Their chance creation numbers are the best in the division by some distance (and despite Dean Brennan’s constant chatter about needing to be more ruthless, they are in the overperforming category against those numbers), they are controlling large portions of football matches and despite a couple of defensive horror shows, they are one of the best in the division at denying their opposition testing their goalkeeper.

This always felt like an important year for Barnet, because I think there are no excuses now for all parties. Sure, other clubs have a bigger budget. But Barnet’s isn’t small. They have, I think, 25 senior players on their books and whenever there has been a gap, they have filled it. Brennan has been backed. And he’s led all the recruitment, more often than not showcasing a midas touch when in that department. They have finished in the play-offs, finished 2^nd last season to an unbelievable Chesterfield side and this year felt like the one where the only goal was promotion, preferably as champions.

I’ll open up to something I’ve shared privately a few times – much to Trevor Knell’s chagrin I’m sure.

I’ve had this worry about the relationship between Brennan and Barnet and whether it snaps leading to chaos. We’ve seen in football on numerous occasions where a manager has pushed and pushed and pushed some more before things go awry. Brennan is one of those characters – he always wants more. And perhaps I’m wrong and will be advised otherwise by Barnet fans, but it feels like he has almost got the response he wants or needs, be that player performance or an addition to the squad – Harry Smith and Gatlin O’Donkor spring to mind while Richard Nartey and Bailey Hobson arrived this season.

My worry has always been: what happens when he doesn’t get that? When he can’t bring in that extra body because the chairman says the chequebook is now closed. Or when the kids start to revolt because nothing they do is good enough and they’ll never hear the words “I’m proud of you, son”. I think back to the Aymen Azaze interview, the response to Sam Beard’s return to the side last season, telling Nicke Kabamba he should have scored 5 or 6 after a hat-trick and other sharp takes. Or his response when the crowd showed less affection or didn’t turn up earlier in the campaign, leading to that all-timer of an interview. What happens if he or somebody else reaching a point where the relationship breaks?

And that worry increased earlier in the season when he began to question his lack of options. Brennan has always shown a disdain for players in the treatment room yet he took risks this summer to bring in the likes of Clifford, Chapman and Browne, all at least 27 years of age and with a combined two seasons in which they have started 30 or more league matches (both Clifford). Yet they were his signings and a challenge he had to prove he could respond to by utilising the rest of a squad he had recruited to cover their deficiencies in the availability department. And away at York City, he found himself naming a team containing a returning Clifford, five defenders and a goalkeeper on his bench.

They lost the match but performed okay away at title challenging opponents, and have responded with five wins from eight, the other three being low-margin draws. And Brennan has utilised his squad, whether that is sticking Danny Collinge at wing-back or Ryan Glover into the front three or Nikola Tavares in the middle of midfield, roles they can play but wouldn’t ideally be playing. And the other side to his personality has been shown this season, the one that does stick an arm round the shoulders of people, does look at the bigger picture and acknowledge everything he has achieved. The side that he shows during his pre-season interviews with BeesPod where the pressure is off and he has more time to explain his beliefs around football and Barnet Football Club.

Brennan is ruthless. He’s blunt. He’s demanding. He can be a tough listen. But the job he has done at Barnet has been excellent and they show no signs of letting up. Maybe I needn’t have the worries I have had. Maybe he’s going to complete the journey he has masterminded.

Prediction for the rest of the season

The question is essentially: Are Barnet winning promotion? I could give pros and cons for every team involved at present but I predicted Barnet to win the title in the summer, they top the league after 22 matches and their underlying data is the best in the division. I’m predicting a title win.

Boston United

Position: 23^rd

Record: Pld 22; W3 D6 L13; F19 A37 GD –18; Pts 15

Predicted position: 23^rd

What did I say?

Predicting four clubs to be relegated is never easy. Why Boston? I like the fact that they’ve kept the core from last season but continuing the same remarkable defensive record that set them up for promotion while also replacing that front two – who scored over half of their league goals between them – is tricky. I envisage some chopping and changing to the attack without truly settling on something and it will put pressure on the backline, perhaps akin to Kidderminster Harriers last season.

The reality is....

I know four teams have to be relegated and ego should dictate that I want to be correct, but given the nature of football predictions tends to lead people down the path of backing against the underdog to surprise, I always sort of hope I’m wrong about those I predict to go down. Unfortunately, it’s not looking good for Boston United.

As anticipated, there has been a fair amount of chopping and changing. Boston have used five or six different shapes and struggled to stick with a consistent front line with Jacob Hazel taking a lot of the heavy lifting on his shoulders with others unable to consistently support. Five players have signed and been given debuts in attacking roles across the last nine matches under three different managers. Meanwhile, they have conceded an average of 1.68 goals per game and have the second worst goal difference in the division, sitting five points adrift of safety.

Ian Culverhouse was sacked following a draw with Eastleigh 16 games in. The response appeared mixed, many thankful for his role in their long-awaited promotion but there was a sense that maybe it was for the best if they wanted to stick around in the National League. After a brief spell under midfielder Martin Woods, Graham Coughlan took the reins. The Irishman has had an indifferent time of things in management but comes with experience managing at a higher level. His early prognosis has been that his team aren’t ruthless enough in either box and that’s seemingly what he will be looking to change moving forward.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Graham Coughlan has a big job on his hands. His team need to score a few more, stop conceding so many and he’s got to make those improvements with either what he has been left with or by utilising a budget that is limited comparatively to most of the division, while also cutting the seven-point gap to survival as quickly as possible. And when I look at the other sides in the fight, I’m struggling to see exactly who Boston outperform. They may put up a brave fight, but I think relegation is more than likely.

Braintree Town

Position: 21^st

Record: Pld 23; W5 D5 L13; F19 A33 GD –14; Pts 20

Predicted position: 21^st

What did I say?

I’ve been pretty positive about Braintree Town this summer and I still want to back their survival. Harrop has clear ideas around what he wants to see and the recruitment appears to fit that. A lot of their signings were done early too, which could be important in implementing what he wants on the pitch as well as producing a positive dressing room culture. It’s simply the competition at the level. While the division doesn’t have a Wrexham or a Stockport County or Chesterfield, the floor for the sides at the level is probably as high as ever, and I don’t see Braintree avoiding the relegation battle. They have a chance but I’ve got to make a prediction and it’s 21st.

The reality is...

That I’m not far wrong and yet there is so much more than meets the eye.

Had I produced this a few weeks ago, I’d have felt comfortable suggesting Braintree Town had more than a chance at survival. The starting XI has been relatively settled with key players playing regular football, they had won four in eight, including three of four at home, and only Oldham Athletic (on opening day) and Barnet had beaten Braintree by more than one goal. Remaining competitive is hugely important in the battle for survival and they were beginning to find the net more regularly having swapped a run of five goals in ten matches for nine goals in eight.

And then things went a bit bonkers. Back-to-back 3-1 defeats against fellow relegation candidates Boston United (away) and Maidenhead United (home) led to Angelo Harrop being sacked. Justin Moseley helped oversee an impressive 2-2 draw with Gateshead then moved on in favour of Steve Pitt, but only after chairman Lee Harding claimed he had to sack Harrop or face the prospect of going into administration due to going “significantly over budget”. Which sounds fine until you realise the bloke saying this is the one in control of the budget. A strange situation. Inih Effiong was the first to depart and it’s hard not to think more will follow.

And so Braintree Town find themselves in 21^st position with a new manager who has overseen back-to-back league defeats in opening two matches. The underlying numbers don’t read too negatively, especially defensively. The challenge for Pitt is building on that and getting a few more goals out of his side while seemingly needing to reduce the budget. A tough ask.

Prediction for the rest of the season

It’s hard not to think that things are now going to be very tough for Braintree Town. I’m not going to pretend to know too much about Pitt beyond what I can locate quickly enough online, but it’s a tough challenge for anybody to walk in and improve a team already performing at a decent level without getting the results while potentially needing to reduce the budget. I fear Braintree are more likely to drop than survive at this point.

Dagenham and Redbridge

Position: 15^th

Record: Pld 22; W7 D7 L8; F35 A29 GD +6; Pts 28

Predicted position: 13^th

What did I say?

Dagenham and Redbridge did plenty of good work last season rectifying the culture and togetherness of the group. The new ownership haven’t walked in and ripped what has worked up, instead offering support to Strevens. I think the additions at centre-back and in midfield compliment the experience already available and they have a plethora of options in attack. I don’t think is the season Daggers make a major push, but I do see them improving and moving up the table slightly.

The reality is...

Dagenham and Redbridge aren’t making a major push and have moved up the table slightly – by one place.

Mid-table is normally an appropriate position for a side that are fine at home and poor on the road. Only Barnet and York City have got the better of them at Victoria Road and they’ve won all three matches played at home against sides below them. Spanking Gateshead 7-1 was a particular highlight on a day where everything clicked. On the road, their games have generally been tighter, never won or lost by more than one goal but they’ve been on the right side of that margin once and the wrong side five times.

And you can tell I wrote all of the above before the 3-0 loss at Wealdstone which means that statistic about tight away days no longer stands while they reside in exactly the same position they finished last season. Thanks for that.

So why is their season panning out like this? There are lots of reasons I may not be privy to as a neutral. There’s new ownership over the summer, a new Director of Football, a changeover in the playing staff that has almost entirely revolved around bringing younger players into the club (no player signed was over the age of 27). That, coupled with Strevens not consistently being able to field the spine that was so reliable for him last season – Tom Eastman, Jake Hessenthaler and Josh Rees – as well as the likes of Sam Ling, Christian N’Guessan, Ryan Hill and Josh Umerah being unavailable or not up to fitness has left Strevens with a team offering lacking a secure structure which has been harmful to the defensive solidity his teams have at their best.

However, it’s not all bad. As noted above, they are excellent at home and they are a threat. Dion Pereira has come on leaps and bounds while Junior Morias has stepped up as something of a leader in the absence of others, playing a variety of roles and producing. Their attacking numbers are pretty strong and there’s no reason that shouldn’t continue, provided they can begin fielding a natural striker up top again.

Prediction for the rest of the season

More of the same. I see Strevens likely to find himself papering over the cracks until the end of the season when issues can be addressed, provided they are. That means a bottom half finish and all parties needing to agree on how they see the future. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a big change or two, particularly given the rumours swirling around at present.

Eastleigh

Position: 12^th

Record: Pld 22; W8 D8 L6; F30 A28 GD +2; Pts 32

Predicted position: 22^nd

What did I say?

Eastleigh have some excellent players and will always be a danger to opponents because of that. They had some big lows last season. I have reservations over their business with two stepping into full-time football, three having limited senior appearances, one doesn’t appear to have an obvious role and the other has played 30+ games once in five years. Of the rest, it looks like the spine will contain a number of players in their 30’s which does little to dispel my concerns over mobility. I can’t say I have a handle on Kelvin Davis as a manager and it could go either way. I’m not convinced Eastleigh go down and 22nd could have been one of seven sides. I just feel a little less convinced Eastleigh stay up above those other teams.

The reality is..

That I’ve been frustrated since opening day about my last-minute decision to switch Eastleigh and Ebbsfleet United around in my pre-season prediction table.

They started like a house on fire, winning their opening four matches before a draw against Sutton United. After five matches, Eastleigh topped the division, Paul McCallum had registered four goals and the team was relatively settled. Since then, they have played 17 matches, winning four, losing six and drawing seven, leaving them nicely in mid-table.

So what are Eastleigh? They’re that team just kind of floating in mid-table. Their xG and xGA are about mid-table, as are their goals scored and conceded totals. They don’t take many shots but the quality is better than most. They rank low for touches in the opposition box and pressing statistics, but not so poorly that it’s a serious problem.

Kelvin Davis has kept a relatively settled team, has added depth where depth is needed, began to introduce a couple of young talents and his team have shown an ability to come from behind and not hold on to leads.

Prediction for the rest of the season

More of the same. I think Eastleigh slide a little further down the table and end up in the bottom half, but I don’t foresee them being in a position where their league status comes under threat. My hope as a neutral is that one or two of the younger players start to shine – I'm looking at Tyrese Shade, Angel Waruih and Noah Boutin.

Ebbsfleet United

Position: 24^th

Record: Pld 23; W1 D6 L16; F17 A54 GD –37; Pts 9

Predicted position: 19^th

What did I say?

While putting together my predictions, I’ve had Ebbsfleet bouncing all across the bottom half of the table. I have concerns around consistency with a number of new signings coming in on the back of difficult campaigns owing to form and injury, particularly in defence. The Fleet only have four players start 30 or more games last term and we may see similar figures. There is quality, there is depth, there are a few more round pegs in round holes and they probably won’t have to rely on short-term stopgaps. They should have enough, but I’m not sure it will be too pretty.

The reality is...

This has been an absolute horror campaign to date for the Fleet.

I have a problem tracking Ebbsfleet United during pre-season. They only list squads and not XI’s and I tend to find it tricky to work out exactly what is going on as a result when nosing at highlights. It meant that them lining up at Gateshead in a 4-3-3 on opening day surprised me. And then concerned me. And then it continued. And so did the chopping and changing. They made 22 changes to the starting XI during a run in which they collected one point and conceded 18 goals. I don’t like seeing any manager get the sack, but sometimes, it’s just not a surprise when it happens.

Here was my reason for feeling frustrated by it. They were fantastic at the back end of the previous season. They had a solid shape, were collecting points and the forwards looked in tandem. The parts seemed to fit. And it made more sense to stick with the 3-5-2 / 3-4-1-2 / 3-4-2-1 because they are an older side that aren’t the most mobile through the centre of the pitch, which meant that players had that little bit more protection by way of an extra body or two in the middle of the park. They lost a number of forwards in the opening weeks, had Dominic Poleon toiling away with minimal support and the team were too wide open for the space players were capable of covering.

Josh Wright took the baton and collected a 0-0 draw having opted to return to a familiar shape and Harry Watling had arrived just in time for their first win against Hartlepool United. And then it all went awry once more. The 34-year-old took charge of 12 league matches, collected four points and saw his side concede 28 goals, scoring ten and none in his last four. A dire situation, especially when you consider they played Maidenhead United, Wealdstone, Tamworth, Eastleigh and Boston United in that time.

He was backed. Sha’mar Lawson, Todd Kane, Pape Souare, Anthony Stewart, Aaron Cosgrave, Jack Wakely, Callum Harriott and Alexander Aoraha all arrived while a number of players were shipped out. He was a young manager that spoke of wanting and believing clarity was important but found himself chopping and changing in a bid to find the right set up – 39 changes to the starting XI in 12 matches. He would reference injuries and how those that were unavailable would be involved but that he couldn’t find excuses and needed others to step up.

Here’s my thinking towards Watling. I believe he has genuine ideas of what he wants to see. That includes having a team that press high, run themselves into the ground and play forward in a quick and direct manner while trusting his defenders to defend space. I think it’s why he added and trusted players that were more athletic than those he took on. However, the problem with the recruitment approach was that he was signing players that had played next to no football and weren’t immediately able to carry out what he wanted, supported by a cast that he claimed were not at the fitness level needed to carry out what he wanted. And the longer his tenure went on, the worse the mentality and confidence of the group appeared to get, ending with that 2-0 loss at Fylde.

In some ways, I feel for him. He took on the opportunity that came his way and was perhaps a little naive in terms of understanding what he was stepping into. Now he’s a 34-year-old sacked by the club at the lowest point of the professional game and unlikely to walk back into another top job. At the same time, he was very direct and sometimes brutal in his appraisals and failed to find a consistent approach that worked for him and his team leading to better performances, and he’ll have to know like every other manager that it’s a results business – he simply didn’t get on top of the job.

What comes next? Josh Wright has confirmed that he has been made permanent manager of Ebbsfleet United, which likely means his retirement from the game given he refuses to select himself. He is talking a good game in terms of believing there is enough quality to help get them out of trouble while also looking to add bodies in January. At least the fixture list will get easier – playing Barnet and Gateshead in your first two games isn’t the one.

Prediction for the rest of the season

To reach 50 points, Ebbsfleet United will need to achieve 1.78 points per game. Or to put it another way, they need to be the 4^th or 5^th best performing team in the National League across the second half of the season to even give themselves a chance of survival. And given the mess he inherits, I can’t see Ebbsfleet finishing anywhere other than inside the bottom four, most likely bottom.

FC Halifax Town

Position: 8^th

Record: Pld 23; W9 D8 L6; F26 A23 GD +3; Pts 35

Predicted position: 15^th

What did I say?

It’s part of the National League table predicting process to be down on The Shaymen after the departure of a number of key players / leaders, which leaves them short on paper and relying on one or two new signings plus others already at the club ready to step up only to see them be hard to beat, organised and capable of winning football matches on their way to a top half finish. I've had them all over the bottom half this summer and much lower than 15th, but as we reach the start of the season, I feel comfortable that they’re in decent shape and should comfortably retain their spot in the National League. I think they’ve addressed key losses, have players ready to step up and will do what Halifax Town do.

The reality is...

That I should have listened to the voice in my head that said “why are you putting them 15^th when you know deep down they’ll be in the top half pushing for a play-off spot?”

FC Halifax Town are a remarkable club. So much about them says they will drop at some point. The lack of financial support, consistently losing their best players, the lack of repairs to the ground and a dwindling fanbase fed up of spending their hard earned money to receive little back from their owners. Yet Pete Wild and now Chris Millington have consistently churned out results and given fans something to get behind.

In the summer, they lost Jamie Stott, Tylor Golden, Jack Hunter and Kane Thompson-Sommers having also seen Luke Summerfield and Jordan Keane depart. That’s five of their top nine appearance makers from last season and four of their five most experienced footballers in terms of age. Only Will Smith (25) and Tom Pugh (23) added notable first-team experience in the summer as far as permanent signings were concerned. Billy Waters joined on loan shortly after and is one of just two footballers over the age of 26 at the club.

And yet, FC Halifax Town are firmly in the conversation when it comes to a top seven finish, continuing to have one of the strongest defences in the National League, continuing to overperform their underlying numbers and continuing to bloody a few noses having picked up a point or three against four of the top five. And their consistency in doing this means I have to try and turn a blind eye to some of the data, which suggests they need to create more, need to create better scoring opportunities (worst xG per shot in the league), need to make more box entries and look after the ball better. They’ve proven that their set-up and the mentality of a developing team can cope. The Shaymen are doing what they do – picking up results and making life difficult for anybody that crosses them.

Prediction for the rest of the season

I’m confident they remain in the top half. Their body of work over a long period tells me they have every chance of finishing in the top seven. Will they? If the rumours of Scott High returning are true, I’d feel more confident. Either way, they will be in the conversation come the final few games, I feel.

Forest Green Rovers

Position: 3^rd

Record: Pld 22; W13 D7 L2; F40 A18 GD +22; Pts 46

Predicted position: 2^nd

What did I say?

I’ve chopped and changed my title winners between Barnet and Forest Green Rovers. I’ve backed the former but it remains tight. I envisage Forest Green being a different animal this season, a team that learns how to win again, learns how to hold on to leads, manage football matches and do the ugly stuff much better. They will be solid defensively, will have obvious outlets and should improve their set-piece record. I think Cotterill will get the backing to add one or two more through the season when necessary too, which could play a key role. I’m confident they finish in the top three and it should be tight towards the top.

The reality is...

Forest Green Rovers have been a basket case for the last two years with far too many managers, directors, recruitment teams and players departing as quickly as they arrived having failed to make a positive impact. Steve Cotterill has been in the management game a long time and his experience has shown, making decisive changes to reduce the size of his squad, get rid of any deadwood, add reliability and move forward with a group that doesn’t need all that much managing.

Rather than covering the Forest Green of recent seasons, I’m now covering an uber-consistent outfit. One that has used less footballers than any other team in the division (19), with only 17 of those having started a league match. One that plays in a consistent formation with changes to the XI only made in attack out of choice. Everybody knows their job and carries it out almost every game.

Their underlying numbers aren’t uber-exciting, certainly not to the same level as Barnet, York City and Oldham Athletic as far as expected numbers are concerned. However, they are a net positive and one of the strongest outfits from a defensive point of view. Ultimately, the Gloucestershire outfit are effective. They are relatively passive out of possession but the quality of shots they concede is low. They aren’t too fussed about having lots of the ball but rank high for percentage of touches in the box to touches during the game.

As for the actual numbers, Forest Green have lost only twice this season: 1-0 defeats away at fellow contenders Barnet and Oldham Athletic. They have spent less time behind in matches than any other side in the division and have conceded more than one goal just three times in 21 matches, keeping eight clean sheets. And key to building trust back with fans, they are unbeaten at home, winning seven of ten, a record only Barnet can better from a point per game point of view.

Prediction for the rest of the season

They’ll be in the conversation for the title and certainly for the top three. While their underlying numbers aren’t as exciting as others, there is a lot of experience and knowhow in and around the Forest Green dressing room which means you can rely on them to turn tight games in their favour and continue doing the basics right. I’m not going to predict a title win. I think they stay in the top three.

Gateshead

Position: 4^th

Record: Pld 23; W13 D5 L5; F45 A28 GD +17; Pts 44

Predicted position: 11^th

What did I say?

They’ve roped me back in. I had big concerns around Gateshead to the point I considered them for my bottom four. I have no doubts over the quality of the starting XI or the quality of football they will play, but it’s a system that requires everybody to be on song and their depth looked to be entirely young lads stepping into the game, which would have led to some short-termism in stopgap signings and similarities to their first season back under Williamson when they required a late fight back. And then in the space of a week, they let a number of young players depart on loans and signed Jacob Butterfield and Mark Beck. They are serious. They will be quality operators. They might just fall short in another push for the play-offs.

The reality is....

They are probably going to finish in the play-offs. And do you know what? Fair play to them.

The Heed opened up the campaign with five wins from seven, drawing at Oldham Athletic and beating Barnet – some way to start. That ended abruptly with a 7-1 loss at Dagenham and Redbridge before defeat at home to Forest Green Rovers. Back-to-back wins followed and things looked to be rosy again... until Rob Elliot, Louis Storey and Antony Sweeney parted for League One Crawley Town.

Gateshead a pretty unique club, both in terms of the closeness of the fanbase following off-field issues and the style of play they have been wedded to in recent years. Stability can be key in these scenarios so the decision to appoint Carl Magnay, fresh from a spell coaching at MK Dons under former boss Mike Williamson, made sense - another person with big ties to the club’s recent history. Collecting 18 points from his opening ten matches suggests all parties made a good call.

The Heed have continued to do similar things. They are one of the best in the division for goals scored, chances created, shots taken, possession, touches in the opposition box, pressing statistics. As far as their title challenge is concerned, the worry is the quality of shot they are conceding with no team in the division conceding a higher quality of average shot (around 0.14xG). It leaves them in the bottom half when it comes to their xG against, and it’s likely the reason for them falling just short of the other four in the title picture at present – they have conceded 2 or more goals in five of their last 11.

Prediction for the rest of the season

I wrote Gateshead off in pre-season so I’m loathe to do it again. But also, I think they’re finishing outside of the top three. I love what they are about but feel they’re a little behind Oldham Athletic, York City, Barnet and Forest Green Rovers in terms of budget, knowhow and defensive strength. I dislike that predicting Gateshead to finish 4^th or 5^th sounds negative because it really isn’t. Their budget is small compared to most, they’ve lost their first-team coaching staff (which included their long-serving centre-back) while their captain and arguably best player is missing the campaign with a broken leg suffered on opening day. As a neutral, it’s easy to get behind the Northeast outfit and would love it if they prove me wrong.

Hartlepool United

Position: 11^th

Record: Pld 23; W8 D9 L6; F26 A25 GD +1; Pts 33

Predicted position: 5^th

What did I say?

Despite continued concerns around the club’s ownership, I see Hartlepool United having a positive campaign. The reasons are threefold. One, Darren Sarll enters clubs and tends to have a fast start, meaning we should see a Hartlepool United side that are up for the fight early doors, catch teams off guard and retain a high league position. Two, the squad suits what Sarll will want to see which is being dominant through the centre of the pitch physically supported by plenty of energy and quality delivery. Three, it’s a fairly reliable group with a number of players proving they can play regular football. Hartlepool won’t be a sexy team to watch, but they will be functional, reliable, hard to play against and will find a way to score goals. The question is whether they can find another gear to finish strongly, assuming my prediction of a fast start is correct.

The reality is...

One, Hartlepool United did not get off to a fast start, winning four and losing five of their opening 13 league matches and being knocked out by Brackley Town in the FA Cup. Two, the results and lack of attacking threat suggested the squad did not entirely suit what Darren Sarll wanted to see. Three, they were functional and hard to play against but were not finding a way to score goals, failing to score in six of eight league matches before Sarll’s departure.

Not a good prediction.

This was the kind of disaster that the under scrutiny Hartlepool United ownership did not need after reportedly reneging on a deal to keep Kevin Phillips, who had done an okay job during his short spell in charge, in order to employ Sarll. And so the club returned to a steady hand, that of 76-year-old Lennie Lawrence who has put smiles back on faces, found a relatively consistent starting XI and lost just one of his last nine matches.

Despite the issues under Sarll, it never felt like the team were too far off collecting results and that has shown in response to his departure, Hartlepool playing with a little more freedom within a consistent structure and losing just one of their last ten – a bonkers 5-3 loss at York City. They have kept five clean sheets in their last eight, coinciding with Lawrence making just five changes to his starting XI.

Hartlepool have begun to level out a little bit as far as performance are concerned with a slight increase in the number of opportunities they are conceding matched by the team catching up with their underperformance in front of goal. The challenge will be where the team goes post-Christmas now things have settled down.

Prediction for the rest of the season

A part of me wants to get behind them. They have an experienced spine, are already proving stronger in both boxes and there is more trust in the playing staff. The other part of me assumes that Lawrence and Limbrick are going to face new challenges as the season goes on with recruitment and injuries / knocks. They’re in the conversation for the top seven. I’ll predict them just missing out.

Maidenhead United

Position: 22^nd

Record: Pld 23; W5 D5 L13; F27 A45 GD –18; Pts 20

Predicted position: 20^th

What did I say?

I feel like I’m repeating myself every year with Maidenhead United. But it doesn’t matter whether they don’t have a first-choice striker at the moment, or may still lose Smith, or that their new full-backs are novices at the level. Devonshire and his team will have their finger on the pulse, they’ll add what they need to add, they’ll go on bad runs and good runs and bloody the noses of those in the top half at York Road and find a way to survive. They might finish higher than 20th but so long as they stay in the National League, I’m not sure they will be too bothered.

The reality is...

That 1) I had a message of Lee Devonshire reminding me that I had completely forgotten Tristan Abrahams was still with the club, so my whole bit about the striker in pre-season was absolutely pointless. And 2) there may be reason for concern.

The Magpies have still done what they do at times. They beat Barnet in August, earned a 1-1 draw with Solihull Moors while having ten men and scared Oldham Athletic having gone 2-0 up. Yet they have won just twice at York Road and their usual excellent form at home against the top sides hasn’t come to fruition, collecting seven points from a possible 30 against the current top 14.

But the above also showcases a little bit of what Maidenhead United have been up against this season. Of all the sides in the bottom half, they have only played Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham and Redbridge at home, collecting four points. They have only played five of the seven sides that appear to currently be part of the relegation battle (four away from home) and collected ten points. It means as they enter the second half of the season, they have a lot of games to play against the sides they need to collect points from. And for all the joking about how they perform better against the top clubs, these are the games they will be aiming to win.

Finding defensive solidity is going to be important for the second half of the season. Alan Devonshire’s side have already conceded a whopping 45 goals in their 23 matches, conceding 2 or more on 10 occasions.

Prediction for the rest of the season

In my head, there are three sides I feel are heading down. I’m struggling with the fourth. I confess to being prepared to put my head on the chopping block and consider Maidenhead United as that fourth team. But, they’ve faced such a tough opening to the campaign and walk away from it in touching distance of 20^th. I’m not ready to call it yet. The club’s experiences could prove pivotal.

Oldham Athletic

Position: 5^th

Record: Pld 21; W12 D7 L2; F38 A19 GD +19; Pts 43

Predicted position: 4^th

What did I say?

The general consensus will be that Oldham Athletic are aiming for promotion and understandably so – it's Oldham Athletic in the National League. They may achieve it this season, but I think they have a number of hurdles to overcome still as they look to realise that ambition. Micky Mellon and Darren Royle certainly seem aware of Oldham’s recent history, not winning promotion for over three decades while their back-to-back top half finishes were their first since 2008-09. They are learning lessons as an ownership, a fanbase, a football club, a management team and that will continue this term as they look to deal with expectation, improve home form, put together winning runs, respond to setbacks and more. I’m confident they finish in the top seven. League winners? Maybe not yet.

The reality is...

They will finish in the top seven. The question is whether their remarkable form of present will be sustained in order to challenge for the number one spot.

At the time of writing, Oldham Athletic are 5^th in the National League, five points behind Barnet with two games in hand and one of four clubs averaging at least two points per game. Only Forest Green Rovers can match their number of defeats (2) while they have won ten and drawn two of their last 13 league outings. The wind is certainly in their sails.

The underlying numbers are looking good too. They rank 4^th for xG per game, and 3^rd for xGA while in terms of actual goals scored and conceded against those expected numbers, there is a slight overperformance but less than three of the other four in the title picture at present. They are not in an undeserved position.

Mellon has done what he set out to do upon his arrival. He has cut the size of the squad down, found reliability and relative consistency in his approach. The addition of Josh Stones has been an important factor too, not least because it helps bring out the best in James Norwood, a striker that scores goals at this level and who Mellon has proven he can get the most from.

Is there a catch? Maybe. They have had one of the easier fixture lists based on points accrued by their opponents so far with eight of their 11 wins coming against sides currently residing in the bottom 11 of the division. They still haven’t played four of the top 12, have to travel to York City, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead and local rivals Rochdale while only four of their remaining 12 home matches are against sides 14^th or lower. There are tougher challenges ahead.

Prediction for the rest of the season

The Latics’ recent winning run has firmly established them as part of the title chasing pack and there a number of reasons to get behind them. They have already showcased a steeliness to earn results against three of their title contenders and the numbers look fine. The challenge to finish in the top three is definitely there. Can they win the league? I think they’ll fall short.

Rochdale

Position: 6^th

Record: Pld 21; W11 D3 L7; F31 A19 GD +12; Pts 36

Predicted position: 14^th

What did I say?

I think another season of consolidation is likely for Rochdale. The new ownership aren’t getting carried away and are likely to focus their work on improving facilities, relationships and standards around the club as they bid to adhere to their goals. Recruitment for the first-team has followed a similar process to last year, McNulty taking on a small squad of players, many of whom are moving towards their prime years and are looking to develop their game while playing a patient, possession-based brand of football. There has been big change in the defensive area of the pitch and will be a lot of moving parts around the club generally. A mid-table finish as they set themselves up for a more consistent push in 2025-26 is where I see things heading.

The reality is...

That when I read back through my pre-season predictions and saw I placed Rochdale in 14^th after a summer of being insistent they would finish in the top 10, it blew my mind. How and why did they fall so low? It’s amazing what slips through the net sometimes. I digress.

It’s been a funny season for Rochdale. There is so much good about them and so much that can frustrate. I really like Jim McNulty and his willingness to protect his players and protect his club has been good to see, especially considering the problems he and the fanbase have had to endure over the years. The new ownership are in and it’s a fresh start for all. Seeing them start so well – five wins in eight – was lovely, as was their response of back-to-back victories after back-to-back defeats. But form has dwindled since, Dale have won and lost four of their last eight, leaving them in 6^th and at the top of a congested pack looking for a top seven finish.

It has led to indifferent thoughts around the job McNulty is doing from the fanbase. Some aren’t a fan of the slow, methodical style that is designed to take jeopardy away from the game in the name of control while others are happy with the progress of the team. Dale are one of the best defensive outfits in the division, see a lot of the ball and get into the opposition box more than most but it’s also passive out of possession and they don’t take anywhere near enough efforts at goal. As a Northern club, intensity and efforts at the opponents goal are two sure-fire ways to get fans behind you and Dale have lacked that.

My opinion? McNulty and Rochdale are on the right track. I think there is still a lot of learning going on at the club, from how to deal with on-field challenges such as injuries and rotation to other aspects such as recruitment – a lot of their post-summer additions have been young lads with minimal experience entering the fray, which isn’t easy for a team that play such a distinct style. And that is going to create inconsistency in results and performance, not to mention a few mistakes.

Prediction for the rest of the season

I believe Rochdale are on the right path as far as the long-term is concerned and I expect them to continue learning as the season progresses. They will finish in the top half. Top seven? I’m not sure. They have now lost a third of their league matches this season, including six of their last 13 after such a positive start. I feel they may sink into the pack and it’s going to be about whether they can turn their style into one that creates chances more regularly. Keeping Kairo Mitchell and Devante Rodney fit could be the difference.

Solihull Moors

Position: 7^th

Record: Pld 23; W10 D5 L8; F42 A36 GD +6; Pts 35

Predicted position: 9^th

What did I say?

On the one hand, they have a pretty good spine in Walker, Clarke, Whitmore, Osborne and Campbell and there is better depth to the group on paper. On the other, I need more evidence around the reliability of the group as a whole, particularly in deep and attacking midfield, while Whing and Ward will face more expectation than last season having arrived at a point where there was nothing to lose. I think last season brought people together more and while I’m not sure they improve on last season’s remarkable finish in both league and cup, I think they are beginning to build for something better and should challenge.

The reality is...

Solihull Moors are a very good side but one that has to do a lot better defensively.

My pre-season concerns lay around the reliability of a squad full of experience and quality but players that haven’t always played regular football and they were starting the campaign playing catch-up. Jordan Tunnicliffe, John Bostock and Conor Wilkinson signed almost as the season started while Jamey Osborne and Tahvon Campbell didn’t have a pre-season. Joss Labadie disappeared as quickly as he returned and Kyle Morrison was missing following a problem at the end of the previous campaign. That’s a lot of experience through the spine of the team missing or having to play themselves into fitness from the off while the squad has often been fleshed out with academy talent.

The Moors have been one of the most entertaining sides in the division but to the frustration of Whing who has bemoaned his side’s inability to keep the back door shut owing to errors. They have kept only three clean sheets this season, all away from home, and conceded 3 or more goals in five of their last eight at home. That so many have come from open play, and in particular crosses, only adds to the idea that Moors need to be so much better in their structure and defensive play.

They are excellent going forward, however. They have failed to score on four occasions, three of which came against the sides currently placed 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th while netting 33 goals in their last 15 matches. Jamey Osborne sits towards the top of the expected and actual assists chart with Jack Stevens and Conor Wilkinson in double figures for goal contributions. The quality is there, it’s just their defensive application.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Like a lot of sides in the race for a play-off spot, I can’t rule Solihull Moors out. Will they tighten up? Will they stop scoring so many? Will they just balance out? It’s all a little chaotic at the moment and I can’t answer any of those questions definitively. I remain concerned by the defensive area of the pitch, so I’m going to follow my gut and my pre-season prediction and say they’ll finish outside of the top seven.

Southend United

Position: 16^th

Record: Pld 23; W6 D9 L8; F24 A27 GD –3; Pts 27

Predicted position: 3^rd

What did I say?

No more distractions. No more off-field issues. Just a chance to look forward. They have a fantastic manager, a quality coaching staff, plenty of people behind the scenes that care, a quality group that have proven their togetherness over time and the ability to add more quality to that group with John Still helping lead that. This squad will be one of, if not the, best defensive sides in the division and amongst the best going forward – they will hope to improve on a record of scoring 15 goals less than expected last term. I could place Southend anywhere in the top three and feel comfortable with it.

The reality is...

Just when it looked like Southend United were set to move forward, they’ve come up against issues.

Centre-back Ollie Kensdale departed under a cloud. Leading striker Harry Cardwell was sold to Forest Green Rovers. Cavaghn Miley picked up an injury that forced him out of action for two months. The spine of the team gone before the end of August. Factor in Collin Andeng-Ndi's form dipping and a lack of consistency for a forward line that hadn’t had much of a pre-season and it just feels like Kevin Maher has been fighting battles since day one in an attempt to find the consistency and reliability that has served him team so well in recent seasons.

The Blues aren’t a side that should be 16^th in the division. They are one of the better sides in the National League when it comes to their expected numbers, slightly underperforming at both ends, they keep the ball well and get into the box regularly. It’s just finding that clinical edge, which is where the off-field changes, no matter how positive they will become in the long-term, and losing the spine of their team really doesn’t help.

And so we have a side that have lost back-to-back matches on three occasions and are yet to win back-to-back matches, drawing the joint most games in the division. Their first half record is better than their second half record, they have spent more time leading than losing, have kept a lot of clean sheets but have scored 0 or 1 in 15 of their 22 matches. Finding that clinical edge will be the difference between a positive and fairly negative finish in the table.

Prediction for the rest of the season

If Southend United want to reach 75 points, they will need to accrue 2.09 points per game between now and the end of the season. That’s what the top three are currently hitting. For 70, it’s 1.89, which would be a top five performance. The chances of the Blues reaching the top seven at this stage are minimal. A top half finish is likely the focus now as the management team work towards building a team that can finally start the new season prepared and ready to go from the off.

Sutton United

Position: 13^th

Record: Pld 23; W9 D5 L9; F30 A29 GD +1; Pts 32

Predicted position: 12^th

What did I say?

I’ll be honest, I have absolutely no idea with Sutton United. On the one hand, I think Steve Morison is very clear in what he wants and will have made moves this summer to fit his demands. I think he’s got a young group that will play a tidy style of football and have the kind of wildcards in the final third that should make them enjoyable to watch, as well as a threat to opponents. Yet I’m also concerned by the sheer scale of change this summer, not to mention only signing one player over the age of 25. I think they will be more than fine but I feel like inconsistency is likely.

The reality is...

Sutton United have been inconsistent but there are a lot of positives to take from their rebuild to date.

They have twice lost three on the spin but also gone on four and five match unbeaten runs on three occasions. Their record against the poorer sides in the division is strong, save for a 3-0 loss at home to Boston United, while their record against the top sides needs improving, save for a 5-0 thumping of Altrincham.

They find themselves in 13^th place at the time of writing and have the most mid-table of records having won and lost nine of their 23 league outings. It’s been a weird season to date in terms of personnel, Steve Morison deserving credit for his handling of the challenges that have come his way but also playing his part in recruiting a near-entire new squad that has had to be chopped and changed on the regular owing to injuries, knocks and the inconsistencies that come with signing so many young players.

Finding the right balance hasn’t been easy but Morison has been patient with his tactical changes, a recent switch to a back three working in respects of his side conceding six goals in their last nine games but blunting their attacking output. Data wise, they are a defensively sound side that press well, showing the kind of energy and tenacity that made Morison an important player higher up the pyramid. They create a better quality of chance that most but have work to do when it comes to control of a football match, which may be the next step.

Prediction for the rest of the season

I don’t foresee a huge amount of change to their spot in the table. The scale of change has been the key aspect to their inconsistency but this is only the start of their journey. I’m expecting more challenges to creep up, another change or two in a bid to find the right balance and a team that is left in a good spot to build on in the summer where they can look to step up a level or two.

Tamworth

Position: 14^th

Record: Pld 22; W8 D5 L9; F25 A38 GD –13; Pts 29

Predicted position: 24^th

What did I say?

It always feels lazy to predict newcomers to go straight back down, especially in bottom place. However, the last two seasons have seen a newly promoted club finish bottom, a third has been relegated, two survived after late runs of form dragged them out of the relegation picture and none have finished in the top half. Tamworth remain a part-time outfit and have stepped up two divisions in a short amount of time. I’m getting shades of Kidderminster Harriers in how I see Tamworth this season. They will be competitive, they will play games on tight margins and look to utilise what they can to win games. But turning tight margins affairs into enough victories will be tough and I can only hope they prove me wrong.

The reality is...

They have proved me wrong. In fact, they have proven a lot of people wrong.

Andy Peaks doesn’t look or sound like your typical football manager but his calmness and honesty allows you to understand why he has consistently done a good job with Tamworth. He didn’t panic when a number of his players picked up injuries, instead choosing to back his squad and only add players when absolutely necessary. He has an experienced spine, all of whom have stepped up at various points and their FA Cup performance has been simply marvellous, leading them to a huge third round cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur.

A big reason why I believe Tamworth have performed so well is because they know exactly who and what they are. They aren’t pretending to be anything they’re not and it means staff, players and fans know what they are getting each week. And it would remiss not to mention to the pitch that they use to their advantage – just two of their nine losses have come at the Lamb. Yet Tamworth have also picked up big wins on the road at fellow strugglers AFC Fylde and Braintree Town while earning a point at Boston United early in the season and they are unbeaten against the bottom eight.

They are unlikely to be data darlings at any point this season but what they lack in quality and control between both boxes, they make up with their effectiveness defending their territory and finding a way into the oppositions.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Tamworth are staying up. Going into the second half of the campaign, they are nine points clear of the drop with a number of games yet to play against the sides below them in the table. The consistency of their approach and on-field leadership and reliability will be important, along with their home form. I don’t see the squad being picked apart by the vultures in January. What a job Peaks and his team have done.

Wealdstone

Position: 18^th

Record: Pld 22; W5 D8 L9; F27 A32 GD –5; Pts 23

Predicted position: 17^th

What did I say?

I’ve been pretty consistent all summer about Wealdstone going down. And the longer the summer went on, the more I got cold feet about that decision. I have reservations around Taylor, I must confess. But I see it going one of two ways for him – he either shows he can give Wealdstone a platform to perform or they replace him with somebody who proves that. The back three is strong, they have clear outlets out wide, huge experience through the spine and enough direct threats to cause problems. Aside from Taylor, I have concerns around consistency of the starting XI meaning we could see peaks and troughs. I think Wealdstone will have enough.

The reality is...

My concerns around Matthew Taylor and a lack of consistency in selection were ringing true as the team sat 23^rd in mid-October. The former Shrewsbury Town and Walsall boss had used four or five different formations, had made an average of 3.3 changes to his starting XI per game and new bodies were being thrown in left, right and centre.

And then it stopped. I’m not sure of the reasons why, but Taylor settled on a formation and, for the most part, a starting team. It helps that his team found some form, the arrival of Alex Reid coinciding with both Sam Ashford and Max Kretzschmar returning to fitness and the team finally scoring some goals. Meanwhile they have finally played the same midfield pairing for more than two games in a row and the defence has been relatively settled. It’s little wonder they went six without defeat.

It makes for an interesting second half of the season for the Stones. Their recent run has shown that a team that have been competitive and played some excellent football in most of their matches can pick up results and score goals. Meanwhile, they have eight games to play against the current bottom six with double headers against Tamworth, Maidenhead United and Boston United to come. And yet, they are losing Alex Reid, who has had such a big impact in front of goal.

The opportunities are going to be there to pick up points. It’s important that Taylor sticks to his principles and manages to keep some consistency in selection as they navigate the second half of the campaign.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Wealdstone are a side I’ve had my eye on in the race to go down. Their fixture list and general performance give me reason to believe they’ve got an excellent chance of survival and though I have concerns about their ability to replace Reid and the depth of their midfield and attack, I’m siding with them avoiding the drop.

Woking

Position: 17^th

Record: Pld 23; W6 D6 L11; F21 A33 GD –12; Pts 24

Predicted position: 16^th

What did I say?

I like Doyle, I like the early business, I like what I saw last season. I’m confident that Doyle will get his messages across and we will see a team with leadership and quality, built from a fairly solid base. But it’s hard to ignore the number of changes to the squad coupled with off-field issues that leave the recruitment feeling a little unfinished – particularly in attack. While there is confidence a takeover will happen, there will likely be some short-term pain that follows given the reported debt and cashflow issues. I want to base this prediction on the football as much as I can and hope the financial concerns don’t escalate further. Doyle will get his ideas across and he doesn’t strike me as somebody that will look for the excuses that others may in the situation. However, he is likely to be fielding an XI with square pegs fitting round holes at times and they may lack the natural balance and quality to carry out what he wants on a consistent basis.

The reality is...

That Michael Doyle lost his job shortly before I finalised this piece and has been replaced by Neal Ardley.

I feel for Doyle. I don’t know exactly what conversations took place when he took the job but given the early summer outlay on Ben Wynter, Cian Harries, Dale Gorman and Harry Beautyman, you have to assume he had assurances that he would receive a decent budget to begin moving the club forward. As predicted in pre-season, he was left with a squad that felt unfinished and was therefore putting square pegs in round holes or signing players on cheap deals hoping they might plug a gap until a takeover was complete – as evidenced by Jack Stretton and Deon Moore departing early.

There is a clear disparity in the results he was able to achieve. At the time of Doyle’s departure, Woking had played ten matches against sides placed 12^th or lower in the league table and collected 19 points, only losing away at Tamworth, while they had collected just two points from 12 against teams 11^th or higher, failing to score in seven of those and never scoring more than once. The lack of attacking quality and balance to the team clearly shone against the better teams in the division.

Still, Doyle isn’t blameless in all of this. He regularly chopped and changed formation and style and though his team worked hard and pressed well, the quality of their football suffered as a result. Fans never knew which team would turn up from one week to the next, both in terms of personnel and system. Doyle left the club following a run of one win in 14 and his side scoring just one goal in the last six. It was clearly decided the new era should start with somebody else at the helm.

Neal Ardley returns to management in the National League. It makes sense in a number of ways. He’s fairly local, knows Michael Doyle well having managed him at Notts County and also knows a couple of players already at the club. It’s also a sensible appointment for a new ownership. Ardley is somebody that will focus on finding reliability, leadership and stability and should work through the squad churn and off-field upheaval. However, that may come at the cost of style in the early period so it could become a bit of a grind between now and the end of the season.

Opening up with a 2-1 win against Altrincham, largely putting to bed the statistic from above about their record against good sides was quite the way to start.

Prediction for the rest of the season

The appointment of Ardley makes me confident Woking survive. I don’t think it will be pretty and he, the players and fans may endure short-term pain as far as style is concerned, but I think he will identify the leaders in his team, players who possess proven quality at National League level, and work around them leading to an improvement in results.

Yeovil Town

Position: 10^th

Record: Pld 23; W10 D4 L9; F28 A35 GD –7; Pts 34

Predicted position: 16^th

What did I say?

I remain frustrated for Yeovil Town fans given the off-field noise but it seems apparent that on the pitch, Mark Cooper has attentions focused and a group that are together. There are leaders, there is reliability, there is a team that have learned how to win football matches regularly and they have a shape that enables them to play the sort of football Cooper has a reputation for playing. It’s all fairly positive from where I sit and it means I have confidence they won’t be too worried about relegation. They sit 18th on account of the step up being a big one for any club – no promoted side has finished in the top half since Stockport County and Woking managed it in 2019-20 – and the squad just generally not being as strong as others at the level.

The reality is...

That I’ve just noticed an error in my pre-season conclusion where I referenced Yeovil Town finishing 18^th having predicted a 16^th place finish. Goddamn it.

Yeovil have performed far better than perhaps even they expected this season, sitting just outside the top seven at the time of writing. Cooper has showcased his qualities as a manager this term through recruitment, use of squad and in-game tactical flexibility – Yeovil’s -3 goal difference in the first half of matches becomes a +6 in the second half of games.

However, the clearest indication of where Yeovil Town are right now is in who they have beaten. The Glovers have played 13 matches against sides in the bottom half of the table, winning ten and drawing three. They have played ten matches against sides in the top half, drawing one and losing nine. They have scored 23 of their 28 league goals in their nine matches against the sides currently in the bottom eight and failed to score in nine of their 12 matches against sides in the top 14.

It would appear changes are afoot as far as the attack is concerned if noises around players being transfer listed are true. It will be interesting to see if the changes work as far as creating more quality chances against the better sides is concerned. For now, I think Yeovil fans and Cooper can be happy with the work they have done to date, knowing that there is hopefully more to come.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Cooper is a very experienced football manager at this point in his career and he will know exactly what he needs in order to progress Yeovil a step further. The challenge is whether he can get what he needs on a modest budget – they have found themselves relying on youngsters stepping in on loan to date. They’ve had an excellent start and I see no reason why they can’t finish in the top half. I do think they will fall short of a top seven place, however, just on account of lacking the extra bit of quality that allows them to collect more results against the better outfits in the division.

York City

Position: 1^st

Record: Pld 23; W14 D6 L3; F47 A20 GD +27; Pts 48

Predicted position: 10^th

What did I say?

Another summer of change and I’m far more positive about York City this time around. However, The Minstermen finished 20th last season, so turning that into a top seven finish would be a huge achievement for Hinshelwood and his players. The process of moving players out will continue while five of their first nine signings are either stepping up a level or moving into full-time football. It means that I foresee some peaks and troughs during a campaign that will see the club wanting to be ambitious but hopefully understanding the need to build some stability. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they land themselves in the top seven and even higher than that, but I’m going to be cautious in my prediction and see where the season takes them.

The reality is...

I needn’t have been cautious. The ownership have taken a back step this season and let the footballing personnel at the club do their thing, changing footballing culture to one that is far more enjoyable for fans to watch and has proven successful across the first half of the National League campaign. It helps that their home form has been excellent – a shock early season defeat against Boston United and a goalless draw with Eastleigh at the end of a three-game week the only blots on the copy book.

Simply put, York are one of the best sides in the division. Their style is one of high possession, high pressing and high territory, creating opportunities at will and doing a good job of keeping the back door shut. They have a clear way of playing but are tactically and positionally more flexible than any other side in the division, which gives them an advantage going into each game because it’s hard for opponents to plan against an exact system. While Hinshelwood had a little bit of time with the group he inherited last season, it’s undeniably an achievement to be pushing for the title after just one pre-season and summer of recruitment.

Can they keep it up? On the one hand, there has been a lot of change with Hinshelwood rotating plenty in order to keep his players fresh as they adapt to a new club and/or new ideas. On the other, York have an extremely talented squad, a lot of experience and the finances to keep improving as evidenced by the arrivals of David Ajiboye and Jeff King. They are the only team in the division to score more than two per game and concede less than one, a basic statistic but one that showcases their ruthlessness.

Prediction for the rest of the season

Like others in the top five, the question is whether York will win the title. Having backed Barnet, I have to say no by default. But I’m not ruling them out whatsoever and I’m confident they are finishing in the top three. Given they survived on the final day last season, a top three finish would be some achievement. A title? One of the best turnarounds in National League history, regardless of noise around the budget.

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I’ve caught up on the NTT20 Telegram group. I’ve had a little catch up on Twitter. It’s too early to go and get us both ready – Mom deserves a small lie-in and the baby gate doesn't half creek.  

What do I do with myself?  

I know. I’ll go back to an old favourite. Twenty-four clubs. One player / manager per team. Best squad of players possible. Only rule is no short-term loanees.  

What shape do I use? 

I’m probably going to form the team around players from the top clubs, so let’s look at what they’re doing.  

Barnet, Gateshead, Rochdale and Oldham Athletic all play a back three. York City and Forest Green Rovers play a four. I’m probably going to side with a three, or something of a hybrid system, depending on the players available. 

As an aside, nine sides have almost exclusively used a three, nine have almost exclusively four and the remaining six have bounced between both. It’s a pretty even split if you're now thinking about building your own.

The players.  

I’ve probably given this too much deliberation. Different systems. Different personnel. I've actually been writing this casually for about three weeks – often on my phone while on the bus to work or lying in bed of an evening – and even upon finalising it, I made changes thinking I had a better solution.  

And after all of that, I still feel like I’m missing something. Am I missing a trick somewhere? Should have I gone with Josh Rees or George Langston or Alex Newby?  

Wait. Is this how international managers feel when picking their squads tournaments? They’re probably more decisive, right? I guess they have to be – it's a lot more serious than this bozo posting a load of nonsense on his Substack.  

Might as well stop rambling and share what I eventually came up with.  

Manager 

Kevin Maher – Southend United 

Kevin Maher is one of the best managers in the National League and has proven that over a number of years now. I’m going to need a statesman that can communicate to my imaginary fans, doesn’t make excuses and sets up a team that is both sound defensively and creates opportunities going forward. It does mean I lose out on having somebody like Gus Scott-Morriss or Jack Bridge in my team, but I’m sure Maher can find stars within his new group.  

Goalkeepers 

Lucas Covolan – Braintree Town 

Cameron Gregory – Boston United 

Jed Ward – Forest Green Rovers  

I spent a bit of time working out whether I could squeeze somebody like Liam Sercombe or Kyle McAllister into my squad but I kept coming back to the goalkeeper situation. I wanted somebody who could not only save shots but could also distribute efficiently. Jed Ward may be a young goalkeeper but he possesses qualities that have really come to the fore for Forest Green Rovers this season, as they did at Wealdstone last year. And with a powerful defence in front of him, I think his qualities will be accentuated in net and weaknesses hidden. 

Lucas Covolan is back-up. He’s prone to a bit of madness but has been fine for Braintree Town so far this season and is a more than capable goalkeeper for the level having also performed for Torquay United and been a part of Maidstone United’s journey last year. Cameron Gregory is a fine goalkeeper in his own right but I would be lying if I suggested that his addition was a case of not selecting an outfielder for lowly Boston United.  

Centre-backs 

Callum Howe – York City 

Manny Monthe – Oldham Athletic  

Jaydn Mundle-Smith – Wealdstone 

Adam Senior – FC Halifax Town 

Morgan Williams – Yeovil Town 

Having made my pick for Barnet (see further down), I was left with the decision of who to pick for York City. They’ve got fantastic wide options but I wanted to make sure the spine of my team was strong. With my midfield already solidified in my head, no slight on a York midfield that play some super slick stuff, I had to choose between Callum Howe or Ollie Pearce, I felt. The division has a lot of goalscorers but not many centre-halves I could trust to lead this National League all-stars squad. Howe is in, and he’s my captain. 

I went through the Halifax squad and always felt more comfortable selecting a defender. Adam Senior has played most of his recent football at right-back or on the right side of a three and has shown an ability to step out of defence and support the attack, while being a threat from set-pieces. The same goes for Manny Monthe on the other side. That they both offer a genuine goal threat only helps my decision making.  

Jaydn Mundle-Smith has proven himself a reliable figure for Wealdstone and also somebody that could cover at full-back or wing-back if the game called for it, meaning he became a useful option to bring in. Morgan Williams played an important role in Yeovil Town's promotion and has developed into a more consistent performer since his last stint in the National League.  

Central Midfield  

Dale Gorman – Woking 

Anthony Hartigan – Barnet 

Elliot Osborne – Altrincham  

Jamey Osborne – Solihull Moors  

My first pick was Anthony Hartigan. He has been the lynchpin of the Barnet side since joining early in 2023-24 and outside of Chesterfield, Barnet have been the most impressive and consistent attacking force in the division since. A huge part of that is their dominance in possession and Hartigan is an enormous part of that, seeing a lot of the ball and being purposeful in his actions.  

Alongside him is Jamey Osborne. I’m biased here – I love the guy. He can really do it all, whether it’s tough tackling, driving into space, taking set-pieces, creating opportunities or belting them in from 25 yards. Can he play alongside Hartigan? Well, Hartigan excelled next to Billy Clifford early in the season while Osborne is now playing next to John Bostock. It will work. 

And if it doesn’t, I’ve got two fine options waiting in the wings. One is Dale Gorman, whose consistency in midfield has seen him play regularly at this level for a number of years now, offering tenacity and quality with the ball. The other is Elliot Osborne, who has been a consistent member of an Altrincham midfield tasked with being brave and progressive in their work.  

Wing-backs / Wingers 

Josh Coley – Sutton United 

Tyler Frost – Aldershot Town 

Luke Hannant - Gateshead 

Dion Pereira – Dagenham and Redbridge  

Dion Pereira was a player I really wanted in this team. He’s quick, direct, excellent in 1v1 situations and his output in the final third is improving the more he plays at this level – Ben Strevens has got a level of consistency from him that has often been missing from his game. He’s a bit of an outlier in this group having played minimal football as a wing-back but with the aim being for my wing-backs to play high and offer width, I think his qualities give this group something unique.  

Josh Coley is similar in terms of spending much of his career as an out and out winger but he has applied himself excellently since dropping into a wing-back role for Sutton United while his time with Maidenhead United showcased his ability to start from deep and drive the ball.  

I had a difficult decision in terms of who to choose from both Aldershot Town and Gateshead but opted with Tyler Frost and Luke Hannant. They've both played a lot of football at wing-back but also offer versatility and reliability and I think their pedigree and technical ability would be key to balancing out the team.  

I think the quartet offer versatility as wingers, wing-backs and, in the case of Frost and Hannant, more central options. And with four of the central defenders capable of playing at full-back or as a wing-back, Kevin Maher has plenty of flexibility in terms of the system he chooses to play.  

Attacking midfield 

Nick Haughton – AFC Fylde 

Devante Rodney – Rochdale 

Reece Smith – Maidenhead United 

Nathan Tshikuna – Tamworth 

I had a difficult decision when it came to Rochdale. Do I go with Tarryn Allarakhia, Devante Rodney or Kairo Mitchell? I went for Rodney because his power and finesse from the slightly withdrawn striking role was something unique and when he’s fit and on it, he’s as confident in front of goal as they come. He can also play as part of a two off the front or directly as a striker, adding to the flexibility of the team.  

I found the other three pretty easy to select. Partly because they offer unique qualities and partly because there wasn’t a huge amount of competition within the squads they play for in my opinion.  

Nick Haughton is a magician, a player whose output in the final third is close to unmatched for players in his position, having produced consistently for three and a half seasons now. Nathan Tshikuna has really caught my eye this season as a player with an excellent work ethic, an ability to bring others into the game and loves to burst into the area. And anybody that follows NL Musings will know how big of a fan I am of Reece Smith, whose acceleration, technical prowess and ability to play across the front line give this side plenty.  

Strikers 

Rakish Bingham – Ebbsfleet United 

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe – Hartlepool United 

Paul McCallum – Eastleigh  

I was tempted to be clever with the attack. But I’ve got technical footballers. I’ve got players that can run. I’ve got players that can deliver a cross. I just need my number nine to stay between the width of the goal, keep it simple and get on the end of passes and crosses.  

Since the start of last season, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Paul McCallum have scored a combined 69 goals in 108 matches for bottom half teams. Imagine what they could do for this team? Plus, side note, it has been reported more than once that Maher has wanted McCallum at Southend.  

I found myself needing a player from Braintree Town, Boston United and Ebbsfleet United and having decided Covolan was perhaps the best goalkeeper to select from those available as back-up, it seemed smart to pick Rakish Bingham as final outfield selection. He’s a similarly powerful forward with an eye for goal – Bingham has averaged a goal around once every 200 minutes – while also being a hard worker and selfless in his work, making him potentially an ideal foil for his fellow strikers when called upon.  

The Starting XI 

Some tricky decisions to make, but I’m going to gamble on Kevin Maher starting opening day of this imaginary league / tournament the National League all-stars have entered with 

Jed Ward 

Adam Senior – Callum Howe – Manny Monthe 

Dion Pereira – Anthony Hartigan – Jamey Osborne – Luke Hannant 

Nick Haughton – Devante Rodney 

Paul McCallum 

Maybe I haven’t decided on the front three yet.  

Think you can do better? Let me know in the comments or @NLMusings

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We’ve lost a Chesterfield side that threatened record-breaking numbers until they decided they didn’t need to bother having sewn up the title before the League Cup final took place and a Bromley side that were regular fixtures in the top seven across Andy Woodman’s three and a half years.  

We’ve also lost National League North and South play-off winners Oxford City and Kidderminster Harriers, two sides that came close to cracking things until they never, a Dorking Wanderers side that couldn’t keep their best players fit and a Boreham Wood side that endured similar physical issues and lost the defensive record that proved so important.  

We welcome Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United back to non-league after decent spells in the EFL, a place where newly promoted Yeovil Town and Boston United have resided in the past while Braintree Town and Tamworth return to non-league's top tier.  

They will compete with last year’s runners up Barnet, who are favourites for the title, and fellow fallen play-off sides Altrincham, FC Halifax Town and Solihull Moors, who managed to finish as runners-up in the play-offs and FA Trophy final.  

Moors were beaten by Gateshead, who finished 6^th in the league but weren’t permitted to challenge in the end of season play-offs. Aldershot Town and Oldham Athletic just missed out along with a newly taken over Southend United while Rochdale and Hartlepool United will hope to build on top half finishes in their first years at the level.  

The remaining clubs include Eastleigh, Dagenham and Redbridge, Woking, AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and York City, who were all involved in an incredible end of season battle for survival along with Maidenhead United and Wealdstone, who remain two of five part-time outfits. Wealdstone, like Braintree Town, are moving towards a full-time model and find themselves in a hybrid function now.  

It’s a division that has lost the star power of recent years with clubs such as Wrexham, Stockport County, Chesterfield and Notts County winning long-awaited promotions and while the ceiling may have lowered, the floor has been raised and it makes this one of the most difficult National League seasons to predict in a long time.  

And that’s what I’ve tasked myself with – predicting how this all unfolds. So, without further ado, I bring you the NL Musings 2024-25 National League Preview.  

AFC Fylde 

How Did Last Season Go?  

It started terribly and ended very well. Adam Murray tried almost everything he could to get results but ten defeats and 35 goals conceded in 15 matches led to his departure. Chris Beech stepped down from the directors box and showed everybody how it’s done, quickly happening upon a consistent shape and style that got the best out of his star men to secure survival – they were the 9^th best side in the division over his 31 matches in charge. Their front foot style made them one of the most entertaining outfits in the division, playing with pace, energy and flair while picking up a higher percentage of their points against top half opposition.  

The Gaffer 

Chris Beech has packed a lot into his coaching career and it’s easy to see why he has such a positive reputation in the north west of England. The ex-Blackpool and Hartlepool United defender-cum-midfielder retired early and moved into coaching, quickly completing his UEFA Pro License while helping to develop a number of well known EFL talent at Bury and Rochdale. After a lengthy spell as assistant to Keith Hill at Dale, he went out on his own at Carlisle United where he turned things round and led a promotion push before COVID, bad weather and then a lack of investment led to indifferent form and his departure. After ten months as Director of Football, Beech was chucked in as interim manager at Fylde before being employed until the end of the season, showcasing the quality of his recruitment, management and faith in young talent. He signed a two-year deal at the end of the season, as did assistant Nick Anderton, and Fylde appear to be in very good hands.  

The Summer 

The most important signing this summer should prove to be Chris Beech and his coaching team. Both Sam Graham and Danny Whitehead departed despite playing important roles in the team’s improved fortunes while the brilliant Connor Barratt has rightly stepped into the EFL. Retaining the services of Ethan Mitchell is an excellent piece of business while Corey Whelan and Charlie Jolley are hoping the step down to non-league can reignite their careers. Teenage sensations Taelor O’Kane and Danny Ormerod have signed new deals, which is huge for the club both in terms of their immediate ambitions and future proofing.   

The Squad 

A small squad with an addition in almost every part of the pitch. There will be some fluidity with positions. I’ve listed Whelan in midfield but he may well play centre-back while Hosannah and Riley could step into midfield roles. Beech won’t be afraid to rotate to keep people fresh but I anticipate the spine largely staying intact.  

The Key Men 

Many expected big things from Nick Haughton and he delivered, his quality showing in a variety of ways, from direct free-kicks to goals from halfway. Jon Ustabasi grew into a really important player thanks to his pace and directness on the break, finishing up in double figures. No team is complete without a good spine and Theo Richardson, Harry Davis and Ethan Mitchell were very consistent in the second half of the campaign.  

2024-25 Prediction: 8^th  

I’ve had a good feeling about Fylde since the end of last season and I think they will be in the mix for a top seven finish. A lot of this comes down to Beech, who has played an important role as Director of Football and then interim manager, creating a younger, more vibrant group. The football has been simplified, the team are fearless and forward thinking and the spine of last season’s team has stayed put. I see the Coasters getting off to a strong start thanks to the energy and quality of their performances and though they may tail off, they’ve got a chance of sticking in there.  

Aldershot Town 

How Did Last Season Go?  

Better than many could have anticipated. Tommy Widdrington and his team knew they weren’t going to outbid clubs so they went down the route of taking risks on unwanted or lower league talent and it worked brilliantly, creating one of the most entertaining sides in the division. The Shots finished just outside of the play-offs, a disappointment at the time but an impressive feat given pre-season expectations while their work in the transfer market has set them up nicely for the coming campaign, making it a relatively successful campaign.  

The Gaffer 

Tommy Widdrington is an interesting character. He has rubbed more than one person up the wrong way – perhaps Stephen Cleeve and Joey B*rton being two of those people means he must be doing something right – but has proven himself a fine operator in the lower divisions whether as a recruiter or manager thanks to his willingness to take a chance on people. While Widdrington has done what he believes is necessary to push forward with his career – perhaps showing the tough and combative side that served him well as a player – he has shown loyalty towards those in his circle and surrounded himself with those people at Aldershot, happy to talk them up as key parts of their success last term.  

The Summer 

As expected, the club have lost both Lorent Taloj (Port Vale) and Josh Stokes (Bristol City) but those departures have only proved that they got things right last summer and they are using that money to try their luck again. Pat Nash, Marcus Dewhurst, Luke Jenkins, Emmanuel Maja and Haydon Vaughan have all swapped part-time deals to go full-time at Aldershot in a bid to further their careers with the rest of the summer likely to see the Shots focus on more experienced personnel in a bid to go one step further next season.  

The Squad 

A more rounded squad than the one they started last season with. It feels like there is a lot of competition for places with some roles not nailed down last season and others looking to take the mantles from those that have since departed. Tyler Frost and Ryan Jones are listed as wing-backs but can fill a number of midfield roles. Barrett and Corbett are listed as strikers but could play off the front. Fairly fluid.  

The Key Men 

Ollie Harfield started every league game last season and his experience and quality left boot will be important assets. Jack Barham is the surviving member of last season’s excellent front three and his energy will set the tone for the new lads. Tyler Frost is a talent that performed in various positions last season and will hope to develop further after a solid campaign. Otherwise, it’s about who steps up with Byrd, Jenkins and Dewhurst hoping to play important roles in improving The Shots’ defensive record.  

2024-25 Prediction: 7^th  

Aldershot were a real wildcard last term, finishing 8^th with a negative goal difference and sitting high in the league for goals scored, goals conceded and their disciplinary record. There’s been a decent turnover, they’ve lost some important players, are backing a number of players to step up and I can see the Shots settling down a bit. A few will step up, a few may need more time and the challenge is set for people to grow as leaders. A few less goals scored, a few less conceded and another positive campaign that sees them competing for a top seven finish.  

Altrincham  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Altrincham had their breakout campaign in 2023-24, building excellently around the spine built the previous year to step out of the bottom half and challenge for promotion. Chris Conn-Clarke stole the headlines having produced one of the all-time great National League individual seasons but he wasn’t a one-man band, Alty’s quality of play evident for years but finally matched by the kind of substance that allowed them to challenge higher in the table. A fourth place finish was well deserved and it’s a shame that a 15-minute blitz at Bromley ended their hopes of promotion – a learning curve for a relatively young group and a club not used to performing at these heights.  

The Gaffer 

Phil Parkinson enters his eighth season at Altrincham manager looking to go one step further and make it into the Football League. Since taking over in 2017, “Parky” has overseen two promotions and four seasons of National League football, all while the club transitioned to a full-time model for the first time ever. That he has managed those feats while setting his side up to play an easy-on-the-eye brand of football has attracted plenty of folk down to the J Davidson Stadium and it’s little surprise he is now being linked with roles deserving of the job he has done in Greater Manchester.  

The Summer 

It’s been a slow burn of a summer, perhaps unhelped by the departure of Director of Football Rob Esteva, who has played a key role behind the scenes in the club’s growth. Chris Conn-Clarke was always the most likely departure and he now sets his sights on a promotion out of League One with Peterborough United. He’s the only person of Altrincham’s most used 11 players to depart, showcasing the consistency of Alty’s approach. Max Haygarth has signed a new deal, Tom Crawford and Tylor Golden arrive at a good age while Lucas Weaver and Joe Nuttall hope to offer something different in attack.  

The Squad 

Very little change. Extra depth has been added in certain areas with players who have the ability to usurp their competition, or are using Altrincham as a platform to prove themselves in the full-time game. Look out for Alty occasionally opting to go with a back three. Olly Crankshaw has been out for almost a year with an injury and the club will look forward to welcoming him back. Parkinson has bigged up German in pre-season and the youngster may step into the squad on occasion.  

The Key Men 

Conn-Clarke may have moved on but Alex Newby reached double figures for goals and assists despite not signing until September and will be key to smoothing the transition of a post-Conn-Clarke era. Otherwise, it’s the spine of the team. Ethan Ross, Lewis Banks, Jake Cooper, Lewis Baines, Eddy Jones, Isaac Marriott and Elliot Osborne finally gave Alty a solid base to play from and it’s little wonder they had their best season since returning to the National League playing from that.  

2024-25 Prediction: 6^th  

I found Alty difficult to predict. It’s easy to see they’ve lost Conn-Clarke and assume that’s the end of their promotion hopes but as outlined above, it’s not that simple. They remain a very strong, settled outfit that know their strengths and still contain plenty of quality in the final third. And their business isn’t done yet. The loss of Esteva and potential loss of Parkinson and Sorvel, who will no doubt be courted, is difficult to predict from the outside. I’m backing them for another top seven finish. They could probably finish anywhere in the top ten.  

Barnet  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Barnet blew expectations out of the water once more, starting the season in extraordinary fashion and though they couldn’t keep up with Chesterfield, they still set a very high bar for the rest of the division to follow and deservedly finished up in second. They were fast starters, excellent at home, spent more time leading matches than any other side in the division and their high intensity, high possession style clearly worked a treat. Being dismantled in their play-off semi-final by Solihull Moors left the Bees with a sense of missed opportunity but this was another excellent campaign and further proof of their growth under Dean Brennan.  

The Gaffer 

Dean Brennan is the most ruthless manager in the National League. He demands ruthlessness, criticises those not meeting his expectations and always has another option ready to step in when somebody else isn’t hitting the standards he expects. Yet he has owned his own mistakes and shown a softer side, something that can get overlooked from the outside. Brennan admitted that he been planning their transfer business since January and his eye for a player and ability to get deals over the line is almost unmatched in the higher echelons of non-league football. He’s positive about the business he’s done and says they now need to focus on themselves in order to get over the line in his third full season as manager.  

The Summer 

It’s been another busy summer at Barnet. A number of unwanted players and loanees have departed with only Laurie Walker and Dale Gorman, neither of whom were likely to head into the new campaign as regulars, playing considerable minutes last term. And by July 1^st, a whopping 12 players had been signed. The permanent signing of Anthony Hartigan is the most eye-catching, the ex-Mansfield Town man a talismanic figure last year, while the likes of Nick Hayes, Joe Kizzi, Myles Kenlock and Rhys Browne have considerable National League minutes under their belts. 

The Squad 

Plenty of quality and plenty of options. The defence looks a little heavy in numbers but Nikola Tavares will shift around the pitch while Joe Rye and Jack Grimwood will use this year to develop their full-time legs. Idris Kanu and Jermaine Francis are at wing-back in the image but may play further forward. Brennan isn’t afraid to change formation if needed so while 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 was the preferred nominal shape last season, that could easily become a 4-3-3 or something more unique.  

The Key Men 

Three men stand out at present. So long as Danny Collinge remains with the club, he’s a key man and leader in the backline. Anthony Hartigan was one of the best two midfielders in the division last term and will be expected to run the show for Barnet once more. Nicke Kabamba has scored 44 goals from 78.3 90’s across two campaigns. The improvement of Callum Stead at the back end of 2023-24 means he could emerge as a consistent, potent threat while Nick Hayes and Myles Kenlock should play important roles in improving Barnet’s game in and out of possession.  

2024-25 Prediction: 1^st  

I’ve gone back and forth on this but as the summer has gone on, I’ve gotten more confident that Barnet will do it. Looking at the squad written down, it’s easy to get spooked by the number of new signings, which could lead to some teething issues. But Brennan has a way of simplifying things. They conceded a few too many goals so they signed defenders. They lacked a wildcard and signed one. They lacked an energetic midfielder and found one. And they got it done early. Brennan will also get the backing he needs later in the season too. I think it’s their year.  

Boston United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

After 14 years, ten top half finishes and five unsuccessful play-off campaigns, Boston United finally exited the National League North via the right end. The first half of the season was indifferent, winning four of their first seven but finding themselves 13^th in mid-December. What followed was five defeats in their final 25, including a run of one loss in 14 that propelled them into sixth, and a season-ending run of six wins in nine. Their final eight saw them concede just four goals and that continued into the play-offs with goalless draws against Alfreton Town and Scunthorpe United ending in penalty shootout glory and a final at Brackley Town, where goals from Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles secured their promotion.  

The Gaffer 

Ian Culverhouse is looking to right the wrongs of his time at King’s Lynn Town and showcase his qualities as a National League manager. The 59-year-old is a household name in Norfolk having been key to Norwich City’s rise before joining Paul Lambert as assistant at various clubs – Lambert’s career hasn’t been the same without Culverhouse, who departed Aston Villa under controversial circumstances. In non-league, Culverhouse has stayed local and is now a three-time promotion winner. COVID and financial issues played a part in his difficulties adapting at King’s Lynn and he will hope for better times with Boston.  

The Summer 

Following promotion, the club moved quickly to make the important decisions ahead of the new campaign. Retaining as many of the players that played important roles last season was prioritised with eight of the 12 players to start 20 or more matches retained. A decent start. Losing Jimmy Knowles and Kelsey Mooney – who scored a combined 35 goals – was a big blow with moves made to address that including the experienced, the young and the wildcards. Jai Rowe re-signing has been welcomed, especially with Brad Nicholson leaving.  

The Squad 

Naturally, clubs stepping up can be a blindspot, so apologies if any players sit in the incorrect roles. Part of the test is also knowing where players are going to fit into the system I **think** the team will use. My understanding is that Boston adopted a 3-4-1-2 / 3-5-2 last season. Roberts played at wing-back for Oxford City last season and could be first-choice there. Dylan Hill can perform in midfield. One or two of the wing-backs could step in at centre-back. I’m curious to see exactly how Sam Osborne and Dan Mooney fit into the side.  

The Key Men 

Those that were key last season. Michael Bostwick returns to fifth tier 14 years after winning promotion with Stevenage – the 36-year-old started more games than any other Boston United player. Just behind him was Jordan Richards, the former Brackley Town midfielder that will play a key role once more. Keaton Ward’s ability to get goals from midfield will be important, especially with so much change in attack while Cameron Gregory was excellent as The Pilgrims decided to stop conceding goals in order to win promotion.  

2024-25 Prediction: 23^rd  

Predicting four clubs to be relegated is never easy. Why Boston? I like the fact that they’ve kept the core from last season but continuing the same remarkable defensive record that set them up for promotion while also replacing that front two – who scored over half of their league goals between them – is tricky. I envisage some chopping and changing to the attack without truly settling on something and it will put pressure on the backline, perhaps akin to Kidderminster Harriers last season.  

Braintree Town 

How Did Last Season Go?  

Few expected Angelo Harrop to improve on a debut campaign that led them to 7^th. He confounded expectations once more to finish 5^th and win promotion following a remarkable play-off campaign. The season didn’t start brilliantly, winning two of their first 11 and sitting in mid-table on New Years Day after four losses from six. Something clicked after that loss at Chelmsford Town – they were the best side in the National League South in 2024 having won 14 and lost just once – and that was against Champions Yeovil Town. The play-off campaign was remarkable, winning in extra time of every match thanks to goals from Tom Blackwell against Bath City, Jayden Davis at Chelmsford City and Reggie Lambe at Worthing. Glorious success.  

The Gaffer 

“I’ve got to go to work tomorrow” laughed Angelo Harrop as Braintree Town celebrated promotion back to the National League. It summed up plenty for a 36-year-old who has risen from academy scout to part-time management and taken to it like a duck to water. A year at step four AFC Sudbury saw them reach the FA Cup First Round and two years at Braintree have seen two play-off finishes and a promotion. He signed a new deal in May and embarks on a first full-time role, hoping to further his career as predecessors Danny Cowley and Danny Searle have done it.  

The Summer 

It’s been a huge summer, one that has seen the club look to transform itself into a more professional outfit yet using the support of the club’s fanbase to make it happen. They have created Club 125 in a bid to bring on as many commercial partners as possible to support the growth of the football team from a part-time to full-time outfit. Fans have come out to help work on the stadium from pulling up weeds, bringing bin bags and tools to help improve the quality of the ground. Social media has been used to ask for training and physio developments and shipping containers. Winger and play-off hero Reggie Lambe has designed the kits. And all the while, the squad has had an almighty makeover as they make the transition to a new training schedule.  

The Squad 

Braintree Town have changed almost their entire squad and it means it’s difficult to know exactly how they will line up, who the first choices will be. Therefore, the above could mean nothing. It appears that during their play-off success, they played a 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2 style, so I’ve based it on that, but with Vennings, Miranda and Robinson starting their final pre-season game, I’ve assumed Robinson will play higher. Also, Louis Lomas was wearing number two – could he be sitting in at right-back? Plenty of questions, I’m looking forward to the answers.  

The Key Men 

Inih Effiong is the man that stands out, the ex-Dagenham and Redbridge striker scoring 16, 13, 23 and 16 in his last four full seasons in the National League. Tom Blackwell appears the player most likely to step up of those that remain having played a key role on either flank while Callum Powell has scored a goal around every 270 minutes since stepping into the National League despite not always being a regular at Southend United. Elsewhere, James Vennings should replace Payne’s qualities in midfield and 21-year-old George Langston started 43 matches for Eastleigh last season before surprisingly being released.  

2024-25 Prediction: 21^st  

I’ve been pretty positive about Braintree Town this summer and I still want to back their survival. Harrop has clear ideas around what he wants to see and the recruitment appears to fit that. A lot of their signings were done early too, which could be important in implementing what he wants on the pitch as well as producing a positive dressing room culture. It’s simply the competition at the level. While the division doesn’t have a Wrexham or a Stockport County or Chesterfield, the floor for the sides at the level is probably as high as ever, and I don’t see Braintree avoiding the relegation battle. They have a chance but I’ve got to make a prediction and it’s 21^st.  

Dagenham and Redbridge  

How Did Last Season Go?  

The season many anticipated. The Daggers finished 2022-23 in a weird spot with the fanbase raising concerns about the ownership, the budget being reduced and a number of key players moving on. Strevens’ job was to overhaul the playing staff and change the culture from a group that had talent but were so wildly inconsistent – just as capable of winning six from eight as they were losing seven of their next nine. He achieved that for the most part and though their league position lowered, they achieved more points and had a better goal difference, suggesting there are plenty of positives to take from his first season. However, inconsistency reared its head in alternative form, the Daggers winning, drawing and losing back-to-back matches just once post-October, and that is the next challenge.  

The Gaffer 

Ben Strevens has only had one previous managerial reign but has the feel of a veteran, such is his ability to foster a culture led by qualities perceived to be more old fashioned. Strevens tends not to discuss technical details or style of play and focuses more on the group and the individuals that make his squad what it is, more likely to talk about togetherness, work ethic and the importance of moments. There are few excuses and he keeps things short, seemingly preferring to do his talking behind closed doors. He did an excellent job at Eastleigh and he will hope to build on a positive first year in London.  

The Summer 

Big change off the field. Peter Freund relinquished his place as owner and passed the torch to Club Underdog, with Daniel Hall appointed as Chairman and James King as Sporting Director. The new ownership also own Campobasso FC and flew the Daggers out to play the Italian outfit in a pre-season friendly. On the pitch, Inih Effiong was the most notable departure and is one of seven players aged 28 of higher to leave in the last six months. The aim has clearly been to lower the average age with Josh Umerah and Reece Grego-Cox the oldest players signed at 27. Strevens has kept hold of the seven players to rack up most starts in 2023-24.  

The Squad 

Similar to last season in what is probably more of a 4-4-1-1 shape in truth. The midfield looks light but Vincent, a midfielder that excelled when the team needed a left-back and never moved back, Phipps and Rees are all comfortable stepping in. Ling is another that has played in midfield, as well as covering at left-back. Strevens has been known to occasionally adopt a 3-5-2 shape which isn’t out of the question.  

The Key Men 

Strevens had seven players start 30 or more matches last season and the quartet of bodies aged 30 or higher will make up the spine of the team once more. That’s Elliot Justham in net, centre-back Tom Eastman, busy midfielder Jake Hessenthaler and the ageless Josh Rees. Ryan Hill was one of three to hit double figures last term and his energy is an important asset to Strevens and what he demands from his side. There is space for somebody to take the mantle up top and Junior Morias is most likely to have the first crack at it.  

2024-25 Prediction: 13^th  

Dagenham and Redbridge did plenty of good work last season rectifying the culture and togetherness of the group. The new ownership haven’t walked in and ripped what has worked up, instead offering support to Strevens. I think the additions at centre-back and in midfield compliment the experience already available and they have a plethora of options in attack. I don’t think is the season Daggers make a major push, but I do see them improving and moving up the table slightly.  

Eastleigh  

How Did Last Season Go?  

The summer began with confirmation that Stewart Donald had returned and what followed was the purse strings opening and a return to a number of players towards the latter end of their careers entering the building. While Chris Maguire, Scott Quigley and Paul McCallum more than earned their money, the team often lacked balance and their defensive record was honking. Lee Bradbury lasted until the end of August having seemingly had the rug pulled from beneath him, Richard Hill stepped down from the directors box but only for a few months before Kelvin Davis oversaw the run to safety.  

The Gaffer 

Kelvin Davis was something of a surprise name to neutrals when he took the managerial position at Eastleigh. It made sense. He spent over 15 years at Southampton as a player and coach and his locality will likely have played a key role. Still, throwing a novice with only one match as a caretaker under his belt into the situation at Eastleigh was a challenge and one he came through excellently, managing to turn one of the worst defensive units in the division into one capable of winning four matches 1-0 to get over the line. His interviews aren’t the most charismatic but given the big personalities on the pitch, having a low key, logical manager may not be the worst thing.  

The Summer 

Eastleigh have spent the last two seasons overhauling their squad come the summer so to see them retain eight of their most used 11 players last season feels unique, even if it is because a number signed for more than one year last summer. It means Davis has some consistency within his squad and the aim appears to be building around that with Richard Brindley the only player of their first six signings aged over 26. Those overseeing recruitment seem intent on lowering the age of the squad and giving themselves the option to be flexible tactically.  

The Squad 

It’s difficult to know exactly how Eastleigh will line up heading into the new campaign with Davis wanting to now put his own stamp on things. I imagine that it will be a similar shape in order to get similar levels from that front three. How Tyrese Shade and Deji Sotona fit into that remains to be seen. Richard Brindley may feature at centre-back rather than wing-back. Lloyd Humphries similar. Either way, it looks like the defence has been improved if not the necessarily the attack.  

The Key Men 

28. 14. 16. 18. 9. 31. Paul McCallum scores goals and keeping him fit and ready and serviced is likely to be important. He didn’t do it alone, however, with team-mate Scott Quigley hitting double figures for goals and assists. Behind them, things have to improve and they did under Davis last term. Ludwig Francillette will be part of that having been kept on while captain Jake Taylor will hope to be leading a better campaign for his side.  

2024-25 Prediction: 22^nd  

Eastleigh have some excellent players and will always be a danger to opponents because of that. They had some big lows last season. I have reservations over their business with two stepping into full-time football, three having limited senior appearances, one doesn’t appear to have an obvious role and the other has played 30+ games once in five years. Of the rest, it looks like the spine will contain a number of players in their 30’s which does little to dispel my concerns over mobility. I can’t say I have a handle on Kelvin Davis as a manager and it could go either way. I’m not convinced Eastleigh go down and 22^nd could have been one of seven sides. I just feel a little less convinced Eastleigh stay up above those other teams.  

Ebbsfleet United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Ebbsfleet played in a win or bust fashion under Dennis Kutrieb, their front foot, attacking style one that could be enjoyable but was also tough to watch from a defensive point of view. They won four of their first seven, but things soon went south, winning two of their next 20 and conceding 44 in the process. From there, survival was the aim and though victories against Wealdstone and Maidenhead United gave them a chance, defeat at basement outfit Oxford City spelled the end. Danny Searle backed himself to take temporary charge and give himself a chance of the big job, a test he passed with flying colours as he won six and drew six of his 15 matches before securing survival on the final day.  

The Gaffer 

Danny Searle took a gamble last season, taking on the Ebbsfleet United role on an interim basis while the club looked for a permanent successor to Kutrieb. It paid off and now he has the chance to showcase his managerial skills on a more permanent basis. Searle returns to the National League after stints in Ireland and Czech Republic but is most known to non-league fans for his two years at Aldershot Town where his attempts to create an exciting to watch football team were somewhat hampered by COVID and financial issues that left him with barely 11 senior footballers before being moved on in 2021.  

The Summer 

A typical summer for Ebbsfleet who have long gone down the route of offering players one-year deals and spent the summer waiting to see who re-signs. Having released eight in the summer, the club also lost Myles Kenlock and Billy Clifford to Barnet but have done well on retention, particularly in midfield and forward positions. The main change has come at the back where Declan Skura, Tommy Fogarty and Bryant Bilongo have departed post-loan while Kenlock has been joined by Hayden White, Chris Solly and Joe Martin out of the door. Plenty of National League experience has been added to the group while Searle has admitted wanting round pegs in round holes.  

The Squad 

Searle wanted a smaller squad and he pretty much has that. While Cordner and Wright are the only men to sit in their respective positions, there are players can drop into those roles. Plenty of quality in attack, different options in the attacking midfield roles. Searle can probably be satisfied with his lot.  

The Key Men 

Poleon had an indifferent campaign with international call-ups and injury disrupting him but he still finished up with 16 goals for a side that survived on final day. Rakish Bingham had a huge impact upon return and Searle will hope he doesn’t miss as much of the campaign – he's already missing the start of the season. Josh Wright and Mark Cousins were hugely important in terms of experience and leadership. This feels like a big campaign for Tyler Cordner after a difficult year at York City.  

2024-25 Prediction: 19^th  

While putting together my predictions, I’ve had Ebbsfleet bouncing all across the bottom half of the table. I have concerns around consistency with a number of new signings coming in on the back of difficult campaigns owing to form and injury, particularly in defence. The Fleet only have four players start 30 or more games last term and we may see similar figures. There is quality, there is depth, there are a few more round pegs in round holes and they probably won’t have to rely on short-term stopgaps. They should have enough, but I’m not sure it will be too pretty.  

FC Halifax Town  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Very well. Halifax Town are perennially written off by people that follow the division because it feels like the small budget and constant loss of key players will come back to hurt them but Pete Wild and now Chris Millington have continually defied the odds thanks to their patience with the development of young talent and ability to create a team that is hard to beat. Only Southend United bettered their defensive record last term and it means that while the team suffered runs of one win in ten and three wins from 14, their games were often played on tight margins and a run of seven wins from eight during February and March was well-timed. They ran out of steam in the end, a nightmare end of season schedule, which included four games in the final seven days of the campaign as well as two “home” matches at Accrington Stanley, leading to a brutal play-off eliminator defeat against Solihull Moors. They weren’t the most exciting outfit but they were effective at what they set out to do and deserved their play-off spot.  

The Gaffer 

Chris Millington’s background is in youth coaching – he worked alongside Pete Wild for a number of years and was his assistant before branching out as a number one himself – so it is little wonder that the same patience has been afforded to the development of talent. Millenic Alli, Tylor Golden, Ryan Galvin, Adam Senior and others have grown plenty under his tenure. Millington hasn’t quite captured the imagination like Wild as a personality but his quiet demeanour doesn’t detract from the fact that he is an intelligent operator who understands his strengths, delegates efficiently and continues to help Halifax rise above expectations.  

The Summer 

Nothing out of the ordinary. Halifax remain a club with one of the league’s smallest budgets and it means that keeping hold of their best talent is out of the question – their inability to earn fees for many of these players must be frustrating. Jamie Stott, Tylor Golden and Jack Hunter are amongst those to leave this summer, while experienced pair Jordan Keane and Luke Summerfield also move on. Sam Johnson, who has incredibly missed just one match in six and a half years, remains while Will Smith and Tom Pugh were early additions.  

The Squad 

Fairly similar and yet very different. I’ve written this as a 3-4-2-1 but it could easily be a 4-2-3-1 – Halifax tend to switch seamlessly between the two. It means that we could see Senior move into a right-back position and Cappello and Wright playing further forward. Jack Evans tends to fill in at left-back when required.  

The Key Men 

Sam Johnson has been around for a long time and his consistency in goal will remain of huge importance to Halifax’s ambition this season. Adam Senior becomes the senior member left of the second best defence in the National League last season and will hope for another year of growth having stepped up last term. The same goes Kane Thompson-Sommers, who showed growth in his first season back in the pro game, acting as a tenacious, forward thinking midfielder. Further forward, the challenge is set with Max Wright finally showcasing what he can do on a regular basis while injury free and Florent Hoti looking ludicrously good when fit.  

2024-25 Prediction: 15^th  

It’s part of the National League table predicting process to be down on The Shaymen after the departure of a number of key players / leaders, which leaves them short on paper and relying on one or two new signings plus others already at the club ready to step up only to see them be hard to beat, organised and capable of winning football matches on their way to a top half finish. I've had them all over the bottom half this summer and much lower than 15^th, but as we reach the start of the season, I feel comfortable that they’re in decent shape and should comfortably retain their spot in the National League. I think they’ve addressed key losses, have players ready to step up and will do what Halifax Town do.  

Forest Green Rovers  

How Did Last Season Go?  

The second of two shambolic years that have seen the League Two 2021-22 Champions suffer back-to-back relegations under the guise of five managers and various directors of football and other supporting football staff. They made 25 first-team signings, used 37 different players, lost 26 of 46 league matches and scored less than a goal per game on their way to a relegation overseen by David Horseman, who stuck ridigly to a style that saw them lose far more than they won, Troy Deeney, who improved performances before seeing red both literally and verbally, and Steve Cotterill, who won seven matches but produced a style devoid of attempts to attack. Relegation was confirmed with a couple of games to spare and nobody came out of the campaign looking better for being a part of it.  

The Gaffer 

Steve Cotterill is a marmite figure in the football world but he feels like the right choice for this challenge. The 59-year-old has been in the management game for almost 30 years now and his promotions with Cheltenham Town and Bristol City showcase how he has often fared better while closer to home, perhaps more notable given his age and recent bout of illness. He likes a small squad and big names and has seemingly been given license to overhaul a lot of aspects at the club to halt their demise and get them moving in the right direction again. When he gets things right, he tends to bring people along with him and after an indifferent start to his tenure, he will hope to make that happen in Stroud.  

The Summer 

With relegation long expected, Forest Green have gone about cutting their losses. Most of the recruitment team were dispatched with before the end of the season while the retained list confirmed 12 players were being released along with another four players departing after loan spells. Cotterill has often worked with smaller squads and he has done a decent job of reducing a bloated group, making few but important additions to the squad with Ben Tozer and Liam Sercombe the standout names.  

The Squad 

It’s clear to see where the focus has been in terms of recruitment and they have a more solid base because of it. There are goalscoring options in midfield. There is work to do in attack still with only four obvious options to start games as it stands. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Forest Green adopt a 3-5-2, a system Cotterill has had success with previously, with Tom Knowles having spent time at right wing-back.  

The Key Men 

Starting with the new men, Ben Tozer and Liam Sercombe are going to be big in terms of improving the culture on and off the field, helping lead the dressing room and holding people to account. They won’t be alone in that – Jordan Moore-Taylor and Ryan Inniss are strong characters in their own right and Christian Doidge is an experienced forward that will demand opportunities. As things stand, Charlie McCann and Kyle McAllister remain at the club and Cotterill will surely be delighted if they stick around for the season.  

2024-25 Prediction: 2^nd  

I’ve chopped and changed my title winners between Barnet and Forest Green Rovers. I’ve backed the former but it remains tight. I envisage Forest Green being a different animal this season, a team that learns how to win again, learns how to hold on to leads, manage football matches and do the ugly stuff much better. They will be solid defensively, will have obvious outlets and should improve their set-piece record. I think Cotterill will get the backing to add one or two more through the season when necessary too, which could play a key role. I’m confident they finish in the top three and it should be tight towards the top.  

Gateshead  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Fantastically. As I said in my end of season review, I felt like I was being bold picking Gateshead for a top seven finish but I wasn’t the only person to believe it – many were comfortable backing Mike Williamson and his team to outplay teams and win football matches and they did just that. And even after Williamson departed for MK Dons, and took Kyran Lofthouse and Stephen Wearne with him, Rob Elliot took the reigns, others stepped up and they continued to play a delightful brand of football that was deserving of their sixth place finish. They avenged their 2023 FA Trophy final loss and it’s a shame that the second youngest squad in the division – based on minutes played – didn't get the chance to compete in the play-offs owing to off-field matters.  

The Gaffer 

Rob Elliot never quite had the career marked out for him after breaking through at Charlton Athletic but a decade of being involved in the top two tiers of English football, as well as international caps for the Republic of Ireland, prepared him for life as Technical Director at Gateshead. Given the unique nature of Gateshead as a club and their style of play, it made sense for the club to recruit their next manager from within and Elliot performed excellently as caretaker, taking the permanent role this summer. The 38-year-old has a number of good folk around him on and off the pitch to help him lead Gateshead in a post-Williamson world and the challenge is set for him to continue to club’s upward trajectory. 

The Summer 

An interesting one. The club released their retained list and confirmed that Carl Magnay had departed to join Williamson in Milton Keynes before Chairman Neil Pinkerton released a statement thanking supporters for their loyalty and addressing their work to avoid a scenario like the end of last season in future with discussions ongoing. While that remains in the air, they have appointed Rob Elliot and Louis Storey as the permanent management team with Antony Sweeney following. Ed Francis and Marcus Dinanga have stepped into the Football League while a number of talented loanees needed replacing but Kenton Richardson, Robbie Tinkler and Joe Grayson have signed new deals, giving the team a spine for the younger players added to grow around.  

The Squad 

A typically small squad for Gateshead and while there doesn’t appear too much change on paper as far as the starting XI is concerned, it’s worth noting that the likes of Grayson, Adom and Worman joined mid-season, meaning there is still a freshness to the group. Oseni and Beck are different profiles in attack. I confess to knowing little about McGowan and Newton and look forward to learning more.  

The Key Men 

Given their recruitment to date, it’s hard not to look at those that have been retained. Rob Elliot and Louis Storey won’t want to make big changes to the style so Kenton Richardson, who has reportedly rejected advances from the EFL to stay, Callum Whelan, who had a big role as a forward-thinking midfielder, and Greg Olley, who will hopefully be available more often this term, are going to play big roles. Whether Marcus Dinanga or Dejaune Brown led the line, their forwards scored goals last season so Owen Oseni will hope for a hatful as he looks to make his mark in the game.  

2024-25 Prediction: 11^th  

They’ve roped me back in. I had big concerns around Gateshead to the point I considered them for my bottom four. I have no doubts over the quality of the starting XI or the quality of football they will play, but it’s a system that requires everybody to be on song and their depth looked to be entirely young lads stepping into the game, which would have led to some short-termism in stopgap signings and similarities to their first season back under Williamson when they required a late fight back. And then in the space of a week, they let a number of young players depart on loans and signed Jacob Butterfield and Mark Beck. They are serious. They will be quality operators. They might just fall short in another push for the play-offs.  

Hartlepool United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

John Askey made a number of changes in the summer and it looked successful early doors until chronic defensive issues, unresolved by short-term stopgaps, killed early momentum and left them floundering closer to the bottom of the table. Askey was ousted before the end of the year and Lennie Lawrence steadied the ship before Kevin Phillips took on the role, the pair combining to win nine and draw five of their 20 matches in charge, comfortably securing safety despite ongoing rumblings about the ownership. For all their issues, they were at least entertaining for the neutral – both sides scored in 74% of their matches, 30 goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of games and no side kept fewer clean sheets.  

The Gaffer 

Darren Sarll returns to the dugout for his fourth stint as a manager having previously taken on Stevenage, Yeovil Town and Woking. The 41-year-old tends to start strong wherever he ends up, finishing in the play-offs with both Yeovil and Woking while coming close with Stevenage and it’s that strong start that Hartlepool will be looking to bank on this season. It’s little surprise it works out this way given the up-and-at-them nature of his teams, their pressing often amongst the best in the division but at the cost of energy and resources. Sarll can be prickly at times which can rub people up the wrong way and he’s very outcome focused but he’s also not afraid to utilise leaders already in the building and rarely lavishes praise on an individual, preferring to talk about the group first.  

The Summer 

It started off controversially enough when Kevin Phillips, who claimed he had been offered a two-year-deal, was let go in favour of Darren Sarll, with Carl Dickinson joining as assistant while Nicky Featherstone is now part of the coaching staff. Ronnie Moore returns to the club as Chief Scout while Lennie Lawrence continues in a supporting and mentor role for staff. There were a couple of surprise departures with long-serving Tom Crawford and the talented Callum Cooke moving on but Featherstone and David Ferguson have re-signed while adding the powerful frames of Jack Hunter, Nathan Sheron and Luke Charman should help Sarll get what he wants from the group. 

The Squad 

An assumption on shape. Sarll can be fairly flexible and does like a diamond too, so we’ll see. Either way, expect them to be narrow, organised and full of running. Joel Dixon and Manny Onariase were transfer listed in the summer but remain part of the first-team picture and should start the season involved. I’m fascinated to see how Mancini fits in once fit again.  

The Key Men 

If Sarll is to be successful at Hartlepool, Waterfall and Parkes are going to have big roles at both ends of the pitch, defending their box and attacking the ball at the other with Sarll keen for his team to be strong from dead ball situations. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe had a magnificent year in 2023-24 and will want to follow that up with another strong season leading the line. I think Nathan Sheron is in for a big campaign having been one of the more regular starters for much of Oldham’s season and shown an ability to score goals. And it’s hard not to believe that a fit Anthony Mancini will be a joy to watch.  

2024-25 Prediction: 5^th  

Despite continued concerns around the club’s ownership, I see Hartlepool United having a positive campaign. The reasons are threefold. One, Darren Sarll enters clubs and tends to have a fast start, meaning we should see a Hartlepool United side that are up for the fight early doors, catch teams off guard and retain a high league position. Two, the squad suits what Sarll will want to see which is being dominant through the centre of the pitch physically supported by plenty of energy and quality delivery. Three, it’s a fairly reliable group with a number of players proving they can play regular football. Hartlepool won’t be a sexy team to watch, but they will be functional, reliable, hard to play against and will find a way to score goals. The question is whether they can find another gear to finish strongly, assuming my prediction of a fast start is correct.  

Maidenhead United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

This is the annual conversation around how Maidenhead United are Maidenhead United and while they don’t do things the conventional way, they always find a route to survival. So they went winless for 13 matches and had a separate run of seven losses in nine but picked up four wins and three draws at home against the top eight and hit a run of two losses in 14. They survived comfortably, finishing in 14^th to avoid the end of season drama at the bottom and enjoyed life. Alan Devonshire and Maidenhead United – every time you think they’ve hit a brick wall, they just find another gear and avoid problems.  

The Gaffer 

What more is there to say about Alan Devonshire? An ex-England midfielder and FA Cup winner that has enjoyed almost three decades as a non-league manager and continues to defy the odds with part-time Maidenhead United. He establishes a group of leaders that are changed gradually season-by-season and continues to give young or unwanted players the chance to flourish and earn a move into full-time football – the list is impressive. The 68-year-old is one of the most consistent things about National League football and the longer he’s around, the better.  

The Summer 

One dominated by what could be rather than what is. Maidenhead United made headlines thanks to Max Kilman’s move to West Ham United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, negotiations leaving the Magpies with an eight-figure sum that will hopefully set them up to grow as a football club. The ownership are taking few chances, liaising with supporters on how best to use the money. Otherwise, it’s been a typical Maidenhead summer with talented duo Sam Beckwith and Zico Asare moving into full-time football and a mix of senior and up-and-coming players arriving.  

The Squad 

A small squad, as is normal for Maidenhead. Much of the XI is likely to be the same with the full-backs the primary change. While they look short in some roles, it’s worth noting that Barratt can play central while Clerima is an option at centre-back, right-back, central midfield and out wide – basically wherever there’s a gap to plug. I’m confident they will add another striker.  

The Key Men 

I’m amazed that Reece Smith remains not just a Maidenhead United player but a National League player and if he stays, he will be sure to enjoy the freedom he is offered as part of the Magpies forward line. Casey Petitt is set for another big campaign having performed so well that Devonshire saw fit to release Charlee Adams this summer. Sam Barratt offers a goal threat from a number of situations while Craig Ross and Kevin Lokko slotted in nicely last year after arriving.  

2024-25 Prediction: 20^th  

I feel like I’m repeating myself every year with Maidenhead United. But it doesn’t matter whether they don’t have a first-choice striker at the moment, or may still lose Smith, or that their new full-backs are novices at the level. Devonshire and his team will have their finger on the pulse, they’ll add what they need to add, they’ll go on bad runs and good runs and bloody the noses of those in the top half at York Road and find a way to survive. They might finish higher than 20^th but so long as they stay in the National League, I’m not sure they will be too bothered.  

Oldham Athletic  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Not how they hoped. David Unsowrth received plenty of backing from the board but never managed to recruit right or build a relationship with fans and as results and performances flattered to deceive, fan unrest grew and led to his departure. An unbeaten caretaker stint set things up nicely for Micky Mellon, who immediately beat local rivals Rochdale 4-3 on their own patch, to arrive. Their away form was excellent but the home didn’t match up and having worked so hard to break into the top seven, they finished the campaign winless in 11 (seven draws) and fell away from the promotion picture.  

The Gaffer 

Micky Mellon enters this campaign hoping for a sixth promotion and third from the National League. Now in his sixth job, the 52-year-old has been through peaks and troughs during his managerial career and will have a sense for exactly what he needs to balance out a bloated squad. The Scotsman, who resides from the same part of Scotland as many notable folk including Archie Gemmill, Owen Coyle and Paul Lambert, has spoken openly about wanting to play his part in changing the culture at a football club starved of success for a long, long time and will no doubt be taking lessons from his own book The First 100 Days: Lessons in Leadership from the Football Bosses to get the tone right as the new campaign begins.  

The Summer 

The focus first and foremost has been about trimming the fat having had a bloated squad last term and they have done a fairly successful job of it, allowing the likes of Nathan Sheron, Harrison McGahey, Devarn Green and Mark Shelton, amongst others, to depart while the club are open to offers for two or three more that remain. It means that a team that used 31 players last season are heading into the new season with a squad of around 20 players, allowing for room to grow having targeted quality over quantity this summer.  

The Squad 

Pre-season suggests that Micky Mellon is pushing forward with a three-at-the-back system. That means that we are more likely to see wingers Josh Kay and Jesurun Uchegbalum feature at wing-back. With Monthe fairly comfortable in a left-back position, they may have more license than a traditional wing-back. Will Sutton is listed at centre-back but has spent a lot of time on the right. With Garner and Norwood out, another striker may arrive. Alternatively, we could see a slight change of shape with a box midfield behind one striker.  

The Key Men 

If Oldham are to win promotion, their defence is likely to be key. Mat Hudson performed sufficiently to warrant interest from League One clubs while experienced pair Charlie Raglan and Manny Monthe both have promotion experience. James Norwood unsurprisingly finished up as top scorer, looking more comfortable after Mellon’s arrival and he will be tasked with leading the line and firing Oldham towards the top of the table. I can’t help but feel that there is another arrival that could play a huge role in the Latics’ performance this season.  

2024-25 Prediction: 4^th  

The general consensus will be that Oldham Athletic are aiming for promotion and understandably so – it's Oldham Athletic in the National League. They may achieve it this season, but I think they have a number of hurdles to overcome still as they look to realise that ambition. Micky Mellon and Darren Royle certainly seem aware of Oldham’s recent history, not winning promotion for over three decades while their back-to-back top half finishes were their first since 2008-09. They are learning lessons as an ownership, a fanbase, a football club, a management team and that will continue this term as they look to deal with expectation, improve home form, put together winning runs, respond to setbacks and more. I’m confident they finish in the top seven. League winners? Maybe not yet.  

Rochdale  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Look at the results and it was unremarkable. Never in trouble of relegation, never threatening a top seven finish for a sustained period. An 11^th place finish and a solid return for a first season in non-league. However, this is a football club that spent last season begging and borrowing to put out a football team with wages delayed at least once and an ongoing takeover going on in the background. Jim McNulty shouldered that, did his best to be open and honest with supporters and created a team to be proud of with experienced pros stepping up and younger players developing.  

The Gaffer 

Jim McNulty has been an absolute credit to Rochdale Football Club. The 39-year-old has been at the club almost a decade and seen a lot, from their days in League One playing total football to off-field issues and subsequent relegations. He took over initially as caretaker with their first ever relegation to non-league all but confirmed and has led by example since taking the permanent role, acting as a spokesman for the club, doing his best to provide updates, protecting his players and using all the issues as fuel to create togetherness while sending out a team that shows no fear on a football pitch. He has signed a new three-year deal, a deserved reward for his work in recent times.  

The Summer 

After years of off-field difficulties, the Ogden family bought a controlling share in the football club this summer, hopefully putting fears for the club’s future to bed. They have outlined three key aspirations: return to the EFL within three years; be self-sustainable within five years and improve their value to the local community. George Nevett inevitably departed, hopefully finding a good home at Peterborough United, while Jimmy Keohane and Cameron John have left the club. Rochdale sourced support from MRKT Insights last season, and their recruitment has again been low-key but intelligent with a number of players at the right age to develop.  

The Squad 

With Gordon starting alongside Adebayo-Rowling and Beckwith, in pre-season my assumption is that he will feature more at centre-back this season following roles at right-back or on the right of a three last season. The midfield will be technical whoever starts in there and East may play deeper. Rochdale did finish last season in a 3-4-3 shape on occasions and don’t be surprised if they move that way again – particularly if they find a left-footed centre-back to replace Nevett.  

The Key Men 

Ethan Ebanks-Landell played almost every game last season and with regulars Keohane, John and Nevett moving on to pastures new, his leadership and composure at the heart of the defence will be pivotal to Rochdale’s fortunes. Kairo Mitchell has proven to be everything McNulty hoped he would get when signing him last season, a goal threat but one who is selfless and does so much donkey work to let his technical players thrive. Wingers were a huge part of Rochdale’s fortunes last season and the arrival of Tarryn Allarakhia could do plenty to replace the output from Tyrese Sinclair and Cian Hayes. After a year of health issues, Devante Rodney could be in for a big season.  

2024-25 Prediction: 14^th  

I think another season of consolidation is likely for Rochdale. The new ownership aren’t getting carried away and are likely to focus their work on improving facilities, relationships and standards around the club as they bid to adhere to their goals. Recruitment for the first-team has followed a similar process to last year, McNulty taking on a small squad of players, many of whom are moving towards their prime years and are looking to develop their game while playing a patient, possession-based brand of football. There has been big change in the defensive area of the pitch and will be a lot of moving parts around the club generally. A mid-table finish as they set themselves up for a more consistent push in 2025-26 is where I see things heading.  

Solihull Moors  

How Did Last Season Go?  

It shouldn’t have gone as well as it did. Neal Ardley departed in late June following a difficult campaign yet had already overseen some of the club’s recruitment while his replacement was Andy Whing, yet to manage in full-time football, supported by Stephen Ward, a rookie in a Director of Football role. Whing chopped and changed during pre-season, hoping to fall upon the right system and on opening day, things just clicked. The Moors went 14 unbeaten to start the season and despite a tough middle period – 5 wins and 9 losses from 16 – they responded positively thanks to a change of shape, some smart recruitment and winning 8 and losing 3 of their final 16. They hammered FC Halifax Town and Barnet but glory wouldn’t follow with penalty shoot-out defeats in both the play-off final and FA Trophy final within six days of each other.  

The Gaffer 

Andy Whing is a man with no airs or graces. He knows who he is, where he has come from and his answers are always honest and for the benefit of his team. He proved to be the perfect person to take on the job last summer, Solihull Moors at a low ebb and in need of unity and substance, something Whing brought in abundance thanks to honest conversations and a willingness to adapt. The 39-year-old was penalty kicks away from an FA Trophy and promotion having already achieved one of the latter in his short managerial career and will hope to kick on while supported by ex-Oxford alumni Darryl Eales.  

The Summer 

Owner Darryl Eales has spent recent years putting a lot of time, effort and money towards improving the football club from its stadium and facilities to its work with the community. After two near misses on the pitch, there is a sense he may be ready to put more focus towards the first team – not that the Moors have ever truly lacked in that department since his arrival. Joe Sbarra and Callum Maycock have earned long-awaited returns to the EFL, the latter joining Josh Kelly at AFC Wimbledon, while Jay Benn and Nick Hayes have returned to their parent clubs. Jamey Osborne has signed a new deal while Laurie Walker and John Bostock add star power.  

The Squad 

It looks nicely balanced written but it should be noted that there are a couple of youngsters that may end up out on loan. I’ve popped Gale and Benton out on the right but both could play centrally while Stevenson can play anywhere across the front. Craig is listed at centre-back despite playing more of his football at wing-back last season. Osborne and Bostock is as close to a “ballers” midfield as you’re likely to find in the National League but it may be that one plays further forward.  

The Key Men 

When Solihull Moors are on song, Jamey Osborne is usually at the heart of it, the man with the magic hat racking up assist numbers befitting of his natural quality. Alex Whitmore joined part way through the campaign and was a real leader at the back, often partnered by the ever-consistent James Clarke who has missed two matches since joining the club in November 2021 and developed into a fan favourite and leader. In terms of the attack, Tahvon Campbell was fantastic post-arrival, scoring eight goals and leading the line excellently with his physicality and technique.  

2024-25 Prediction: 9^th  

On the one hand, they have a pretty good spine in Walker, Clarke, Whitmore, Osborne and Campbell and there is better depth to the group on paper. On the other, I need more evidence around the reliability of the group as a whole, particularly in deep and attacking midfield, while Whing and Ward will face more expectation than last season having arrived at a point where there was nothing to lose. I think last season brought people together more and while I’m not sure they improve on last season’s remarkable finish in both league and cup, I think they are beginning to build for something better and should challenge.  

Southend United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Southend United started last season unsure if they would have a football club and were deducted ten points for non-payment of staff. The National League created a rule where they could only have sixteen footballers registered at any one time, putting an embargo in place. They didn’t fill their bench once until January and regularly had injured players filling the numbers for an emergency. And despite all that, Southend United went into final day with an unlikely shot at a top seven finish. They would have been in the top seven without the points deduction, had the division’s best defensive record and xGA numbers while sitting fourth or xG. A phenomenal achievement.  

The Gaffer 

Kevin Maher received a freedom of the city award in March and few would begrudge him such an honour. A football club plays an enormous part in a community and Maher has been an honourable, selfless server towards the club, the fans and staff leading by example through the darkest of times. He has been as honest as he can, acknowledged the difficulties while providing no excuses for players to perform and, with the support of his backroom staff, created a togetherness within his squad that has seen them stick together when many could have walked.  

The Summer 

SOUTHEND UNITED HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER! That’s right – f**k off Ron Martin. Welcome Justin Rees. And the signs are positive, given how much the new consortium have already put in to keep the club afloat and the patience they have shown to get the deal over the line. Seeing Josh Walker and Joe Gubbins announced around the same time the transfer embargo – yes, another one – was finished, was fantastic to see. It’s a new era, and I’m just delighted for those involved that have worked so hard to make it happen.  

The Squad 

Not a huge amount of change, but that’s nothing Southend aren’t used to. Crucially, they managed to add a couple of bodies last season and have done so again this summer, just freshening up a group that have been together for a period now. Gubbins, Wind and Walker join Waldron, Morton and Crowther, providing depth. Ralph tends to back up Bridge on the left. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another midfielder come in.  

The Key Men 

Southend United are by and large a team more than the sum of its parts. Harry Cardwell led the line exceptionally last season, scoring 18 goals in the most consistent campaign of his career to date and will hopefully add more with better support around him. The midfield pair of Cavaghn Miley and Noor Husin has been one of the best in the division, consistently making good decisions with the ball. Gus Scott-Morriss and Jack Bridge offer real quality from out wide for the team that score more from crosses than any other side. And a team with the best defensive record in the league means we have to mention the goalkeeper and back three, who have been uber consistent.  

2024-25 Prediction: 3^rd  

No more distractions. No more off-field issues. Just a chance to look forward. They have a fantastic manager, a quality coaching staff, plenty of people behind the scenes that care, a quality group that have proven their togetherness over time and the ability to add more quality to that group with John Still helping lead that. This squad will be one of, if not the, best defensive sides in the division and amongst the best going forward – they will hope to improve on a record of scoring 15 goals less than expected last term. I could place Southend anywhere in the top three and feel comfortable with it.  

Sutton United  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Matt Gray did remarkable things at Sutton United, helping the club into the EFL for the first time ever and finishing 8^th then 14^th. Unfortunately, season five proved a step too far and an 8-0 loss at eventual champions Stockport County, their 13^th loss in 21 matches, saw the club make the difficult decision and switch things up in the dugout. After four points from four games under caretaker management, Steve Morison took the reins and though improvement was evident almost immediately, it took time for results to follow after a fairly sizeable change in January. The ex-Cardiff boss led his charges to five wins in their final 12 but it wasn’t quite enough to escape the bottom two.  

The Gaffer 

Steve Morison’s playing career started in the EFL with Northampton Town before he dropped into non-league, earned his stripes and rose to the Premier League. He’s hoping for a similar story in management. Morison started at Cardiff City, impressing sufficiently as caretaker to be given a permanent role, overhauling the squad that summer and then being sacked less than a month after the transfer window finished. His next job was with Hornchurch five tiers down the pyramid and when he left for Sutton United six months later, they were all but set for the promotion they would go on to win. Morison did draw criticism from some quarters for criticism of players at Cardiff but has cut a relaxed figure this summer as he bids to help the Amber and Chocolates return to the EFL at the first time of asking,  

The Summer 

Sat with sunglasses on, looking out at a football pitch resembling a beach owing to work done this summer, Steve Morison acknowledged the summer overhaul. Some players had simply reached the end of their time, some players weren’t part of his plans and others wanted to move. At the time of writing, only two of their most used 16 players remain at the club while not a single player from the club’s original promotion remains at the club, showcasing the scale of the turnover this summer. A whole host of new players have arrived, coming from different backgrounds.  

The Squad 

I’ve gone off the final pre-season game in terms of shape and starters, but it remains unknown with so many new players coming in and Morison putting his stance on things. It may work out more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-2-3-1 too. It’s plausible that Waller may cover left-back being a left-footer. Only Arnold, Jackson, Coley and Nadesan are over the age of 25.  

The Key Men 

It’s genuinely difficult to know. The entire XI has changed. I suspect that the defensive pair of 25-year-old Tyler French, who has admitted his career is at a crossroads following a spell in Scotland, and 24-year-old Harry Ransom, who helped Crawley Town to win promotion from League Two last season, could be important in holding together a youthful side. Jay Harris has had a promising pre-season having struggled to make an impression at Carlisle United and should step up if he can keep fit.  

2024-25 Prediction: 12^th  

I’ll be honest, I have absolutely no idea with Sutton United. On the one hand, I think Steve Morison is very clear in what he wants and will have made moves this summer to fit his demands. I think he’s got a young group that will play a tidy style of football and have the kind of wildcards in the final third that should make them enjoyable to watch, as well as a threat to opponents. Yet I’m also concerned by the sheer scale of change this summer, not to mention only signing one player over the age of 25. I think they will be more than fine but I feel like inconsistency is likely.  

Tamworth  

How Did Last Season Go?  

Beyond all expectation. Tamworth spent nine years in the Conference Premier between 2003 and 2014 but two relegations left them in step 3 for five years with their best shot at a return halted by the cancellation of non-league football during COVID, meaning the National League felt a long way away. Consolidation was likely the aim when returning to National League North and an opening day loss at home against Scunthorpe United showed the scale of the task they faced. They responded by winning ten of their next 13 to move to the top of the league table, setting the tone for back-to-back promotions as champions and winning 29 of their 46 league matches, helped by a remarkable defensive effort – they conceded just 29 goals.  

The Gaffer 

Talk about an impact. Andy Peaks was employed in February 2022 and, according to the club website, it was with the aim of keeping them in the Southern League Premier Division. Less than two and a half years later and he is building a squad to compete in the National League. A phenomenal effort. Peaks will be a new name to many National League followers having spent much of his playing and managerial career in the lower steps of non-league. His prominent spells have been with Rushden and Diamonds in their various forms, winning two promotions and leaving them in step 3 before taking on Tamworth.  

The Summer 

Tamworth talk like they were more than prepared for change this summer. There has been off-field changes with Tim Dudding going full-time as academy manager to allow Scott Rickards to focus more on General Manager and Commercial activities. Peaks has spoke of growing professionalism at the club and been clear in what he wants, confirming early doors that a squad of 24 is the aim. Decisions around contracts, renewals, departures and new signings were made quickly, ensuring they are as ready as possible for the challenge ahead.  

The Squad 

A decent sized squad with the potential for further additions. As with other newly promoted sides, I’ve made assumptions based on research as to how I believe the team shapes up. It could be that certain players perform slightly different roles. It would appear that Hollis, Fletcher and McGlinchey are arriving to improve the starting XI immediately, but that remains to be seen. I’m happy for Tamworth fans to support further. 

The Key Men 

Given the quality of the defence last season, it’s hard not to look at experienced goalkeeper Jas Singh, full-back Matt Curley and centre-backs Jordan Liburd and Jamie Willetts, who all played huge roles. Promoted sides can often the balance tricky between defensive solidity and being an attacking threat, so retaining top scorer Kyle Finn is important while Nathan Tshikuna and Dan Creaney offer a level of physicality through the spine of the team. Of the new additions, Alex Fletcher appears to be one that could play an important role having performed so well for Rushall Olympic in their recent rise.  

2024-25 Prediction: 24^th  

It always feels lazy to predict newcomers to go straight back down, especially in bottom place. However, the last two seasons have seen a newly promoted club finish bottom, a third has been relegated, two survived after late runs of form dragged them out of the relegation picture and none have finished in the top half. Tamworth remain a part-time outfit and have stepped up two divisions in a short amount of time. I’m getting shades of Kidderminster Harriers in how I see Tamworth this season. They will be competitive, they will play games on tight margins and look to utilise what they can to win games. But turning tight margins affairs into enough victories will be tough and I can only hope they prove me wrong.  

Wealdstone  

How Did Last Season Go?  

The first half of the campaign went as expected. Stuart Maynard had his team well set and playing good football despite their part-time status, performing excellently at home and struggling on the road as they sat nicely in mid-table, unbothered by the relegation picture forming below them. Inevitably, a bigger club came in for Stuart Maynard and he understandably made the call to leave for Notts County. David Noble was quickly handed the reins and it didn’t go well, Noble overseeing two wins and eight losses in 15 matches and picking up two points from his six home matches. Cult hero Sam Cox was drafted in as interim and three wins from his five in charge was enough to stop them sinking further and ensure their safety.  

The Gaffer 

There’s no denying that Matthew Taylor is a coup for Wealdstone given his achievements in football. However, management is a different game and it’s unknown whether Taylor is capable of the same success in management. He has been employed as Head Coach of both Walsall and Shrewsbury Town and struggled in both roles, failing to see out the season on both occasions. However, he also took on both jobs at a time of flux, joining shortly after new Directors of Football were employed with the aim of overhauling the squads they inherited. He’s managed to interview well again and will hope for better times ahead at Wealdstone, where he has been appointed as Manager, meaning he has more say on things as the club look to move towards a full-time model.  

The Summer 

In keeping with Taylor’s career to date, one of flux. Taylor has brought in former team-mate Paul Hughes as assistant manager and Wayne Andrews as fitness coach with Sam Cox and Rachel Hill amongst those to depart. Meanwhile, Charlie Barker has stepped into League One with Crawley Town while Tarryn Allarakhia, Marcus Dewhurst and Dillon De Silva have joined fellow National League outfits for full-time pay packets. They have persuaded the likes of Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Alex Dyer and Max Kretzschmar to stay, however, ensuring continuity.  

The Squad 

Probably the biggest squad that Wealdstone have put together since their promotion to the National League. The starting XI during pre-season suggests that Wealdstone will be playing a back three with Mariappa at the heart of that. That also means we are likely to see Boldewijn playing at wing-back, a role he has gotten used to in recent years. Cesay is pretty fluid positionally, as are Obiero, Miller and Hutchinson who have spent time at wing-back.  

The Key Men 

It’s hard to look past experience. When Wealdstone were at their low ebbs last year, they had an experienced core to go back to so Jack Cook and Max Kretzschmar will hope to play their parts once again. Craig Eastmond, fitness pending, should be a huge coup given his quality and leadership in the middle of the park. Sean Adarkwa will hope to build on a breakthrough campaign while Enzio Boldewijn is another coup for the club and may play higher up the pitch after time spent at full-back and wing-back.  

2024-25 Prediction: 17^th  

I’ve been pretty consistent all summer about Wealdstone going down. And the longer the summer went on, the more I got cold feet about that decision. I have reservations around Taylor, I must confess. But I see it going one of two ways for him – he either shows he can give Wealdstone a platform to perform or they replace him with somebody who proves that. The back three is strong, they have clear outlets out wide, huge experience through the spine and enough direct threats to cause problems. Aside from Taylor, I have concerns around consistency of the starting XI meaning we could see peaks and troughs. I think Wealdstone will have enough.  

Woking  

How Did Last Season Go?  

In 2022-23, it felt as if the Cards had drawn a trio of aces but couldn’t quite find the fourth in the pack. In 2023-24, the luck of the draw wasn’t as kind. It started positively enough, Woking losing two of their opening ten but the wheels fell off quickly as seven defeats in nine, coupled with an FA Cup knockout at the hands of 8^th tier Ramsgate, led to Darren Sarll losing his job. Michael Doyle took the reins and his attempts to have Woking playing to his tune took time. It started with two points from five matches, then seven points from the next six before finishing the season with 21 points from 12 to secure survival on the final day.  

The Gaffer 

Michael Doyle was in sink or swim territory joining Woking as manager. His first gig in the dugout, taking on a club with a big budget, bloated squad, underperforming and playing a style that polarises his preferences. It’s a credit to the Irishman that he was able to adapt while sticking to his principles, make a number of squad changes and turn things around sufficiently to secure survival after a stellar end of season run. It’s little surprise that Doyle can communicate well having been given the captain’s armband at several clubs and his leadership qualities coupled with his experiences coaching at Notts County should stand him in good stead.  

The Summer 

Just as the new National League season threatened to take shape without concern for the future of one of its clubs, Drew Volpe came out and admitted that the club is up for sale for £1 and only a bank loan from his parents has saved Woking from administration. Sigh. No wonder John Katz departed. The club are haemorrhaging cash and it has put a dampener on what promised to be a promising summer – especially after a first splash in the market saw them sign Ben Wynter, Cian Harries, Dale Gorman and Harry Beautyman. 

The Squad 

Looking fairly small but with plenty of versatility, which can be useful in such situations. For example, Kelly-Evans has spent some time in midfield during pre-season, Akinola can perform at centre-back and Lewis up top. A side full of experience and strong workers. Doyle is expecting a couple of extra bodies to arrive shortly. Rohan Ince remains on the books but won’t be involved as it stands.  

The Key Men 

There’s been a fair amount of change through the spine of the team and it means that the new men could become the stars. Dale Gorman is a terrific addition, a player that has helped improve Barnet over recent years as captain and he takes on similar duties at Woking. Cian Harries has a range of passing and technique rarely seen of defenders at this level, not to mention being a competent penalty taker. With options limited in attack, Charley Kendall has the chance to start the season leading the line and it could be the opportunity the 23-year-old needs.  

2024-25 Prediction: 16^th  

I like Doyle, I like the early business, I like what I saw last season. I’m confident that Doyle will get his messages across and we will see a team with leadership and quality, built from a fairly solid base. But it’s hard to ignore the number of changes to the squad coupled with off-field issues that leave the recruitment feeling a little unfinished – particularly in attack. While there is confidence a takeover will happen, there will likely be some short-term pain that follows given the reported debt and cashflow issues. I want to base this prediction on the football as much as I can and hope the financial concerns don’t escalate further. Doyle will get his ideas across and he doesn’t strike me as somebody that will look for the excuses that others may in the situation. However, he is likely to be fielding an XI with square pegs fitting round holes at times and they may lack the natural balance and quality to carry out what he wants on a consistent basis.  

Yeovil Town  

How Did Last Season Go?  

It was everything Yeovil Town Football Club had been desperate for. A couple of weeks after relegation was confirmed, Hellier Group, owned by Martin Hellier, took on ownership of the club and Mark Cooper was backed to take the team forward. Three wins from their opening seven suggested National League wouldn’t be the easiest division to navigate but they flew out the traps from that point, winning ten in a row to rise from 9^th to nine points clear. Another ten-game unbeaten run meant they were 13 points clear with a game in hand by mid-February having won 15 of their 18 home matches. The title was secured with three games to spare.  

The Gaffer 

Mark Cooper has had an interesting career in management. He’s had plenty of success – three non-league promotions, an FA Trophy with Darlington, reaching the League One play-offs with Swindon Town. But it’s not been without controversy, usually involving what comes out of his mouth on the touchline or in post-match pressers. He has done his best to be honest and open with Yeovil Town supporters, who have responded by backing the 55-year-old. He’s certainly given back what he can, leading them to promotion at the first time of asking and giving them a style of football that is much easier on the eye than they’ve been used to in recent years.  

The Summer

It wouldn’t be Yeovil Town without a bit of controversy and most of the noise this summer has come via Martin Hellier, with alleged text messages shared, comments around selling the club and an ill-advised “move on” tweet in relation to Lee Collins. Mark Cooper has signed a three-year deal and has done his best to instil together and quash concerns around the ownership. It’s been quieter on the pitch, Yeovil backing many of the squad that helped them to promotion, boosted by some exciting young talents.  

The Squad 

A small squad but Cooper has always been fairly fluid with the roles his players play. We could see Smith play at wing-back, Pearson play on either side or Nouble play up top, for example. A squad that probably needs to see one or two more additions but I’m confident that those things will be sorted when needed.  

The Key Men 

Three names standout looking at the appearance records of last season. That’s Morgan Williams, who appears to have grown in stature since his last spell at this level, Matt Worthington, a player I’m fond of for his energy and tenacity, and Jake Wannell, who appears to have been an excellent addition to the backline. After issues getting it over the line previously, Frank Nouble finally joined up with Mark Cooper and proved his worth while Jordan Young finished up with 14 last term and will hope to step up.  

2024-25 Prediction: 18^th  

I remain frustrated for Yeovil Town fans given the off-field noise but it seems apparent that on the pitch, Mark Cooper has attentions focused and a group that are together. There are leaders, there is reliability, there is a team that have learned how to win football matches regularly and they have a shape that enables them to play the sort of football Cooper has a reputation for playing. It’s all fairly positive from where I sit and it means I have confidence they won’t be too worried about relegation. They sit 18^th on account of the step up being a big one for any club – no promoted side has finished in the top half since Stockport County and Woking managed it in 2019-20 – and the squad just generally not being as strong as others at the level.  

York City  

How Did Last Season Go?  

A disaster, and one many felt may come. Simply put, too many people were pulling in different directions at the start of the season and it set the club up to fail. While money was being pumped in by the Uggla’s, who have more than shown their commitment to the club, the initial managerial hire, the recruitment of personnel on and off the field and silliness on social media meant York City were a messy football club. Neal Ardley and Darren Kelly were employed to try and get a grip on things and they did so to a point, but not enough for the ownership who rolled the dice once more by bringing in Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood. A dodgy start was rectified and 14 points from 11 games was just enough to keep York in the National League.  

The Gaffer 

Adam Hinshelwood deserves credit. It’s not easy going from part-time management to full-time management and when your first four games see you pick up one point and concede 12 goals while attempting to play a high-octane style of football, it can quickly go south. A third generation professional footballer (his son Jack has made that four following his debut for Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion), he built an excellent reputation at Worthing for playing attractive football and more than earned his opportunity to step up the ladder. He’s pretty understated but has a clear idea of what he wants.  

The Summer 

All change again, but it feels a little different this time. Darren Kelly has moved on. The recruitment team has been overhauled. And while only three first-team players were released at the end of their contracts, a further seven have agreed to mutual terminations and another two have headed out on loan with more likely to follow. Hinshelwood has been backed to make further additions to his squad with ex-Worthing boys Harrison Male, Joe Felix, Ricky Aguiar and Ollie Pearce heading north while Alex Hunt’s loan has been turned permanent.  

The Squad 

I feel like I haven’t had the real Adam Hinshelwood experience yet so this another situation where I’ve made an assumption on what the XI may look like without being overly confident. I’ve backed the 4-1-4-1 they tended to line up with last year, understanding that it could become a fairly fluid 3-5-2 with players high and wide on either flank and somebody tucking in. There’s a lot of depth but players such as Andoh, Latty-Fairweather, Castro, Harriott, Siziba and Gravata are amongst those less likely to feature as a result of last season’s haphazard recruitment.  

The Key Men 

My belief is that Hinshelwood has decorated a squad that already contains a strong spine and ensured he has a few more round pegs to fit round holes to play the brave style he wants to commit to. It means that as I see it, his key players will continue to be defenders Ryan Fallowfield and Callum Howe, who were about the most reliable players at the club last season, Dan Batty, whose quality really showed once he was situated at the base of midfield, and Dipo Akinyemi, who has already proven why he required such an outlay last summer.  

2024-25 Prediction: 10^th  

Another summer of change and I’m far more positive about York City this time around. However, The Minstermen finished 20^th last season, so turning that into a top seven finish would be a huge achievement for Hinshelwood and his players. The process of moving players out will continue while five of their first nine signings are either stepping up a level or moving into full-time football. It means that I foresee some peaks and troughs during a campaign that will see the club wanting to be ambitious but hopefully understanding the need to build some stability. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they land themselves in the top seven and even higher than that, but I’m going to be cautious in my prediction and see where the season takes them.  

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Some years, I’ve sat long and hard and thought about these. Other years, I’ve been pretty clear in my mind. This year, it’s the latter. 

There have been one or two spots in the Team of the Year that I’ve questioned myself over but for the most part, I’ve not had any doubts about the best in each category, which feels quite nice. But I can say that knowing that not everybody will agree, which is part of the fun. A game of opinions and all that.  

I’ve stuck to the same categories as last year, only removing the “non-Wrexham and Notts County” team of the year given this season was less about just two football teams breaking every record going.  

Manager of the Season: Paul Cook 

This was a difficult decision. Andy Woodman took Bromley into EFL for the first time. Andy Whing took Solihull Moors to two finals. Kevin Maher has done remarkable things at Southend United. Dean Brennan, Phil Parkinson, Chris Millington all deserve acclaim. But I’m giving it to Paul Cook. I don’t care about the budget. I don’t care about the fact that they were favourites to win the league. They got their recruitment right in the summer, his squad were ready and able when called upon and they picked up 80 points from their first 31 games. It’s an absolutely phenomenal achievement. Paul Cook is my Manager of the Season.  

Player of the Season: Tom Naylor  

One of the players Cook recruited was Tom Naylor and he more than lived up to expectation. The 32-year-old has long been a steady presence at League One level, plying his trade for the likes of Burton Albion, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic. He was last seen playing a bit-part role for Wigan Athletic in a fairly chaotic campaign and decided he fancied a change of scene, joining Paul Cook and Chesterfield in the National League. What followed was a tremendous campaign in which he scored 11 goals, set up a further six, dominated midfields, spent more time attacking the opposition box than defending his own and even scored the winner against Portsmouth in the FA Cup First Round. The question of motivation gets banded around when an elder statesman drops down the leagues but there were no issues with Naylor and he now has a second title in three years to his name.  

Young Player of the Season: Chris Conn-Clarke 

I set myself the task of picking a player that started the season aged 21 or under. Turns out, it was really easy deciding the winner. Chris Conn-Clarke is a candidate for player of the season, let alone young player, having produced an individual season that will live in the memory. His goal return was better than any other in the league, racking up an impressive 35 direct goal contributions and it contained all sorts. Tap ins, calm finishes, thwacks from 30 yards, solo runs, set-piece deliveries and direct free-kicks. What Conn-Clarke couldn’t do at National League simply wasn’t worth doing and it’s almost guaranteed that he will be plying his trade in the EFL next season. 

Goal of the Season: Devante Rodney vs Eastleigh 

Start with the ball in defence? Check. Keep it for 40 seconds? Check. Moment of individual quality? Check. Cheeky assist? Check. Bit of quality from the goalscorer? Check. This is a goal that has it all. Rochdale were one of the best sides to watch in the National League this season and this goal shows just why with the patience and composure of their build up, directness and quality from a wide man, clever touches and a brilliant finish.  

Assist of the Season: Enzio Boldewijn vs FC Halifax Town 

This is the second time Enzio Boldewijn has won this award and it’s for a similar type of assist – I must have a type. Here, the Dutch winger, playing right wing-back, receives the ball inside of his own box when a low cross doesn’t find Millenic Alli, takes a touch and swiftly beats the onrushing Kane Thompson-Sommers. The midfielder chases back at Boldewijn for the rest of the move, briefly supported by Jamie Stott, but Boldewijn keeps hold of it, driving beyond the halfway line before cutting inside and playing a perfectly weighted pass to Paul McCallum, who is able to finish first time through Sam Johnson.  

Save of the Season: Marcus Dewhurst vs York City 

Chaos ensues in the Wealdstone area as a cut back is prodded forward by Billy Chadwick, deflected up in the air and volleyed towards goal by Charlie Allen. Through this move, Marcus Dewhurst has stood against his front post, dropped low to react to the first ball while shifting to his left in the hope that he will be in the right position if the ball falls his way. Allen catches the volley superbly, watching the ball to make sure it crosses the line as he begins wheeling off to his right to celebrate his first goal in professional football with a crowd that have already left their seats and raised their arms in anticipation. Dewhurst is bouncing in the wrong direction but throws his body weight and right arm out in the hope of connecting with the ball. He does, and he lies on the floor as the ball rebounds off the post and is cleared by Charlie Barker.  

Player That Took Me By Surprise: Jaydn Mundle-Smith  

Jaydn Mundle-Smith was looking less and less likely to make his breakthrough at Wealdstone. The ex-Fulham youngster had played a fair amount during his first season but managed just 15 appearances in 2022/23 and at 23, it appeared as though he wouldn’t be making his breakthrough. I don’t know whether Stuart Maynard had decided Mundle-Smith was ready or whether he started the season because he couldn’t get targets for the left centre-back position over the line but whatever the situation, Mundle-Smith made the most of his opportunity and didn’t let it go, remaining an important player under Maynard, David Noble and Sam Cox in a variety of left-sided defensive roles and earned an end-of-season England ‘C’ call up as reward.  

Most Underrated Player: Callum Reynolds  

Bromley’s excellent this season has been built upon a solid base, having a starting XI that do the basics right, defend well and a core of players that lead by example. Grant Smith is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the division, Byron Webster has received acclaim for his role in the final, Corey Whitely produces magic and everybody adores Michael Cheek. Callum Reynolds is less heralded but just as important. He signed for Bromley at the start of last season aged 32 after spells with Boreham Wood, Aldershot Town, Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge and has been uber-consistent, whether situated on the right, in the middle or the left of the back three. He has been available for all but two matches across both campaigns, playing in all but 11, and will now get the opportunity to play EFL football for the first time in his career aged 35.  

Team of the Season 

Goalkeeper: Grant Smith  

Club: Bromley  

Grant Smith was the National League free agent in the summer and Bromley won the race to sign him. They haven’t regretted it. Consistent performances, strong distribution and some spectacular saves, Bromley’s spine was complete with his arrival.  

Right-back: Gus Scott-Morriss  

Club: Southend United 

A tenacious, forward-thinking wing-back with England C honours thanks to his consistent displays since stepping up a division. Scott-Morriss is an important part of a side that defend better than anybody and utilise width as a key part of their game plan.  

Centre-back: Danny Collinge 

Club: Barnet  

Barnet are a better side for Danny Collinge being part of it. He’s a good defender, he’s a big part of any attempts to start playing from the back and tactically aware enough to switch centre-back positions to benefit the team. He’s also a big goal threat, which does no harm.  

Centre-back: Jamie Grimes 

Club: Chesterfield  

Every title winning team needs a reliable leader and Grimes was just that. He played almost every game, stood up when it counted and led in a way that Chesterfield players, management and fans could identify with.  

Left-back: Eddy Jones 

Club: Altrincham 

The toughest position to pick with no outstanding candidate but no shortage of options either. I’m giving it Jones, who was a consistent member of a much-improved Altrincham back four as a solid defender, a regular supporter of the attack and whose development deserves some attention.  

Central midfield: Tom Naylor  

Club: Chesterfield  

See above.  

Central midfield: Anthony Hartigan 

Club: Barnet 

Hartigan walked into the Barnet XI on matchday four and never left it, trusted almost immediately to dictate games from a deep midfield position. His penchant for popping free-kicks into back of the net was handy and the Bees are desperate to have him back if they can.  

Attacking midfield: Liam Mandeville  

Club: Chesterfield  

Play him at right-back, right-wing or attacking midfield and you can trust that Liam Mandeville will have a big impact on the game, either scoring or creating a goal. No National League player finished up with more assists than Mandeville.  

Attacking midfield: Chris Conn-Clarke 

Club: Altrincham  

See above.  

Striker: Paul McCallum 

Club: Eastleigh 

Quite frankly, anybody that scores 30+ goals should be in the Team of the Season, unless everybody manages it. That McCallum was playing for a side that spent the back end of the season more concerned with relegation only makes his achievement all the better.  

Striker: Nicke Kabamba  

Club: Barnet 

A tough call given the quality of strikers in the division but Kabamba gets the nod. The 31-year-old led the line for Barnet with minimal fuss, scoring goals, taking bumps, occasionally setting up his team-mates and doing all he could to drive the side to promotion.  

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For the bad. The shambolic play-off situation. The National League choosing to side with the Premier League over FA Cup replays while its clubs released statements against it. The noises around a 32-team tournament involving Premier League U21 clubs.

For the chaotic. Eleven clubs announced the departure of a manager. Three announced the departure of two managers. Three clubs used a whopping 41 players. Three clubs found themselves playing four games in a week at the back end of the season.

For the brilliant. Title winners Chesterfield setting the highest standard of any title winner until they didn’t need to. Exciting play-off and FA Trophy finals at Wembley. A relegation scrap like no other with five teams knowing they could have been relegated on final day and all having their fate in their own hands. Chesterfield, Aldershot Town and Eastleigh reaching the third round of FA Cup.

The National League is a wonderful division for so many reasons.

It’s where former EFL and even Premier League clubs compete with non-league stalwarts and full-time outfits meet part-timers. It’s where you can see a average of 2.94 goals per game. It’s where you can see a complete range of styles from those trying to play total football while others go for a more traditional style. It’s where you see truly quality individuals stand out from the pack, proving themselves ready for the climb up the divisions.

Speaking of climbing divisions, we say goodbye to Chesterfield, worthy title winners that set an astonishing pace over the first few months of the season, and Bromley, who will embark on a first ever EFL campaign following a penalty shoot-out victory at Wembley.

At the other end, the step up proved too much for Oxford City, Marc White’s huge personality alone wasn’t enough to keep Dorking Wanderers in the division and the same can be said for Phil Brown and Kidderminster Harriers while Boreham Wood’s inability to break down a stubborn Ebbsfleet United side on final day meant they return to regional football.

Before we roll out the welcome mat to Forest Green Rovers, Sutton United, Tamworth, Boston United, Yeovil Town and Braintree Town – congratulations and commiserations to all – it’s time to take one last final look at the season that was.

Below is a review of all 24 National League clubs, including:

• A look back at my pre-season predictions

• What actually unfolded

• The statistics that defined the team’s campaign

• Which players stood out

• A look ahead to next season

And if you want more National League content, please subscribe to this channel.

AFC Fylde

Position: 18th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 15; D 10; L 21; F 74; A 82; GD –8; Pts 55

Most Starts: Theo Richardson – 42

Top Goalscorer: Nick Haughton – 18

Clean Sheets: 6

Worst Discipline: Josh Kay – 10Y

The Prediction: 10th

I’m feeling positive about Fylde. I get the impression that there is joined up thinking across those in charge of the various footballing departments. The squad is settled after a barnstorming second half of last season and much of their recruitment was done early doors, allowing Adam Murray to integrate a few new bodies to an already strong group. They have a clear way of playing, a strong spine, some genuine stardust and the resources to improve further should they need to. A top half finish is a realistic aim.

The Reality

Despite there being eight places between my predicted finish and their actual finish, I wasn’t too far wrong with my pre-season beliefs about AFC Fylde – it just took a change in the dugout to make it happen. Their campaign couldn’t have started worse and Adam Murray paid the price after 15 games, his side rooted to the bottom of the table having lost ten and conceded 35. I felt sympathy for Murray as a neutral, his post-match interviews matching what I was seeing in terms of performances and frustrations over errors but as he chopped and changed and added new personnel but nothing worked. In the end, it felt like the only change left to make was removing Murray. Chris Beech stepped down from the stands to the dugout and his influence on the squad was palpable. He changed shape, found a consistent spine, brought back individuals that had found game time hard to come by and allowed players to develop at a higher level. Over his 31 games in charge, Fylde performed as the 9th best side in the league to secure their National League status.

The Stats

If you were a neutral choosing to follow a team this season, Fylde would have been one of the better choices from a purely footballing perspective. They scored more goals than any other bottom half side (74), saw both teams score in two-thirds of their matches (joint third), kept the second fewest clean sheets (6) and picked up a higher percentage of their points against top half sides (56%) than any other team in the league. Continuing on that theme, they had the second most shots, scored the second most goals in the first 15 minutes of matches, committed to the most 1v1 dribbles but found themselves behind for 33% of all minutes played, the second highest. As a Fylde fan, they can take some solace in the underlying numbers – Wyscout’s xG tallies have them as the biggest underperformers defensively and third biggest underperformers offensively. More to come indeed.

Who Stood Out?

Nick Haughton was the man many expected to step up and be counted for Fylde this season and as the team around him improved, he shone. The diminutive attacking midfielder has magic in his boots and his 24 direct goal contributions include two direct free-kick and a goal from halfway. Pace has been a huge part of their rise up the table with Jon Ustabasi and Connor Barrett finding their feet. Ethan Mitchell and Sam Graham proved excellent additions, marshalled by the experienced Harry Davis. And I have to mention Danny Ormerod, the teenage striker that forced his way into the XI and has a clear eye for goal.

What Happens Next?

Continue to do what works. Chris Beech is the club’s Director of Football and was installed as Head Coach until the end of the season initially, meaning that a decision still needs to be made on whether he continues in the role or allows the club to bring somebody else in. You have to assume the other directors are persuading him to stay in the dugout after his impact this year. If he does stick it out, I think I’ll be backing Fylde for a top seven finish next season. If he moves back to the boardroom, it will be a case of wait and see.

Aldershot Town

Position: 8th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 20; D 9; L 17; F 74; A 83; GD –9; Pts 69

Most Starts: Ollie Harfield – 46

Top Goalscorer: Lorent Taloj – 19

Clean Sheets: 9

Worst Discipline: Josh Stokes – 15Y 1R

The Prediction: 22nd

At the end of last season, I felt positive about Widdrington and Aldershot and this may be a selection I regret come the end of the season. However, with budgetary constraints and the rest of the division continuing to get stronger, The Shots are always going to find it tough. Pre-season has been hampered by injuries, not a huge surprise given a number of their new signings have had struggles with injuries in the past. I’m expecting more arrivals but have come to the conclusion this is likely to be a tough year in Hampshire, and another managerial change also wouldn’t be a major surprise.

The Reality

I knew it. I never felt comfortable placing Aldershot in 22nd and I should have trusted my gut. My worry was that they might get off to another shoddy start and the owner would pull the trigger again, especially given the injuries they suffered. But Tommy Widdrington is a very self-assured individual and having been backed to bring in his own staff, they recruited excellently and backed themselves to coach a shape that brought the best out of key players. Their calculated gambles paid off – quite literally in the case of Josh Stokes – and they spent the campaign more concerned with the top 7 rather than the bottom 4. The tone of their campaign was set with 5-2 and 1-5 scorelines in their opening two matches, the Shots committing to an open, attacking 3-4-1-2 shape that brought about plenty of goals at both ends. They massively improved their home form and enjoyed a couple of excellent runs of form but a young squad ran out of steam. Considering expectations were low coming into the campaign, the Shots can look back with some pride and belief that this is just the start.

The Stats

Aldershot had a curious campaign, one with highs and lows and it means their most prominent statistics are indifferent. They were nothing if not entertaining with an average of 3.41 goals total per game (3rd highest). Only the bottom two and Eastleigh conceded more than Aldershot while at the other end, they scored 3 or more on 12 occasions and scored 7 penalties – second on both accounts. They had the worst discipline of any National League outfit – 108 yellow cards and 8 reds – while only Oxford City lost more away games than Aldershot’s 13. Perhaps all this speaks to the naivety that comes with having the third youngest side in the division based on minutes played.

Who Stood Out?

Josh Stokes is the obvious one, probably the National League signing of the season given where he has come from and where he’s heading to. Lorent Taloj is a player I’ve been infatuated with since the opening day, possessing all the physical tools, a dream of a left foot and a creative side too. Jack Barham is less heralded but a vital part of an excellent front three thanks to his speed, energy, work ethic and poaching instincts. Behind them, Ollie Harfield has started every league game, Cian Harries was imperative in setting up many attacks from the back, as well as becoming an expert penalty taker, while wide men Tyler Frost and Ryan Glover performed in a number of different roles throughout the campaign.

What Happens Next?

A club like Aldershot are always going to operate on whatever they can bring in, so having a positive campaign and seeing a couple of transfer risks pay off handsomely means they can stretch the budget further next season. The challenge will now lay at the feet of Widdrington and his team to go again, recruit to the same level if not better and tighten up a defence that was way too open at times last year.

Altrincham

Position: 4th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 22; D 11; L 13; F 84; A 59; GD 25; Pts 77

Most Starts: Elliot Osborne – 44

Top Goalscorer: Chris Conn-Clarke – 23

Clean Sheets: 13

Worst Discipline: Elliot Osborne – 11Y 1R

The Prediction: 12th

Many are going big on Alty this summer and it’s completely understandable given the quality of football they play, the management team and how settled they have become off the pitch. I think the club have taken the right approach to recruitment and the squad looks strong on paper. I’m expecting them to be a little tighter defensively – something they desperately need to improve on if they are to move up the league table – and they will always be good for a few goals. A top half finish is in their sights. Can they go even better? They may need a little bit more.

The Reality

That “little bit more” may have been Alex Newby, who arrived after Alty had won two and lost of their opening ten matches. His addition allowed Phil Parkinson to stick more rigidly to his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape, especially with Jake Cooper and Lewis Baines striking up a partnership that would prove reliable and last the course. They won 20 of their last 36 matches, finally showing an ability to keep clean sheets while picking up two points per game at home and seeing their attack thrive, including the brilliant Chris Conn-Clarke. This was Alty’s true breakout campaign after three years of consolidation and gradual improvement. And though they couldn’t achieve promotion through the play-offs, they have left themselves in a great spot heading into next season.

The Stats

Altrincham had a fantastic season and a few standard statistics go some way to backing that up. They are joint third for most wins and goal difference, were one of three sides to achieve two points per game at home and also sit third for both time spent winning and losing. Fast starts were a big part of their game, taking the lead in 27 matches (2nd), having the third best first half record and scoring more first half goals than any other team (45). They were pretty ruthless, failing to score on 7 occasions (3rd) and overachieving against their xG by over 18 goals. Being flat track bullies helps too – they were unbeaten against the bottom seven. As for performance metrics, a few stand out. Their possession heavy style shows in them playing the third smallest percentage of their passes long and they clearly teased opponents given they finished up as the most fouled team in the league. Their opponents aggression wasn’t matched, Alty committing the fewest fouls in the National League, having the second highest PPDA (13.68) and conceding the 5th most shots.

Who Stood Out?

I’ve already mentioned some of these names above, but lets nail them down. Chris Conn-Clarke was one of the players of the season, racking up more goal contributions than any other player in the division. The way he and Newby, who often started to his left, dovetailed was a joy to watch – Alty had two attacking midfielders stronger than the level and it showed so often. Lewis Baines and Jake Cooper had big seasons at centre-back and ahead of them, Isaac Marriott and Elliot Osborne stepped up as leaders. The additions of Ethan Ross and Lewis Banks proved important for the balance of the side.

What Happens Next?

Alty continue on the same path. They are full-time, have committed their management team to new deals, have a number of key players still under contract and continue to grow off the field too. The summer won’t be without it’s difficulties – they will sell a couple of key players with Conn-Clarke amongst them – but their processes look strong and recruitment has been a strength in recent seasons. The club have put themselves on the map this season and it’s all about continued growth going into next season.

Barnet

Position: 2nd

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 26; D 8; L 12; F 91; A 60; GD +31; Pts 86

Most Starts: Anthony Hartigan – 43

Top Goalscorer: Nicke Kabamba – 25

Clean Sheets: 13

Worst Discipline: Anthony Hartigan 13Y

The Prediction: 9th

Things are still positive at Barnet and Brennan isn’t about to let his foot off the gas as far as their promotion ambitions are concerned. Will they make the play-offs in consecutive years? It’s not out of the question and they should be there or thereabouts. Two things put me off backing it. Firstly, they massively overachieved against their data last year and need to show something a little different this year. Secondly, the recruitment. It’s left me with as many questions as answers and I haven’t quite been able to convince myself it’s enough to undeniably improve the XI.

The Reality

Brennan and Barnet blew expectations out of the water with a fast and furious start that suggested we could have another record-breaking title race on our hands. It wasn’t to be, Barnet unable to keep up with Chesterfield, but it was still an excellent effort to finish in 2nd place – and they were absolutely the second best team in the division. There is a feeling that Barnet have missed a big opportunity not going up this season. Brennan set the bar high, demanded ruthlessness, criticised those he didn’t feel reached those high standards, made bold calls and got the backing he wanted to reach the goal of promotion. Being dismantled by Solihull Moors in the play-off semi-final didn’t help. However, this was unquestionably a fantastic season and further proof of their growth in recent years and should be viewed as a campaign to build upon.

The Stats

Barnet were very good and very ruthless. They sit second for most wins, goals scored, goal difference and home record. They were consistent against poorer sides, being the only team in the division to finish with a perfect record against the bottom four while winning 15 of 17 home matches against sides outside of the top seven. They had the best first half record, leading on 22 occasions, scored 15 goals in the first 15 minutes of matches, a division high, and the second best record when scoring (2.46 points per game) and conceding (1.11 ppg) first. They also led for 40.1% of minutes played – a division high. Such goal metrics were deserved too, Barnet sitting third for xG and xGD. There were positives stylistically too, having the third highest average possession (57.6%) and joint highest PPDA (8.01). A statistic that also interests me is that Barnet were the only National League side not receive a single red card.

Who Stood Out?

Many. But three names in particular spring to mind. To fly high in the National League, you need a reliable striker and few have proven as good as Nicke Kabamba, who finished up with 26 league goals. Danny Collinge was excellent at the back, being the starter of their attacks from whichever centre back role he occupied and reaching double figures for goals. And Anthony Hartigan, who arrived in matchday three, started on matchday four and never left the XI again as he dictated things for Barnet from deep in midfield. Elsewhere, Ade Oluwo stepped up without issue, Jerome Okimo was as reliable as ever and attacking pair Zak Brunt and Callum Stead were key parts of the attack.

What Happens Next?

I’m fascinated by how this plays out. Barnet are close. It’s effectively Year Three of the cycle for Dean Brennan and Barnet and if they make the right decisions, they could be celebrating with the National League title next year. Both manager and owner are comfortable being ruthless and making tough calls, so it’s all about whether they get those big decisions right. Their run from relegation fodder to promotion candidates has been built on the trust that Brennan knows what he’s doing and he has been more than backed his by his owner. The budget will likely increase again this year while Brennan is being linked to EFL jobs. If they are to be successful both parties need to be all-in from the off with no doubts about each other and the decisions made over the summer. With two signings already in the building, the signs are positive.

Boreham Wood

Position: 21st

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 12; D 16; L 18; F 59; A 73; GD –14; Pts 52

Most Starts: Nathan Ashmore & Femi Ilesanmi – 46

Top Goalscorer: Lee Ndlovu – 10

Clean Sheets: 11

Worst Discipline: Billy Sass-Davies – 11Y 1R

The Prediction: 5th

I wasn’t expecting to place Boreham Wood this high, if I’m honest. When I think back to what cost Boreham Wood for much of last season, it was availability and goals. I believe the first issue has been resolved, David Agbontohoma and Chris Bush barely missing a game after arriving last year while Jack Payne proved ever-reliable. Tom Whelan and Mo Sagaf are also reliable and disciplined figures that should fit a Garrard side. The final challenge is goals. While I’m not sold on Balanta (injuries) and Abraham (inconsistency) being consistent figures, Appiah should be fine at this level and should provide competition for Ndlovu and Marsh. I’ve talked myself into Boreham Wood reaching the play-offs for a second consecutive campaign.

The Reality

In a sense, I wasn’t wrong about goals – they scored 7 more goals despite finishing 15 places lower. However, they weren’t prolific and availability was a big problem. By August Bank Holiday, they were making emergency signings to be able to field an XI and Garrard wasn’t able to select close to his strongest team until mid-October. However, Garrard isn’t a man to make excuses or give his side reason to find them. Ultimately, they weren’t good enough. The defensive solidity that has become so synonymous with The Wood in recent years evaporated, too often conceding the first goal and having to chase a result rather than hold onto one. It’s hard to know exactly why things changed so much. Garrard referenced a lack of clarity after his departure and his side going undefeated and not conceding a goal following the announcement suggests he had a point. Whatever the reasons, his otherwise successful tenure ended with relegation and the club now start a new era without him.

The Stats

Boreham Wood couldn’t get over the line enough, their 16 draws the third highest in the division while their 12 wins were the third fewest. A lack of goals was problematic, Luke Garrard’s team scoring 1 or 0 on 32 occasions, joint third highest, and scoring the second fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of games. The surprise with The Wood was their defensive record, unhelped by an xGA underperfomance of almost 10 goals. Style and age remain concerns, Boreham Wood fielding the second oldest team in the league on average (29.9), having the third smallest share of possession (42.9%) and playing the third highest percentage of long passes (19.92%). Given the high experience of the side, receiving the joint second most red cards (7) will be a frustration.

Who Stood Out?

It says plenty that I’m finding this difficult. Firstly, Femi Ilesanmi deserves big credit for playing all but five minutes available this season. Considering the injury he had a couple of years back, it makes it even more impressive that he has been so consistent in his availability. Matt Robinson had a good impact after joining on loan and there is a growing call for the club to try and sign him permanently. Erico Sousa was the team’s most creative spark and they missed him when unavailable – he finished up with 8 goals and assists apiece.

What Happens Next?

Change. They return to the National League regional divisions for the first time since 2015 and will also be employing a new manager since the same year too. Jamal Fyfield ends a six-year association with the club while Femi Ilesanmi and Tyrone Marsh could yet depart. However, change doesn’t have to be scary. They return to Step 2 as a full-time operation with some wonderful experiences behind them, an increased fanbase and stadium improvements. Their owner remains as supportive as ever and Ross Jenkins, who will be supported by long-term assistant Lloyd Doyley and club legend Mark Ricketts, is a progressive coach with recent promotion experience from the level.

Bromley

Position: 3rd

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 22; D 15; L 9; F 73; A 49; GD 24; Pts 81

Most Starts: Corey Whitely – 45

Top Goalscorer: Michael Cheek – 21

Clean Sheets: 14

Worst Discipline: Josh Passley – 9Y 1R

The Prediction: 7th

It’s been a tricky call predicting who will finish in the top seven. I’m positive on Bromley. I like Woodman. I like much of the squad. They have a goalscorer. They should be decent defensively. I’m still cautious about improvement on last season. Four of their back six departed this summer and Ryan Stirk in midfield. Cole Kpekawa was unavailable for half of last season and Chin Okoli is embarking on a first major loan. We also don’t know who is being signed to improve the midfield and attack. Bromley will be competitive again and their success will come down to the finer margins. I’m going to back them to get things right and match last season’s finish.

The Reality

Bromley will begin the 2024-25 season as an EFL club for the first time in their history. They finished 3rd, their highest ever league finish, lost fewer games than any other National League side and showcased their powers of recovery from start to finish – they began the season without a win in five before rising up the division and were pegged back twice in the play-off final only to win on penalties. What did they get right? Trust in the process and the players. Their experienced players showed the way and the young pups provided an energy and tenacity that balanced the squad nicely. The wins slowed down after Christmas but they also lost just five of their final 19, giving them a home tie in the semi-final and seeing off both Altrincham and Solihull Moors to secure promotion.

The Stats

The stat that sums up Bromley best is probably the most obvious one – no side lost fewer games. They also lost the fewest away matches (5) and spent less time behind in matches than any other team (15.7% of all minutes played). That all played out in a number of ways. Bromley had the best record in the first 15 minutes of matches (13 scored, 5 conceded) but also the second best second half record. Their defensive efforts are well spoken of and they conceded 0 or 1 on 31 occasions (joint 3rd), kept 14 clean sheets (joint 2nd) and conceded the fewest first half goals (16). They did overperform their expected numbers at both ends by 18, showcasing their ruthlessness in both boxes. And they managed all that despite scoring the second fewest penalties (1), collecting the joint second most red cards (7) and having less average possession than all but Maidenhead United. Start well, finish strong and be good in both boxes. Simple game, football.

Who Stood Out?

Experience led the way. Grant Smith proved an excellent addition in goal while Byron Webster and Callum Reynolds were solid in front of him. Corey Whitely has proven himself an important cog in the Bromley machine with Michael Cheek ever-reliable in attack. Academy lads Ben Krauhaus, a bundle of energy who has signed for Premier League Brentford, and Jude Arthurs, who has played a number of roles and scored and assisted one apiece in the play-off semi-final, played key roles. I’m a big fan of Besart Topalloj and it says plenty about Idris Odutayo that he was able to displace him at the back end of the season.

What Happens Next?

Bromley continue to build. I’m not anticipating the club to step up and immediately win promotion push but I don’t expect them to be overawed by the step up either, especially with Andy Woodman at the helm and players such as Smith, Webster, Dennis, Whitely and Weston having experience of the EFL. They will go about things in the ways that have already worked for them, utilising the loan market, bringing in players that deserve the step up and adding one or two experienced pros to freshen up the dressing room. They come across as an ambitious yet grounded club, one that will step up understanding that consolidation is the first aim but with an eye towards challenging higher as others have done in recent years. They should be a breath of fresh air to the EFL, akin to local rivals Sutton United or Harrogate Town, and their fans will no doubt enjoy the ride.

Chesterfield

Position: 1st

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 31; D 5; L 10; F 106; A 65; GD +41; Pts 98

Most Starts: Tom Naylor & Jamie Grimes – 43

Top Goalscorer: Will Grigg – 25

Clean Sheets: 12

Worst Discipline: Tom Naylor – 10Y 1R

The Prediction: 1st

I was big on Chesterfield come the end of last season and I’m sticking to my guns by backing them for the title. For my money, they’ve got the strongest squad in the league. The spine is solid, experienced and will organise various units. They’ve got the striker they have been crying out for and a more settled attacking unit all round, full of quality and athleticism. Paul Cook and his team have spent a year coaching exactly what he wants from his side and that should pay off with more consistency this time around.

The Reality

Like almost every follower of the National League, I was right. Much has been made about them being the biggest club in the division with the biggest budget and therefore a title win was the only outcome. However, money doesn’t guarantee success and Chesterfield still had to walk the walk. The title was pretty much wrapped up by Christmas as they collected 81 points from their opening 31 matches (better than Wrexham and Notts County last season), winning 26 and averaging around 2.5 goals per game. Their consistency was insane, especially when you consider Paul Cook was making an average of three changes per game to his XI. Everybody knew their jobs and everybody was on board. It’s a shame in some ways that they phoned it in for the final couple of months but with no challenger for the title, it was a luxury they could afford. The job was done early and they could look forward to EFL football for the first time since 2018.

The Stats

Here’s a number of stats that Chesterfield performed best in: Most wins (31), most goals (106), best goal difference (+41), longest winning run (7), best home record (60 points), second half record, most games scored in (44), scoring 3 or more goals (20 times, highest by 8), goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (23), scoring first (32 times), record when coming from behind (1.5 points per game when conceding first), xG (89.84), most touches in the opposition area and fewest shots against. Here’s a number of stats Chesterfield were second best in: Fewest losses (10), first half record (led in 22 matches at half-time), most time leading in matches (39.8%), fewest minutes behind (16.5%), xGD (27.32), possession (61%) and most fouled team (behind Altrincham). All that while using the joint fewest players (24), conceding more goals in the first 15 minutes of matches than they scored, averaging the most goals total in matches (3.72 per game) and seeing both teams score in 70% of matches (second highest). Simply put, Chesterfield were a lot of fun to watch and usually wound up winning whatever circumstances they found themselves in, until they didn’t need to.

Who Stood Out?

Paul Cook did a lot of chopping and changing throughout the season with everybody getting their moment. Six men played more than most and I’ll give those players their flowers. That’s goalkeeper Harry Tyrer, who stood up to be counted behind captain Jamie Grimes, who started all but all three matches at the heart of defence and has grown to become a fan favourite. Tom Naylor and Will Grigg were high profile additions but did the job Cook expected of them, Naylor running the midfield and adding end product to his game while Grigg finished up with 25 goals. Liam Mandeville played a variety of roles, including a lengthy spell at right-back, and was directly involved in 25 goals across the campaign and there was Armando Dobra, who wasn’t far behind with 19 goals and assists – tying him to a new deal was exceptional business.

What Happens Next?

Chesterfield play League Two football. They return in fantastic shape too, no doubt preparing to follow Stockport County and Wrexham in challenging for promotion. In Paul Cook, they have a manager that has been there and done it on numerous occasions in the EFL, he clearly has a good working relationship with the team around him and most of the playing staff have already been rewarded with contracts, providing stability and lessening the amount of recruitment required in the summer. Their budget will be more than competitive and I’d expect them to be in the conversation for a top 7 finish, if not higher.

Dagenham and Redbridge

Position: 15th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 14; D 14; L 18; F 69; A 63; GD 6; Pts 56

Most Starts: Elliot Justham & Jake Hessenthaler – 46

Top Goalscorer: Inih Effiong – 16

Clean Sheets: 7

Worst Discipline: Harry Phipps – 6Y 1R

The Prediction: 13th

None of the decisions this summer have changed my mind in terms of how I see Ben Strevens’ first season as Dagenham and Redbridge manager panning out. I do see them being inconsistent but a different kind of inconsistent to what they are used to. Over the last couple of years, the Daggers could win 4-1 then lose 4-0 the next week, or they would win six of eight before winning one of the next ten. This year, I think they’re more likely to focus on being competitive each week and harder to beat, which will lead to games being played on finer margins. I think a mid-table finish is most likely as Strevens attempts to change the identity of the team, hoping for a top seven push but predominantly looking to set themselves up for a stronger challenge the year after.

The Reality

Pretty much as written above. They finished 5 places and 7 points worse off than the previous campaign but with a 17-goal improvement in terms of goal difference and turning their underlying attacking numbers from the 6th worse in the division to the 6th best. Strevens spoke a lot about identity and togetherness and it was a good sign that he felt comfortable integrating younger players into his side pretty quickly having had concerns initially. His team relied upon an experienced spine and it’s no surprise that their worst run of the campaign came when both Tom Eastman and Inih Effiong were unavailable. Otherwise, inconsistency was the name of the game with Strevens’ side winning, drawing and losing back-to-back games only once from early October onwards. They never really looked like going down, never troubled the top 7. Just a solid, mid-table campaign.

The Stats

The Daggers’ season can be defined by them getting the game plan right but failing to adapt to changes or show the ruthless streak required to shut the game down. For example, they rank joint third for conceding 1 or 0 goals (31 matches) but also third bottom for clean sheets (7). They conceded the fewest goals in the first 15 minutes of matches (3) but conceded 16 in minutes 46-60. They took the lead on 27 occasions (joint 2nd highest) but spent 60.2% of their matches level (highest). Scoring first was important too – they picked up just 4 points from the 16 matches in which they conceded first. The frustration will be that they are close to getting it right, having accrued the 6th highest xG for numbers and were the only bottom half side to finish with a positive goal difference. Collecting more points against top half sides will be part of the “need to improve” list – only Oxford City collected a higher percentage of their points against bottom half teams.

Who Stood Out?

Inih Effiong is timeless and not even a campaign in which he was ruled out of action on health grounds stopped him scoring 16 league goals and being difficult to replace. His partner in crime Josh Rees had a fantastic season, his ability to drift into the area unnoticed and score from wide deliveries as good as it comes at this level. The spine of the team developed nicely with the ever-present pair of captain Elliot Justham and Jake Hessenthaler supported by the experienced Tom Eastman. Words on Ryan Hill, a real bundle of energy whose directness was key to the Daggers attack and Harry Phipps, who deserves a mention for filling in up top better than anybody else managed this campaign.

What Happens Next?

I’m confident the club are in good hands under Strevens and I expect them to try and push on next season, looking to find more reliability in terms of the starting XI and finding that bit of extra quality to turn them into a more consistent side as far as results are concerned. The curveball is the ownership situation with the club openly looking to sell and the budget likely to reduce as a result. That is nothing new to Strevens, who inherited a similar situation at Eastleigh, but their ambition to climb a division that remains very competitive won’t be made easy.

Dorking Wanderers

Position: 23rd

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 12; D 9; L 25; F 54; A 85; GD –31; Pts 45

Most Starts: Harrison Male – 45

Top Goalscorer: Jason Prior – 11

Clean Sheets: 10

Worst Discipline: Dan Pybus – 9Y 1R

The Prediction: 19th

Full disclosure, I wasn’t sure where to place Dorking this season and after deciding on the rest of the division, I had a spot left in 19th. It felt as good a place as any. Here’s the thing – Dorking aren’t getting relegated this season. I think they’re very aware of what they need to do. However, we probably have to be careful about using the back end of last season as a yardstick for their form this season as it’s hard to imagine White wanting to start the season playing a more attritional style – I think we’ll see the open, fun version of Dorking which will yield results but not to the same level. There’s also the question of how many members of their starting XI will start regularly – they will have up and downs as far as availability goes. I’m also comfortable with a 19th place finish because I can’t see White and this group going hell for leather if they no longer have anything to play for, which is fine – they'll know where they stand the following year.

The Reality

“Here’s the thing – Dorking aren’t getting relegated this season.” Oops.

It felt like we never saw the real version of Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers this season. I don’t tend to sympathise with those that use injuries as an excuse but I think it becomes a valid point for Dorking, a club whose unique style and identity has been the driving force behind their success. That they’re also a part-time outfit and a small fish in the National League pond only further necessitated the need for some consistency on the pitch and it never really came. White did his best to stick to the preferred style that has worked so well over the years but they never reached those levels with any consistency, leading to something of a halfway house at times, particularly out of possession. They took some heavy beatings. Home form suffered. And yet, there was always a sense that the Wanderers spirit would give them something. They huffed and puffed but a patched up side recorded their last win in early March – that thumping of Chesterfield – and ultimately fell short.

The Stats

When you score the joint third fewest goals and concede the third most, you’re in trouble. Especially when that translates to collecting the third fewest wins and second most defeats. The underlying numbers aren’t much better, conceding the second most shots, having the second worst xGA and third worst xGD. They spent 32.3% of matches behind (3rd highest), conceding three or more goals on 13 occasions (2nd highest) and 13 in the first 15 minutes of games (3rd highest). Their issues at home were well documented by White – Dorking had the second worst home record, recording less than a point per game and the most defeats. And the rest can be put down to age (oldest squad in the league based on minutes played at 30.2 years of age), mentality (Dorking failed to win back-to-back matches from October onwards and didn’t go more than two games without defeat), fitness (third worst second half record, second fewest second half goals (30), third worst record when coming from behind) and discipline (third worst disciplinary record with 105 yellow cards and four reds).

Who Stood Out?

Harrison Male. It turns out that when you’re good with the ball at your feet and have the reflexes of a cat, you don’t need to be 6”6 to be a goalkeeper. Male has been the busiest goalkeeper in the league and he’s used that time to prove himself capable of stepping up. Josh Taylor was comfortably Dorking’s most consistent outfielder, the only one to start more than 35 games and rarely giving less than his best. Jason Prior led the line as best he could, reaching double figures. Charlie Carter showcased his quality once fit.

What Happens Next?

If Marc White gets his way, an immediate return to the National League as National League South Champions. It’s a difficult balance to strike for White this summer, knowing who to move on – he has acknowledged being too loyal to some while it’s clear he doesn’t trust others – while adding players that will enhance the quality and leadership already within the building. That includes finding some reliable footballers given the injury issues they have suffered for both of their National League campaigns, and even the one or two before that. My expectation is that Dorking will find themselves near the top of the league and we will see a side that resembles the style and spirit associated with the club – but it wouldn’t be Dorking if there aren’t peaks and troughs through the season and if they do win promotion, they won’t make it easy for themselves.

Eastleigh

Position: 13th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 16; D 11; L 19; F 73; A 87; GD –14; Pts 59

Most Starts: Joe McDonnell – 46

Top Goalscorer: Paul McCallum – 31

Clean Sheets: 8

Worst Discipline: Paul McCallum – 11Y 1R

The Prediction: 11th

I’m going to find this one tricky to explain as it’s mostly gut feeling. On paper, the squad that Eastleigh have put together looks fantastic and if it pays off, it could do spectacularly. However, it’s also a squad that presents a lot of unknowns. For starters, the culture set last season is largely written off because of the wholesale changes to the squad. Several of the players signed do so on the back of seasons in which they haven’t played so much football, or drop to this level because they are now in their 30’s. I’m not sure how many of the players they have signed will prove reliable.

The Reality

I think my pre-season assessment was pretty fair given their mid-table finish, quality going forward and real issues as a defensive unit. However, few would have predicted a campaign that contained three managers, over 150 goals being scored in their matches and flirtations with the top seven and bottom four. Stewart Donald and Director of Football Richard Hill increased the budget and oversaw a squad overhaul with Lee Bradbury, who lasted all but five matches – three draws and two losses – before being replaced by Hill. Hill simplified things, found a way of getting Chris Maguire, Paul McCallum and Scott Quigley into the same XI and producing the goods on a regular basis as his side won 10 of his first 19 – they were 8th. However, fans were never convinced and their poor defensive record came back to bite them, losing seven of a winless nine-match run that saw Hill lose his job as the side plummeted towards the relegation places. Kelvin Davis was an out-of-the-blue appointment but did the job required, winning six of his 13 in charge to secure safety.

The Stats

That Eastleigh survived said a lot about the individual quality they had on display, because they were not a good football team. They conceded the second most goals (87), the second most goals in the second half of matches (54), and three or more goals on 16 occasions (highest). They conceded the most goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (23) and had the worst goal difference in the final 15 minutes (-10). They had the third lowest xG, third worst xGA and second worst xGD (-25.9). They took the second fewest shots, had the second fewest touches in the opposition box and conceded the third most shots. They accrued a whopping 46% of their points against the bottom six teams. But they had Paul McCallum, Chris Maguire and Scott Quigley. They had the second biggest overperformance of their xG for numbers. That was enough.

Who Stood Out?

The front three. Paul McCallum rightly took a lot of the plaudits, scoring 31 league goals to take the National League trophy for most goals as well as a famous brace against Reading in the FA Cup. His partners in crime have been less heralded but similarly brilliant, both Chris Maguire and Scott Quigley surpassing double figures for goals AND assists. By my calculations, the trio directly contributed to 61 of their 73 league goals. At the other end, Joe McDonnell was one of the busier goalkeepers in the division and received plenty of praise from Kelvin Davis at the end of the season. Enzio Boldewijn showed he still has quality in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.

What Happens Next?

At this point, I’m not sure. There are no issues with the club off the field in terms of funding and security so it all comes down to their on-field decisions. Their budget is more than competitive which should give them an edge but do I trust them to recruit well and act patiently for success? Not really. Do I know enough about Davis and the changes in structure around him? Not really. A case of watch this space.

Ebbsfleet United

Position: 19th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 14; D 12; A 20; F 59; A 74; GD –15; Pts 54

Most Starts: Mark Cousins – 46

Top Goalscorer: Dominic Poleon – 16

Clean Sheets: 10

Worst Discipline: Billy Clifford – 9Y 2R

The Prediction: 17th

While Kutrieb has acknowledged some of the changes his team need to make, I can see them going a similar route to that of Dorking this year – all guns blazing early doors as they find their level before a period of adaptation as they learn to deal with the different kinds of threats the division poses. I’m not sure they’ll find themselves in any relegation trouble but there may be slight drops off at various points.

The Reality

Ebbsfleet certainly came into the league all guns blazing but lacked either the ability or willingness to adapt to the quality of the division under Kutrieb and it led to his and his team’s downfall. The Fleet opened the campaign with four wins from their opening seven and a consistent theme of their football under their German Head Coach was attacking play and entries into the opposition box. However, ruthlessness in the final third began to evade them while their defensive structure was shot to pieces. They won four and lost 14 of the next 24, scoring 24 and conceding almost double that. Kutrieb was replaced with relegation looking a foregone conclusion and Danny Searle was given the reins on an interim basis. He found the key to survival over 15 matches was structure and stability, reducing the number of changes to the XI game-to-game from around 3.4 to 1.1 and the number of goals conceded from 1.8 to 1.2, all while setting up his side in the same shape. Despite failing to score in their last four, they finished up with six wins and six draws from those final 15 to avoid the drop on final day.

The Stats

Ebbsfleet United had a funky season under two different managers and it means that of the 24 clubs I’ve compiled stats for, their list is the shortest. So here are the four notable statistics I compiled. The first is that Ebbsfleet United had the third oldest squad in the division based on minutes played – 29.7. The second is that Ebsfleet United had the second worst away record in the division, accruing less than a point per game on the road – so much for experience. The third is that despite their struggles towards the bottom of the table, the Fleet had the fourth most touches in the opposition box across the campaign, which speaks a lot to their vibrant, open style. And finally, Ebbsfleet’s biggest issue was consistency of performance, highlighted best by them failing to win back-to-back matches under Kutrieb.

Who Stood Out?

Two of the elder statesman deserve a mention first, Mark Cousins proving he can still cut it at National League level while Josh Wright was a consistent figure in the middle of the park. Elsewhere, players went through peaks and troughs. Dominic Poleon scored a respectable 16 in his first season back at the level while partners Dominic Samuel and Rakish Bingham were important figures at different times. I like both Ben Chapman and Toby Edser while Declan Skura took on a big role at the heart of the defence late in the campaign and was superb.

What Happens Next?

Ebbsfleet go into a little bit of the unknown. For the first time post-COVID, they begin a campaign without Dennis Kutrieb at the helm while anywhere between 12 and 24 players, including loanees, could move on to pastures new, at the time of writing. Even with Dominic Poleon, Rakish Bingham, Toby Edser and Luke O’Neill remaining on board, the squad could have a very different look and feel to it come August and Danny Searle and his team look to put their stamp on things. How does that play out? I’m not sure. At this point, I’m not expecting them to be in a promotion race but Searle is a competent coach and leader and should get sufficient backing to build a squad that is more than competitive at the level.

FC Halifax Town

Position: 7th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 19; D 14; L 13; F 58; A 50; GD 8; Pts 71

Most Starts: Sam Johnson & Jamie Stott – 46

Top Goalscorer: Robert Harker – 9

Clean Sheets: 14

Worst Discipline: Tylor Golden – 11Y

The Prediction: 15th

It’s the same story for Halifax. A lot of goodwill remains from last season given they were effectively a top 7 outfit over the course of 35 matches and to defend their transfer policy, only three regulars from last season have departed as things stand. But those three players were leading characters and have been replaced by more raw talent. I don’t anticipate Millington having the same issues he faced at the start of last season but there will be inconsistent form and availability to contend with. Another mid-table finish.

The Reality

Halifax continue to defy the odds. They have a small budget and rely heavily upon their coaching acumen to develop talented young footballers before letting them move onto bigger and better things – it’s impressive just how many have done so under the stewardship of Pete Wild and Chris Millington. A consistent feature across those campaigns is a strong defensive base and that continued in 2023-24 with the Shaymen conceding just 46 goals – second only to Southend United. It was a strange campaign otherwise, one that saw them endure runs of 1 win in 10 and 3 wins from 14 but also win four on the bounce in October and 7 of 8 through February and March. And then there is the final couple of weeks. Their league season ended with four games in seven days, two of which took place at Accrington Stanley due to problematic weather and a problematic pitch at the Shay, and after securing their play-off spot, their planned eliminator with Altrincham was moved to Solihull Moors where a slow start cost them. It was a brutal end to a weird yet wonderful campaign for a team few expected to finish in the top seven before a ball was kicked.

The Stats

Halifax were one of the division’s party poopers, opting for low margin stuff rather than playing the gung-ho style so many others enjoyed. They were fine defensively, conceding the second fewest number of goals, keeping 14 clean sheets (joint second), conceding 0 or 1 on 32 occasions (2nd) and that, plus a bigger overperformance against their xGA numbers than any other National League side (13.53) helped them have the best record in the league in matches they scored first in (2.65 points per game). However, they weren’t exactly ruthless the other way, scoring the fewest goals of any top half side (58), scoring three goals in the first 15 minutes of matches (3) and having the third fewest touches in the opposition box. It’s little wonder their matches saw both teams score just 50% of the time (joint 2nd lowest) and the third fewest average goals total (2.35). Still, a club with a small budget used just 24 players (joint fewest) so if they felt they needed to play tight rather than open, it worked.

Who Stood Out?

Given their impressive defensive record, it would be remiss not to look at the backline. Sam Johnson kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the division and his ever-present record means he has missed just one match in six and a half years of football – incredible. Jamie Stott was also an ever-present, one of three out fielders to manage that across the campaign, and has become a real leader as he reaches his prime years. Adam Senior, Jordan Keane, Tylor Golden and Ryan Galvin had decent campaigns. Kane Thompson-Sommers grew into his role in midfield. Jack Hunter was a steady influence as ever. In attack, Millenic Alli earned a move to Exeter City, Max Wright had arguably the most consistent campaign of his career while Florent Hoti is a dream to watch when fit.

What Happens Next?

I assume more of the same. Halifax will go into this summer knowing a number of players will likely depart and they will have to rebuild through good recruitment, the odd gamble and further developing those that remain in the building. They will head into the campaign as underdogs but will field a well organised side that matches experience and youth as they bid to improve upon what was a fantastic season. Will they improve? At this point, given what they’ve done in recent years, it would be foolish to rule it out.

Gateshead

Position: 6th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 22; D 9; L 15; F 88; A 64; GD 24; Pts 75

Most Starts: Luke Hannant – 39

Top Goalscorer: Marcus Dinanga – 19

Clean Sheets: 12

Worst Discipline: Kenton Richardson – 13Y

The Prediction: 4th

Am I doing this? Yeah, I’m doing it. In fact, I’ve placed money on it. I adore this Gateshead side. They’ve got a top manager. Strong coaching staff. An excellent core made up of players unlikely to depart. They showed a real consistency last season in their performance levels that led to a big run of form. And there is a togetherness not just with the team but everybody at the football club – it’s as if everybody is involved in making this story what it is. The only danger in this prediction is the potential loss of Williamson, but he’s here now and I’m backing him to take Gateshead into the top seven.

The Reality

It’s funny. It felt like a risk backing Gateshead to the extent I did in the summer but it quickly became apparent that others were of a similar mind and the Heed quickly established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the National League thanks to their attractive and exciting style of play. And then Mike Williamson departed on 17th October with the side 6th in the table, casting doubt on where their season would go. This is where I think the club made a good call. The temptation from outside is always for a club to employ a name that is as good if not better than the previous incumbent but Gateshead are a unique club in so many ways – the togetherness forged from the club almost going bust a few years ago, the style of football, the geography. Not many could have walked in and put their stamp on things. So they put Director of Football Rob Elliot in charge, trusted Louis Storey and Carl Magnay to be more involved on the coaching side of things and allowed on-field lieutenants such as Robbie Tinkler and Greg Olley to play bigger roles. They were 6th when Williamson left, they were the 6th best side over the remaining 31 matches under Elliot and finished 6th in the table. It’s such a shame that circumstances out of their control left them unable to compete in the play-offs but their FA Trophy final redemption at Wembley was beautiful to witness.

The Stats

Gateshead were a very enjoyable attacking outfit with a clearly defined high pressing, high possession style. They recorded the third most wins, third most goals and second highest xG. No side had more shots, a higher share of possession, recorded a higher percentage of their passes played short (90.67%) while they had the second most touches in the opposition box. The style clearly worked as far as wearing out the opposition, recording the second most second half goals and they also scored more penalties than any other team (8). As for high energy, only Woking and Barnet had a better PPDA. It’s all the more impressive that they managed the above while possessing the second youngest side in the division (25.6) based on minutes played.

Who Stood Out?

It’s tempting to say everybody given the sheer bravery and consistency of their style and yet not one player started more than 40 league matches. Kenton Richardson and Louis Storey were the most consistent figures at the back, one a versatile player that did the job wherever required while the latter led by example on and off the pitch. In front of them, Ed Francis is a quality operator while Callum Whelan showed an extra side to his game, offering more forward thrust. Luke Hannant started more games than anybody else and though penalties helped increase his goal tally, he showed why he has played at a higher level for most of his career. Marcus Dinanga took a little bit of stick but his return of 19 goals meant he finished up with a better than 1-in-2 record for minutes played. Finally, a word on Kyran Lofthouse and Stephen Wearne who were so good Williamson felt he had to take them to MK Dons while Dejaune Brown was electric after arriving on loan, even displacing Dinanga as their leading man.

What Happens Next?

The next year will be a really interesting one for Gateshead and it starts with the decisions made this summer. The Heed are a unique club and it won’t be easy for any outside leader to enter the club, meaning it makes sense to continue down the internal route. However, does Rob Elliot want the role? Is Louis Storey ready? If the answer is no, how do you go about finding somebody outside of the club that can immediately understand the club and its way of working, the bond between fans and staff and also improve things on the pitch despite them already punching above their weight? And what happens if they get that wrong? Amidst all that, they have to continue recruiting the right players to enhance what is already in the building, something they’ve done well for the last 18 months or so. As a neutral, I’m fascinated to see how they play things.

Hartlepool United

Position: 12th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 17; D 9; L 20; F 70; A 82; GD –12; Pts 60

Most Starts: David Ferguson – 44

Top Goalscorer: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe – 23

Clean Sheets: 5

Worst Discipline: Tom Crawford – 12Y

The Prediction: 8th

I’m in a couple of different minds with Hartlepool. We should be concerned by the ongoing ownership situation and the potential friction that could cause. There is also the recruitment, something that the club haven’t found easy this summer as they look to improve their fortunes. However, Askey knows the job and he has recruited some decent characters in a bid to improve his team’s fortunes. I think they’ll be competitive in most matches and flexible depending on the personnel. Hartlepool should have a steady campaign.

The Reality

John Askey knows the division and started bright but this job quickly got away from him as Hartlepool tumbled from the top of the division to the cusp of a relegation scrap. Askey lost a couple of key players to long-term injuries but it should never have derailed them quite as much as it did. It became apparent some players weren’t trusted, a few short-term deals were made with limited success and while the Pools were scoring goals at a good rate, they were conceding an average of two per game. Askey was ousted just before New Year with 76-year-old Lennie Lawrence taking temporary charge. The club reset, bringing back their loanees, letting those on temporary deals go, adding a couple of important pieces to the puzzle to resolve their defensive issues and then appointed Kevin Phillips as manager in late January. The pair won nine and drew five of the 20 games they took charge of and though fans remained cautious of Phillips as a long-term prospect, unhelped by the humiliation at Gateshead, he did lead the team to a mid-table finish. Given the continued off-field woes and lack of stability on and off the pitch, a season of consolidation was a solid effort.

The Stats

Hartlepool United’s campaign was one of chaos. No side used more footballers (41), both sides scored in 74% of their matches (league high) and 30 goals were scored in the first 15 minutes of their matches (highest), split between 14 scored (joint 2nd most) and 16 conceded (most). Defensive issues were chronic for the North East outfit with no side keeping fewer clean sheets than their five, only one side conceding more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (21). Their underlying numbers weren’t horrific, but their underperformance of them was – the Monkey Hangers conceded almost ten goals more than expected.

Who Stood Out?

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe has had something of a nomadic career but has truly found his feet in recent seasons and led the Hartlepool United line brilliantly, scoring 23 while assisting an additional nine – a fantastic effort for a mid-table outfit. His partner in crime for a lot of the season was Joe Grey, who finally had his breakout season, starting over 30 games and reaching double figures. David Ferguson and Nicky Featherstone remain vitally important to this group as leaders on and off the pitch. Anthony Mancini was an absolute joy to watch when fit and the hope is definitely that fans see more of him next term. Luke Waterfall and Tom Parkes aren’t as sexy but their additions in January helped improve a very leaky backline.

What Happens Next?

Any hopes of a quiet summer were dispelled within a week of the season finishing as Kevin Phillips was removed from his post – he claims the offer of a two-year deal was taken off the table – and Darren Sarll was announced as the club’s new manager. I do think Sarll will breathe some life into a fanbase that never really took to Phillips. There are plenty of reasons it makes sense: he speaks openly, preaches togetherness, his teams work hard, he tends to start well in jobs and his family life should be okay given his partner is from Newcastle. However, his recruitment will need to be spot on this summer – he has a tendency to sign older or unreliable players and won’t have the budget to fix mistakes given the instability off the pitch. I’ll reserve judgement on how I see their campaign going for now.

Kidderminster Harriers

Position: 22nd

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 11; D 13; L 22; F 40; A 59; GD –19; Pts 46

Most Starts: Christian Dibble – 46

Top Goalscorer: Ashley Hemmings – 10

Clean Sheets: 13

Worst Discipline: Reiss McNally – 10Y 1R

The Prediction: 21st

Kidderminster may have been the big fish in the National League North but that won’t be the case in a National League far different to the one they left in 2016. Their full-time status is no longer an outlier but the norm so they will need to find something more than professionalism to get over the line. I think what Kiddy do have is genuine leadership and a belief in their approach. The primary concern is whether they have enough quality, goals and resources to be better than others, and that’s the most questionable aspect.

The Reality

The primary concern proved to be the most important. Kidderminster Harriers were competitive in almost every game they played but a lack of belief, quality and ruthlessness proved their undoing as too many tight games swung the way of their opposition or had no winner. Russell Penn had the leaders and organisation but his team were toothless in front of goal and having dropped to the bottom of the table, he was relieved of his duties. They had won 4 and scored 20 goals in 28 matches. Few expected Phil Brown to pop up in the Kiddy dugout, at least until it made sense with his link to Dean Holdsworth, but he was exactly what they needed – a big personality with a fearless mindset – and won his first four matches to ignite survival hopes. However, every time Kiddy put themselves within touching distance of exiting the bottom four, they failed to capitalise. Through no lack of effort, they couldn’t find the goals they needed to win key games and ultimately fell short.

The Stats

Goals were a problem. No side scored fewer (40), no side scored fewer in both the first (18) and second half of matches (22), no side failed to score in fewer matches (16) or score 1 or 0 goals in more matches (40), they scored the second fewest in the first (4) and last (9) 15 minutes of matches, and spent less time leading matches (13.3%) than any other side. The frustration is that the margins were so often so close. Despite recording the second fewest wins (11) and third most losses (22), they conceded the joint fewest goals in the second half (25), saw the fewest average goals per game total scored (2.15), saw both sides score in just 50% of matches (joint 2nd lowest), were level for 55.7% of all minutes played (3rd highest) and saw 35 games decided by 1 or 0 goals (league high). It will perhaps be no surprise to Kiddy fans that their xG underperformance was the second biggest in the division (16.78) and more frustrating to see that their xGA was the second best in the division – a ridiculous stat for the side that finished 3rd bottom.

Who Stood Out?

It was a season of ups and downs for many Kiddy players. Their defensive record was the 5th best in the division so Christian Dibble and Caleb Richards deserve credit for being reliable members of the XI while Krystian Pearce was the leader at the heart of the backline. Amari Morgan-Smith led by example up top, always a willing competitor that didn’t shy away from the dirty work. Ashley Hemmings showed up most alongside him with ten goals and teasing deliveries from all angles. There will be regret that Jack Lambert – 10 goal contributions in 26.3 90’s – wasn’t fitter earlier in the campaign while Shane Byrne’s 13 starts saw Kiddy pick up around 40% of their league points total.

What Happens Next?

The big news so far this summer is that Phil Brown has signed a two-year deal, meaning there is clarity around the immediate future and Brown hasn’t shield away from talk of a promotion push. They will be one of few full-time outfits in the league and with Brown at the helm, I anticipate the budget will be maximised with contacts utilised to get some star power in the building. Will we see Brown popping a champagne cork by the end of the campaign? I have my doubts. It’s been six years since the 64-year-old managed a full campaign and there will be far more expectation on him and his team this time around. Still, I expect Kiddy to have one of the stronger squads in the league and Brown loves being written off, so who am I to say it won’t happen.

Maidenhead United

Position: 14th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 15; D 13; L 18; F 60; A 67; GD –7; Pts 58

Most Starts: Craig Ross – 46

Top Goalscorer: Reece Smith – 11

Clean Sheets: 11

Worst Discipline: Zico Asare – 11Y 1R

The Prediction: 20th

Every season, Maidenhead United are tipped for the drop and every season they survive. For EFL fans, think Accrington Stanley (well, until last year). Every year, they just find a way to prove people wrong. The challenge is getting more difficult, however. They remain one of few part-time outfits in the league and there are only so many years you can replace those departing to the same level of success. However, I was burned by Maidenhead last year after being adamant I wouldn’t predict the to get relegated, so they go 20th this year – Devonshire always finds a way.

The Reality

Every season, Maidenhead United are tipped for the drop and every season they survive. Every year, they just find a way to prove people wrong. It doesn’t matter that they spent the majority of the campaign without a reliable striker. It doesn’t matter that their first-choice centre-half partnership made no more than five consecutive appearances together. It doesn’t matter that they went winless for 13 matches, part of which saw them score one goal in eight matches, or hit a separate run of seven defeats in nine. It doesn’t It’s matter that they’re one of four part-time teams in the National League. Alan Devonshire and Maidenhead United find a way. They’ll pick up four wins and three draws at home against the top eight. They’ll hit a run of 14 matches during which they lose two. They’ll score 16 goals in their final six matches to rise from 20th to 14th. They’ll survive.

The Stats

As ever, Maidenhead United don’t do things the normal way. They went on the longest winless run of any National League side and conceded 21 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches (joint 2nd highest). They were the most direct side in the division, playing over 20% of their passes long and having the lowest average possession (41.4%). What they do well is utilise open space, attempting the second most 1v1 dribbles and being the third most fouled team in the league. And stability is important to turning their form around, the Magpies using a joint lowest 24 players in the league.

Who Stood Out?

I have made my feelings about Reece Smith well known. I think the kid is brilliant, an absolute joy to watch and a player destined for the EFL. He wasn’t alone, Ashley Nathaniel-George having comfortably the strongest spell of his career, deployed in various attacking roles and allowed to tease defences with his pace and trickery. A number of young players stepped up, summer signing Casey Petitt quickly earning the trust of his manager and spending the second half of the season as their deepest midfielder while full-backs Zico Asare and Sam Beckwith are developing nicely. Craig Ross provided much needed consistency in net and a word for Remy Clerima, who continues to do a job wherever he’s needed.

What Happens Next?

The same. I don’t mean to be glib or boring about things, but there’s also a lot to be said for consistency. Maidenhead will lose a couple of talents this summer and replace them with a mix of experienced pros and more projects to develop. They’ll be written off in the summer. They’ll bloody the noses of the big fish, especially at home. And they’ll stay up. Because every season, Maidenhead United are tipped for the drop and every season they survive. Every year, they just find a way to prove people wrong.

Oldham Athletic

Position: 10th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 15; D 18; L 13; F 63; A 60; GD 3; Pts 63

Most Starts: Mat Hudson – 44

Top Goalscorer: James Norwood – 17

Clean Sheets: 12

Worst Discipline: Liam Hogan – 14Y 1R

The Prediction: 2nd

I’m sold on the Oldham dream. I thought they finished the season excellently and was curious to see how they would build on that body of work. Their new recruits have played a lot of football and bring with them confidence and quality without the egos that could disrupt things. Most of the squad is of a good age profile and there is strong depth in almost every position, particularly in attack where goals were hard to come by at times last year. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Latics finished the season as Champions but they sit second only because of my faith in Paul Cook finishing the job at Chesterfield.

The Reality

David Unsworth and Oldham Athletic supporters never really got on. The football wasn’t great, fans took issue with a lot of what he said and after standing with and listening to fans in the away end at Bromley, a 3-0 defeat that left them in the bottom four with one win from nine, owner Frank Rothwell made the decision to move him on. Steve Thompson and Neil Redfearn enjoyed an undefeated caretaker spell before five-time promotion winner Micky Mellon took the reins. He won 11 of his first 20 to drive the team into 6th but their home form was problematic and their excellent away form soon suffered, Oldham missing out on the play-offs having failed to win any of their last 11.

The Stats

At this level, Oldham are a huge club with a strong budget but so often failed to show the dominance or spark that should associate with that. No side drew more games than Oldham in the National League (18). Despite having one of the biggest crowds in the division, no side picked up a bigger percentage of their points away from home – no side lost fewer away matches (5) and only four teams had a worse home record. Only AFC Fylde picked up a higher percentage of their points against top half sides, perhaps showcasing Oldham’s preference for playing the underdog. A lack of spark can perhaps be found in statistics such as Oldham committing to the fewest 1v1 dribbles and being the least fouled side in the league. They also had the second worst discipline in the division.

Who Stood Out?

Goalkeeper Mat Hudson quickly replaced Magnus Norman early in the season and never let his place go, performing sufficiently to attract interest from above. Mark Kitching remains one of the stronger full-backs in the division thanks to his tireless running. Nathan Sheron and Charlie Raglan were pretty consistent figures in an otherwise inconsistent campaign. James Norwood has had some issues with fans but his 17 goals was more than respectable and all parties will hope he can stick to or improve on his 1 in 2 record next term.

What Happens Next?

Micky Mellon has a big job this summer. He needs to make some ruthless decisions in order to reduce squad size and find a reliable core to build upon. He has to change the mentality of a group that have suffered at home despite having an excellent support at the level. And if they are to meet expectations of a promotion challenge, they have to hit the ground running, meaning most of these issues need resolving as early as possible this summer. My expectation is that the Latics will finish in the top seven but with so much to resolve, I’m not convinced at this point that they’ll be walking into League Two, even in spite of their budget.

Oxford City

Position: 24th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 8; D 9; L 29; F 54; A 94; GD –40; Pts 33

Most Starts: Josh Parker – 37

Top Goalscorer: Josh Parker – 14

Clean Sheets: 10

Worst Discipline: Andre Burley – 10Y 1R

The Prediction: 23rd

Is this lazy? It feels a little lazy. Here’s the thought process: I was more comfortable predicting an Oxford City relegation than I was others, therefore they got dropped to the bottom of the pack. I don’t see this being a 23rd whereby Oxford follow Maidstone United in being obviously poor and losing what made them so strong to begin with. I see this being more about Oxford being a part-time outfit with limited funds and a reliance on their first team being available for virtually every game again, which will be tough to repeat. That then leads to some short-termism in certain positions and finding consistency can become a struggle. Rightly or wrongly, that’s how I see the seeing panning out and I would be delighted if they could prove me wrong.

The Reality

I’m sad that the concerns came true. Oxford City felt like a breath of fresh air, a part-time outfit ready to fight fire with fire with a bright young coach and a core that have stuck together for some time and deserved the opportunity. After a brutal welcome, they went seven unbeaten and stepped into mid-table. Sustaining that form proved problematic as injuries and the short-term stopgaps arrived, Jenkins unable to field a fully fit version of his strongest XI, or close to it, again. Oxford didn’t shy away from the battle and there were bright moments – doing the double over Ebbsfleet United, beating Fylde and Woking and a point against Southend United. But chronic defensive issues killed their chances of survival, conceding over two goals per game as they lost 26 of their final 36 with their hopes all but gone after three consecutive defeats in early February, including the killer against Kidderminster Harriers when they led 2-0.

The Stats

Unfortunately it was a bad year for Oxford and they ranked worst for the following statistics: Fewest wins (8), most losses (29), most conceded (94), worst goal difference (-40), worst away record (11 points), most points lost in final 15 minutes (6 more than they won), most time spent losing (41.5% of minutes played), worst record after conceding first (0.21 points per game), worst xG, worst xGA and worst xGD, fewest shots, fewest touches in the opposition box, most shots against and highest PPDA. They also ranked low for goals scored (3rd fewest), home record (2nd worst), second half record (2nd worst), failing to score in matches (15, third worst), scoring 1 or 0 (33 matches, 2nd highest), conceding 3 or more (13 matches, 2nd highest), time spent leading matches (14.7% of minutes), record when scoring first (2nd worst at 1.77 points per game) and 1v1 dribbles (2nd fewest). Finally, they struggled against the best, collecting 76% of their points against bottom half sides, winning only once against the top 15 and not beating any of the top 11.

Who Stood Out?

I confess to not keeping on top of the North and South divisions as much as I’d like owing to time, so seeing Josh Parker’s name was a surprise, especially when I saw his record. He looks every bit an EFL footballer playing part-time football. His partnership with Olly Sanderson was a bright point in the first half of the season. Canice Carroll and Reece Fleet were steady figures whose lack of availability in the second half of the campaign were blows.

What Happens Next?

Oxford City are a club moving in the right direction. This wasn’t a club promoted in a bit of a fluke but one that had done good things for a period, had built and kept a strong core in the building, set up an academy system and produced on the field thanks to good coaching and stylish patterns of play. Stepping down a division always brings a element of concern but their experiences mixing with full-time opposition should help them, especially with American investment coming into the club and further off-field appointments. The primary concern is that they are likely to plying their trade in National League North again, and it will have an impact on them both financially and in recruitment. Not to mention the need for a new gaffer.

Rochdale

Position: 11th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 16; D 14; L 16; F 69; A 64; GD 5; Pts 62

Most Starts: Ethan Ebanks-Landell – 45

Top Goalscorer: Kairo Mitchell – 14

Clean Sheets: 9

Worst Discipline: Harvey Gilmour – 12Y

The Prediction: 14th

Dale have a proud EFL history but enter non-league as one of many humble full-time clubs – it isn’t going to be an easy process. The decision making this summer enhances what McNulty has spoken about, this year being more about forging a culture and identity to build upon rather than focusing on an approach to win promotion at all costs. I’ve little doubt they will find certain periods of the season tough and the team are going to have to work through some difficult moments. I can see a mid-table finish that sees Rochdale finish the season in a better place than they started.

The Reality

This was a solid year for Rochdale, who spent the season developing a change of culture and style and did so unscathed despite continued off-field issues. Jim McNulty epitomised the football club, using everything in his power to unite the team and supporters – not always an easy task post-relegation – while begging and borrowing for players to support a small but resilient squad. Their results were indifferent, unable to put together the consistent form necessary for a top seven finish, but a top half position and stability on the pitch is no mean feat in a league far stronger than most realise when stepping down from EFL.

The Stats

The statistics that best sum up Rochdale are around style and mentality. Stylistically, Rochdale were a heavy possession outfit and ranked fourth in the division for average possession per game at 56.1% while also playing the second smallest percentage of their passes long (10.39%). That bold style was matched by an ability to be patient and it showed with their record in the final 15 minutes of matches – no side won more points in the final 15 minutes (9 more won than they lost) and no side conceded fewer goals in that time period (7). The final statistic I collected – mid-table sides tend not to be at the extreme end of most things – Rochdale also committed the third fewest fouls per 90. Do with that what you like.

Who Stood Out?

I’d be silly not to point out that McNulty took the decision to throw 17-year-old George Nevett into his starting XI from the off and it paid off handsomely, the teenager excelling alongside the similarly excellent but more experienced Ethan Ebanks-Landell. Ryan East and Harvey Gilmour entered unheralded but played enormous roles across the season as did Kairo Mitchell, who led the line so well he became arguably their most important player. Others flashed brightly, including Tyrese Sinclair, Devante Rodney and Cian Hayes, Cameron John played full-back, centre-back and central midfield whenever called upon and I’ve developed a soft spot for Jimmy Keohane and his rampant forward running.

What Happens Next?

On the day I write this, the club have announced that the Ogden Family have purchased a majority share of the club, which hopefully means that we will begin seeing Rochdale act with more financial strength and build on what has been a pretty solid year. They say they want to make the club sustainable, win promotion within three years and increase the social value of the club – hopefully they are able to meet those goals and give Jim McNulty and the club’s supporters more reason to smile.

Solihull Moors

Position: 5th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 21; D 13; A 12; F 71; A 62; GD 9; Pts 76

Most Starts: James Clarke – 45

Top Goalscorer: Josh Kelly – 13

Clean Sheets: 12

Worst Discipline: Jamey Osborne – 10Y

The Prediction: 18th

A manager leaving on the cusp of pre-season, a new man managing in professional football for the first time, a novice director of football employed and a mixed recruitment drive leading to an imbalanced squad. Darryl Eales has proven to be a smart operator in football but he is undeniably taking a risk as he looks to turn the ship back around after last season. On paper, there are some excellent footballers and if it clicks, it could work well. I still expect Kelly to have an excellent season in attack. However, with so many changes, no clear direction or identity and so many learning on the job on and off the pitch, I can’t see this being a positive campaign for Moors.

The Reality

Well, that was wrong, wasn’t it. Those novice employees got a lot of their work spot on, from utilising contacts and understanding what they needed to do, creating a strong leadership core that they will hope to build upon and reaching two Wembley finals. Whing managed the situation brilliantly, offering no excuses and showing an ability to adapt to the hands he was dealt. They started the season 14 unbeaten and ended the season with three defeats in 16 to secure their play-off spot, meaning they came through a tricky mid-season spell relatively unscathed. A tremendous job. It’s such a shame that their efforts ended in penalty shoot-out defeats at Wembley in both the play-off and FA Trophy finals.

The Stats

Solihull Moors had a season that effectively split into three campaigns but there were patterns to pick up. For starters, only Chesterfield and Bromley lost fewer matches and it helped that they conceded few – 0 or 1 on 31 occasions, joint third best – and scored regularly – only Chesterfield (2) failed to score on fewer occasions than Moors’ 6. Their xG overperformance was a key part of that, Andy Whing’s side having the second biggest overall xG overperformance in the division, at least eight goals better off at both ends. They were also the best side in the division away from home, picking up 40 points and losing just five matches. An important part of their season was their record against the poorer sides, losing just three matches against teams placed 11th or lower, and two of those came against Maidenhead United. Stylistically, I can note that Moors had the third highest PPDA and attempted the third fewest 1v1 dribbles.

Who Stood Out?

Long-time fans of the National League will know just how good Jamey Osborne is and he excelled this season, putting injury woes and ill-discipline behind to run the show for Moors in deeper and more attacking midfield roles, collecting 14 assists along the way. James Clarke remains as steady as ever while Callum Maycock really grew into the season. Alex Whitmore proved a fantastic addition and goalkeepers Tommy Simkin and Nick Hayes did their future prospects no harm. Josh Kelly truly earned his move to AFC Wimbledon while the additions of Tyrese Shade and Tahvon Campbell set the side on their way for a late season promotion push.

What Happens Next?

In theory, Solihull Moors are well set to step forward. Of their key players, Joe Sbarra has departed while the club hope to keep hold of Callum Maycock, but otherwise the spine of the team remains in tact ahead. Andy Whing and Stephen Ward have more time to plan and Darryl Eales is ready to back his men after some years spent improving the communal aspects of the club. Another promotion push will be on the agenda so the question is whether they can get their recruitment right again.

Southend United

Position: 9th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 21; D 12; L 13; F 70; A 45; GD 25; Pts 65*

*10 points deducted for failing to pay creditors

Most Starts: Jack Bridge – 45

Top Goalscorer: Harry Cardwell – 18

Clean Sheets: 16

Worst Discipline: Gus Scott-Morris – 13Y 1R

The Prediction: 24th

There are two versions of the Southend United story this season. The first is the current reality. R*n M*rtin screws everything up, the club endure points deductions as people aren’t paid and their season never gets going because Maher can’t rely on the same 16 footballers for the entire campaign. The second is far more positive and the one everybody is hoping for – the club is taken over, R*n M*rtin disappears, Kevin Maher receives some backing and the club start to climb the ladder again. I can only judge on the current reality – I was burned by Scunthorpe United last season trying to second guess what may happen – but I sincerely hope I’m wrong.

The Reality

How glad I am to be wrong. Southend United were one of the stories of the season, perhaps the story. They were unable to name a full 16 until mid-January, spent periods with only one fit and available substitute, had no tech available to support the players and still finished the season with the best defence, third best goal difference and what would have been a 6th place finish if not for the points deduction. Support from a prospective new owner came in January, allowing John Still, Kevin Maher and their team to refresh and rebuild and all involved deserve huge credit for turning a tough situation into one that almost ended with a play-off campaign.

The Stats

Southend United were one of the best teams in the division. For starters, they recorded the best xGD in the National League, ranking first for xGA and fourth for xG – their underperformance in front of goal (around 15.5 goals) was the key reason they didn’t finish higher. Their defensive record was quite something, conceding the fewest goals in the division (45), the fewest second half goals (24), keeping the most clean sheets (16) and conceding 0 or 1 goals on 34 occasions, a division high. They also conceded the second fewest shots. It helped Southend accrue the longest unbeaten run (15 matches) and the third best goal difference (+25). The Blues were also a clean outfit, collecting the fewest yellow cards and committing the second fewest fouls.

Who Stood Out?

It would be very easy to just list the names of the 12/13 that kept the club in a promising position throughout the first half of the campaign and given they have been a team more about the sum of its parts than individual brilliance, I’m going to mention most of them. Top scorer Harry Cardwell led the line brilliantly in arguably his most consistent season to date and Cavaghn Miley, the dictator at the base of midfield, top of the list – it’s little surprise that their return to full fitness coincided with Southend turning their season on its head. Gus Scott-Morriss is one of the best wing-backs in the division while Jack Bridge and Noor Husin have had big roles to play. And the defensive quarter of Collin Andeng-Ndi, Harry Taylor, Ollie Kensdale and Nathan Ralph deserve huge credit as the key men in the division’s best defence.

What Happens Next?

In an ideal world, the takeover gets officially confirmed in the very near future, Southend United spend the cash they haven’t been able to for a couple of years and really begin to flex their muscles in the division. The prospective owners have supported with cash flow and ensured that Maher and his team have the backing to improve a squad that needed fresh blood. If they can make the squad changes they want to this summer, you have anticipate that a team that have sat at the top of most underlying charts for a couple of years will challenge for promotion. That’s the ideal world. The reality remains a big unknown and like most, I’m just praying that R*n M*rtin finally does the right thing and sells the football club.

Wealdstone

Position: 16th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 15; D 11; L 20; F 60; A 72; GD –12; Pts 56

Most Starts: Jaydn Mundle-Smith – 44

Top Goalscorer: Sean Adarkwa – 10

Clean Sheets: 7

Worst Discipline: Jack Cook – 10Y 1R

The Prediction: 16th

The reason I anticipate a drop off in position for Wealdstone is because I’m not expecting them to fly out of the traps as they did last season – there have been a few changes to the backline and it has taken them time to find the right bodies to replace them, meaning they could be a little unsettled or disorganised early on. Otherwise, I think the Stones will follow a similar pattern to last season, occasionally having a full squad available and going on strong runs as a settled side shows confidence and quality in their play and at other times, struggling for consistent selection, which will affect their results and organisation. I don’t foresee them having many troubles.

The Reality

As ever, Stuart Maynard deserves huge credit for his job at Wealdstone, choosing to avoid the tropes of underdog football by trying to outplay almost everybody they came up against while enhancing young talent. They were in a comfortable position towards the end of January and their home form was excellent but the inevitable happened – Maynard was poached by a club higher up the ladder. The Stones board moved quickly to replace him, bringing in David Noble from St.Albans City. It didn’t work. They won two of their 15 league matches and picked up just two points from six home matches, leaving the club in danger of relegation. The club made the bold decision to make another change with five to go, fan favourite Sam Cox returning on an interim basis and winning three of his five in charge to secure a 16th place finish.

The Stats

The most notable aspect of Wealdstone’s season is that they fielded the youngest team in the league based on minutes played (25.2 years of age), making their survival as a part-time outfit all the better. Not that they didn’t show naivety. The Stones had the third worst away record in the division (20 points), kept the joint third fewest clean sheets (7) and had the worst record in the league when scoring first (1.71 points per game). But they were an enjoyable side to watch and that shows with some of the stylistic numbers, Wealdstone having the third most shots at goal, conceding the third fewest shots against and attempting the third most 1v1 dribbles. Perhaps a little experience could have done them some good after all.

Who Stood Out?

Jaydn Mundle-Smith has been in and out of the Wealdstone side for two years, even moving away on loan last term but returned to play an important role this season either at centre-back, full-back or wing-back. He was helped by having a relatively consistent backline around him in Charlie Barker and the experienced Jack Cook. Both goalkeepers thrived, Jed Ward performing so well he earned game time with League One Bristol Rovers while Marcus Dewhurst proved he has a full-time career in him. Sean Adarkwa really grew into the campaign, finishing up in double figures while Tarryn Allarakhia is a joy to watch.

What Happens Next?

The day before writing this, Matty Taylor has been appointed as manager. It’s an interesting appointment for a number of reasons. Taylor is a massive name at this level, somebody that played at the top level and has EFL management experience while he is local to the area and will no doubt have some excellent contacts. But his time in management hasn’t gone well, failing to last the season on both occasions, while this will be the first time he has a high level of control over footballing decisions beyond coaching. Taking over from somebody as intrinsic to the culture and playing style as Stuart Maynard is never easy and it will be interesting to see how Taylor, another outsider like David Noble, manages the group ahead of another campaign in which they are sure to be amongst the favourites to be relegated.

Woking

Position: 17th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 15; D 10; L 21; F 49; A 55; GD –6; Pts 55

Most Starts: Scott Cuthbert – 40

Top Goalscorer: Ricky Korboa – 7

Clean Sheets: 14

Worst Discipline: Tunji Akinola – 11Y 1R

The Prediction: 3rd

I see a similar season for Woking. They will have forwards that make things happen, a powerful defensive and midfield unit, will be hard to beat and strong from set-pieces. I think their new signings improve the starting XI and increase the quality of depth. It will be a side that is chopped and changed during the season because of the age of certain players – it's hard to imagine most of their starting XI starting 40+ matches. It’s probably that last point that makes me feel less secure about the idea of them bettering Chesterfield and Oldham this year, even if I do anticipate them showing slightly more consistency across the 46 games.

The Reality

"It will be a side that is chopped and changed during the season because of the age of certain players – it's hard to imagine most of their starting XI starting 40+ matches”

I’m annoyed with myself. It was right there. If you’re going to back a team to finish towards the top of the division, you have to expect that they will have a core of players likely to start the majority of their matches. That was almost never going to be the case with a side that featured so many players over the age of 30 or with known injury records and had endured so many issues in the second half of the previous campaign. Darren Sarll was sacked with the club having lost seven of nine matches and been knocked out of the FA Cup by 8th tier opposition. Michael Doyle arrived and didn’t get off to the best start as he looked to change both style and personnel. However, his patience, recruitment and a late season tactical switch turned what was looking an increasingly desperate situation into survival, winning six of their final 11 and securing their place in the National League on the final day.

The Stats

In many ways, this wasn’t a particularly exciting campaign as a Woking fan – and I’m not just talking league position. After all, a whopping 34 games (second highest) were drawn or decided by the odd goal while their average total of 2.26 goals per game was the second lowest in the league and the 43% of matches seeing both sides score the lowest. There are two sides to this. Firstly, they were strong defensively, having the third best xGA in the division, the joint highest PPDA, kept 14 clean sheets (joint 2nd) and conceded the joint second fewest goals in the second half of matches (25). But they struggled in front of goal, scoring the second fewest goals (49), joint fewest in the first half of matches (18), failing to score in 17 matches (highest) and underperforming their xG numbers by almost 20 goals. Michael Doyle may look to the chaotic nature of their season as a key reason for that – no side used more than their 41 players. Hardly the recipe for consistent performances.

Who Stood Out?

It was such a mixed season it’s tough to say. Scott Cuthbert wiped up at the end of season awards and he was unquestionably the most consistent member of the squad, leading by example on and off the pitch. Dan Moss had some issues early doors but forced his way back into the XI at the start of their end of season run towards safety and performed well. Others shone brief and bright. Curtis Edwards proved an excellent signing. Tunji Akinola looked a real dominant defensive midfielder at periods. Kevin Berkoe, Max Dyche and Jayden Luker flourished in loan spells. Ricky Korboa occasionally showed why he has played in the EFL.

What Happens Next?

The expectation going into the summer, whether they survived or not, was that Michael Doyle was going to take a sledgehammer to the squad, reducing the age of the team and finding players better suited to the style of football he wants to implement. The retained list backs up those expectations with the only six players under contract and not on the transfer list at the time of writing. Woking remain well backed so they are likely to be okay when it comes to attracting quality to the club but they will need to be smarter in how they recruit going forward. This will be Michael Doyle’s first summer as a manager, so there are a few unknowns and it will be interesting to see how things develop.

York City

Position: 20th

2023-24 Record: Pld 46; W 12; D 17; L 17; F 55; A 69; GD –14; Pts 53

Most Starts: Callum Howe – 42

Top Goalscorer: Dipo Akinyemi – 15

Clean Sheets: 10

Worst Discipline: Ryan Fallowfield – 8Y 1R

The Prediction: 6th

I can’t lie, I’m uncomfortable about this selection. The reason I’m uncomfortable is because I’m still unsure how much I can trust Matt Uggla to let football people get on with football matters. My concern is that the moment the side hits a dip, which is likely given the number of changes and the nature of National League football, Uggla will want do something silly. It’s a feeling I can‘t shake. However, I’m choosing to give him and the club the benefit of the doubt. For starters, 49% of the club is still owned by the fans’ trust, which means they continue to have a say on matters and that will hopefully prove important. I also get positive vibes from Morton, his focus and the structure of the side he has selected during pre-season. The vibes appear positive and I can’t envisage too many issues early doors, which should give them a strong footing to build upon.

The Reality

Like Woking, I’m annoyed with my pre-season prediction. The signs were there. The owner was a novice with a rep for having more money than sense, their Head of Recruitment was also their first-choice goalkeeper and their manager was a coach given his first permanent role. They started the campaign with a bloated squad made up of players from four different recruitment strategies and a number of players on long-term deals, some of whom were earning considerably more than others. It’s a lesson on how not to run a football club. Michael Morton was sacked after a winless start and replaced by Neal Ardley, who got the side fitter and found structure but a mid-table record (eight wins and losses in 28 matches) and lack of goals led to his departure as Uggla rolled the dice once more. Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood took the reins and started disastrously, losing three of his first four matches and conceding 12 goals in the process. Fortunately, he was able to turn it around, winning four of his final seven to finish just above the dotted line and provide relief to those above him.

The Stats

The instability of York City’s campaign showed with them having used the joint most players in the division (41) and their issues with consistency and 90 minutes performances. York recorded the joint third fewest wins across the campaign and it wasn’t until their end of season run under Adam Hinshelwood that they put together back-to-back victories. They had the worst second half record in the division and conceded the second most goals in the second half of matches (49). They weren’t a huge threat going forward, their xG the second worst in the division, having the third fewest shots and also failing to score a single penalty all campaign. They were also the second least fouled team in the league. What they did at least manage to do was keep games tight, drawing on 17 occasions and staying level for 57.1% of their minutes played, both second highest totals. Another issue was a failure to get results against the top sides, winning just one home match against the division’s top 10.

Who Stood Out?

A tough campaign defined by its inconsistency means few stood out over the season. Dipo Akinyemi is the obvious one, going some way to repaying the faith shown in him with 21 goals contributions and an excellent relationship with fans. I’m a fan of Ryan Fallowfield and his energy down the right-hand side was important, as was his stint at centre-back late in the season. Callum Howe was a consistent figure at centre-back throughout, offering some stability and leadership.

What Happens Next?

More change but hopefully with more clarity. The club’s recruitment team has been moved on, four players have been released and with at least 26 players still on the books at the time of writing and a budget that dwarfs most at the level, you have to expect more players come and go. The early part of this summer has to be all about improving processes and finding consistent ways of working to achieve the goals fans and owners alike are desperate to achieve. Hinshelwood has an almighty task on his hands but will also know that with a good summer, there’s no reason they can’t do much, much better.

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“Yeah, I’ll let you know when the tickets are out”

Fast forward a couple of weeks.

“Saturday 11th May. You in?”

“Ah, I’ll have to see if I can book annual leave”

Well, I’m doubtful that’s happening now.

Fast forward a week.

“Moors are in the play-off final. Fancy it?”

“Sunday 5th May, you in?”

“Oh, I’m travelling up to see my girlfriend then”

Two years after a day at London Stadium watching Grimsby Town beat Solihull Moors to complete arguably the most impressive play-off campaign ever, it looked like I wouldn’t be heading down this time around.

Then a saviour appeared. Or, a skinny ginger lad in a bright orange t-shirt after a game of football asking if I fancied going and I said yes half expecting nothing to follow. Fortunately, he followed up on it and we were heading to Wembley.

As a quiet, introverted type, I’m not used to long, public journeys. Such journeys are spent in the passenger seat of a car, enjoying quiet or comfortable solace from the world. Either that, or things are planned at appropriate times to avoid crowds. It’s not always possible, of course.

I say that to acknowledge that when I turned up at Solihull train station, which is always a bit smaller than I anticipate given the size of the borough and it’s direct link to London and Birmingham, I was a little taken aback by the size of the queue for the platform.

It was one of those moments that remind me just how far Solihull Moors have come. A few years back I was a season ticket holder and able to stand on the halfway line with a cup of tea and a few hundred people spread out across the stadium. Now the club are averaging just shy of 1500, which isn’t too shabby for a club in existence for less than 20 years with poor transport links, and had so many travelling to Wembley that we had to now get on a later train.

Few were expecting Solihull Moors to be making this journey in the summer. While the club had a more than competitive budget and had finished in the top three twice in the past six years, they finished the previous season in 15th place finish having lost 15 of their final 29 matches. Craig Cope departed in the winter for AFC Wimbledon and manager Neal Ardley left just days before pre-season was due to start. Ryan Barnett, Andrew Dallas, Ryan Boot and Callum Howe had followed a number of the 2022 play-off final side out of the door. This was not a team prepared for a promotion push.

Andy Whing took the reins. The ex-Banbury United boss was expected to join the coaching staff this summer but Darryl Eales didn’t commit to a new manager and decided to give Whing, who he knew from his days at Oxford United, the full-time manager gig while employing Stephen Ward, formerly of Ireland and Wolves, as Director of Football. They had less than 11 first-teamers on the books and those that had agreed to sign had done so under Ardley and his people. It was a mess.

Pre-season was spent recruiting to form a starting XI at short notice while Whing chopped and changed systems in a bid to find balance. That they then managed to start the season unbeaten in 14 matches was quite something.

Choppy waters followed as the first sign of injuries and tiredness arose. Nine defeats in 16 saw any overly optimistic title hopes disappear and thoughts turned to keeping hold of a top seven finish. Kyle Morrison had picked up a long-term injury, Josh Kelly had been sold, Jamey Osborne was briefly out of action and Whing had a big decision to make.

Another tactical switch followed. Tahvon Campbell and Tyrese Shade added much needed quality and power to the front line. Joe Sbarra returned to full fitness after a pre-season health scare. Jack Stevens was fit again. Whether through luck, judgement or a bit of both, Whing had managed to redress the balance of his side and oversaw eight wins and three losses in the final 16.

From there, it was all about mentality and opportunity. They overran a tired FC Halifax Town early doors to qualify for the play-off semi-final and absolutely tore Barnet apart in their own back yard against the odds. Two games, eight goals and a trip to Wembley.

Looking back, Andy Whing was the right man at the right time. He’s open and honest, takes things in his stride and is clearly adaptable to the situations he finds himself in. He had the support of a chairman he had known for a long time. His honesty helped him get over with the fanbase and he trusted his players. His use of Jamey Osborne, whose discipline has been much improved, as a deep or attacking midfielder depending on game state showed he had a nose for the game and the way certain individuals were dropped in and out during the season but remained on board throughout showcased the relationships he had built with his squad.

The only question now was whether he could finish the job.

It was a question we pondered on the train too until a friend went to the loo and his standing spot ruthlessly seized upon by a girl previously sat on her suitcase. Absolutely no remorse shown.

You never know what kind of crowd you’ll end up near on a day like Sunday.

I was sat in the centre of the crowd when Birmingham City beat Arsenal over a decade ago, stood for the majority of the game, singing and cheering and feeling very much a part of a crowd I believe is still the loudest recorded at Wembley to date. A few years later I travelled with a friend to watch Shrewsbury Town and was sat in a more family friendly section – it’s a shame one bloke decided that wasn’t for him and was kicked out after disappearing and leaving his kids unattended for 20 minutes.

Here, I was firmly in amongst it. Some recognisable faces, including Statto, who perhaps ranks as the most famous Moors supporter, just above while fans below joined in and then some.

I’ll be honest, having gone to fewer and fewer games since COVID, I felt out of place. And maybe it was being older and a little more miserable and being woke up at half 4 by my 1 year old the day before, but hearing Sweet Caroline before kick-off and having a teenager smoking a vape every five seconds next to me gave me the sense that despite the noise, I might not enjoy this as much as I wanted to.

I was wrong.

The atmosphere took over. Chants of “Wembley Again” rang out on the regular with the occasional outburst of other chants including a personal favourite of “Who Let The Moors Out”. The lad in front of me was holding a sign reading “Megatron Give Us A Wave” and then the smell of fire reached us – somebody had let off a flare in the concourse. I know I shouldn’t condone such behaviour but it was just another example of Wembley fever. Solihull Moors had arrived.

Such was the noise around me, the referee’s whistle didn’t register and I turned towards the pitch to find centre-half Karlan Grant already in possession. I guess we’re off.

Andy Woodman’s side had been here before and it showed as they flew out of the blocks and stunned a Moors side that hadn’t had a chance to settle. Within four minutes, Louis Dennis and Idris Odutayo has gone close.

While the players were fighting on the pitch, a few fans started to do the same in the stands. I don’t know the details, and quite frankly don’t want to, but one lad was jeered as security carried him out while another left with blood running down his face. Not exactly the day anticipated for a few folk.

Both the crowd and the players settled down after that. Moors took a couple of risks in possession but it helped those at the back settle down as Callum Maycock and Jamey Osborne saw more of the ball and began dictating. Bromley were always going to be comfortable sitting in their shape, so danger remained. The game had developed largely as expected after 10 minutes of both sides turning each other.

For all their ball, the best Solihull Moors managed was a deflected Joe Sbarra strike and with three minutes to go before half-time, their lack of intensity was punished. Dennis nipped in ahead of Osborne and Corey Whitely found Michael Cheek, who placed his foot ahead of Alex Whitmore, sent the centre-half tumbling and finished confidently 1v1. Bromley led.

I’m still undecided on whether a foul should have been given or not. Those around me certainly had their views and the frustration only grew as replays were shown on the big screen. Especially Whitmore.

Whatever the feeling, the decision was made and Moors were behind when the half-time whistle blew.

The second half started and things had changed around me. Vape boy had switched seats with a friend who made the decision that he should scream everything he said and used the F word as much as possible. I can’t decide if he had had one too many or was desperately trying to impress the girl that had joined them for the second half. Meanwhile the group of lads in front had disappeared into the concourse and not made it out for the second half. At least, I thought they hadn’t.

Moors had started the second half with more fire in their belly and Joe Sbarra made the kind of pass that was missing in the first half, a drilled pass that cut through Bromley bodies. Tahvon Campbell was sharp, turning and getting a shot that dribbled just far enough towards the corner that Grant Smith couldn’t handle it. Sbarra had continued his run towards goal and the parry fell kindly to the diminutive Moors number 7 to equalise.

It turned out those lads were watching – they had stepped out of the concourse, lit a couple of flares and were now topless while celebrating next to a fan in a wheelchair. The party didn’t stop after they were ushered back to their seats, more tops disappearing and a celebratory Poznan for shits and giggles. Our group laughed on at the scenes around us, especially when we realised we were covered in yellow dust from one of the flares.

And it was all going so well until disaster struck.

Bromley are a horrible side to play against. They give you the belief that you’re in total control and the moment your guard is down, they strike. Whitmore played across to the uber-consistent James Clarke who laid a short pass back to the on-loan Nick Hayes. Cheek read it and made his move, reaching the ball before Hayes who took the striker out.

The Bromley number 9 wasn’t missing from the penalty spot and out of almost nowhere, the Ravens were 2-1 up.

But Solihull Moors hadn’t made it this far without a setback or two. Maycock found space and made the forward pass, finding his midfield mate Osborne. Shade and Campbell burst forward and dragged defenders with them, opening space for the Moors captain and talisman to do what he does, running forward and firing in low from 20 yards.

Osborne rejoiced, quickly cuddled by his team-mates. It was a moment he deserved. Bar a brief spell with Grimsby Town, Osborne has been at the club since 2016 and played an integral role in their biggest moments. Yet suspension ruled him out of the play-offs a couple of years back and he was desperate to play his part in this one. He scored against Halifax, ran the show against Barnet and was now scoring at Wembley.

This is why we love football.

“Manchester City, we’re coming for you” chanted supporters in jest with about 20 to go.

Solihull Moors had definitely turned up for the occasion and so had their team. The EFL dream remained in the balance but whatever happened, even in spite of the flares and the earlier scrap, the club look back with pride ahead of another trip to Wembley a week later.

Jon Benton entered the fray but was wayward with two efforts while Whitely, side netting, and Olufela Olomola, blocked, had big opportunities to win the tie inside the 90. Clarke nearly had the final say, curling narrowly over.

Extra time began and the nerves were setting in. I also desperately needed a piddle having not gone since leaving the house that morning but I didn’t fancy rushing during the brief break in play and didn’t want to miss the game.

Kirk was fresh and he was the key man in extra time. He beat Joe Newton in a race, cut inside of him and curled over then headed against the bar from the resulting set-piece. Solihull Moors looked like their race was run with Osborne, who has been looked after during the season following a number of injury issues over the years and Kyle Morrison, starting his first game since early February, both withdrawn.

Kirk would have one more big opportunity, beating Newton again before spanking an effort off the inside of the post only to watch it spin around the other post and out for a goal kick. Everybody looked at each other in disbelief and again moments later when Whitmore, who had headed away everything at the other end during extra time and scored twice to knock Bromley out of the FA Trophy, couldn’t quite sort his feet out.

As soon as the full-time whistle blew, I felt it.

Bromley looked fit and strong and still had Cheek, Whitely, Reynolds, Webster, Olomola on the field, players with the kind of experience, technique and self assurance for the task ahead. Moors had seen Sbarra, Stevens and Osborne depart with Campbell and Shade leggy, Boateng and Benton youthful and having not played much recently.

The Moors fans did their bit, racing from the corner to behind the goal, waving their arms and lights aloft to put off Bromley takers while making what noise they could to get behind their men.

Tyrese Shade was first to step up. Here was a 23-year-old returning to the club he had left at 17 for Premier League Leicester City to reignite their promotion ambitions, knowing he was a free agent this summer after his release from struggling League Two outfit Swindon Town was confirmed. He looked like he was feeling the pressure and Smith’s save left him inconsolable.

It got worse. Cheek showed no fear, firing through Hayes before the experienced Joss Labadie followed Shade to the same result. Two penalties, two saved.