The 2024-25 National League Season Preview (2024)

The 2024-25 National League season is almost upon us and it would be rude not to make my first post of the year my annual pre-season preview.

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 signednew 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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