The National League 2019-20 Preview
Due to going on holiday (I know...poor me), I am posting this preview a week earlier than I would like. Obviously, other signings will happen in the next week before the first ball is kicked. If I can edit this on my phone without completing destroying the formatting, then I will try and tweak it in the lead up to Saturday's opening games.But still, we all love a preview, right?! Enjoy this a little earlier than expected. I've tried my very best to keep up with all the ins and outs on a daily basis for the last few months and have done my own research to help gauge an opinion on the type of season each club is going to have. If you support a club and do not agree with where I have placed them, please be aware that
Seriously though, feedback would be fantastic. Thank you.
Fighting relegation
Aldershot Town
Ins
Ollie O'Dwyer (Crystal Palace)
Kodi Lyons-Foster (Braintree)
Dean Rance (Ebbsfleet)
Mitch Walker (Dover)
Ethan Chislett (Met Police)
Connor Shields (Sunderland)
Robbie Tinkler (Gateshead)
Alefe Santos (Yeovil)
Alfy Whittingham (Hungerford Yown)
Harry Panayiotou (Aittitos Spata)
Aaron Eyoma (Derby County)
Notable Outs
Scott Rendell
Jake Cole
Jake Gallagher
George Elokobi
Reece Grant
John Goddard
Following a disastrous 2018-19 season in which they were saved by a late Gateshead shaped reprieve, Aldershot will be hoping a plethora of new signings will keep them above water this time out. Danny Searle, who built himself a quietly impressive reputation with his late efforts at Braintree last season, is now the man tasked with rebuilding a squad that failed at every level just a few months ago.
The majority of that squad has been broken apart with inexperienced looking replacements coming through the door. The signings of Robbie Tinkler from crisis club Gateshead and Dean Rance from Ebbsfleet look quite canny on the surface. However, concerns must be aired at other signings that have come in. Ollie O'Dwyer and Kodi Lyons-Foster were both brought in when the team thought that they would be playing a division lower whilst Harry Panayiotou arrives from Greece looking to smash every chance put on a plate for him into the back of the net. Problem being, he has failed and been largely ridiculed at every lower league club he had previously turned out for in England.
It is very hard at the moment to make a case for Aldershot. The club has no momentum and will need a good start or else it could find itself in another demoralising season of regular defeats. At this moment, it is looking very much like the Shots reprieve may only be a temporary one.
Prediction: Relegated
Chorley
Ins
Chris Holroyd (Wrexham)
Mark Ross (Bradford Park Avenue)
Lewis Baines (Fleetwood)
Notable Outs
Dale Whitham
The National League North is a right pig's ear of a league to get out of. As Darlington, Kiddiminster, York and Chester amongst others toil down there, it was Chorley who made a return to the 5th tier for the first time in 29 years after holding their nerve in a penalty shoot out in the Play Off final.
Ever regulars in the North play offs, The Magpies are keeping faith in the squad that got them here as they hope to follow in Salford and Harrogate's top 7 efforts from last season. This may take some doing mind you as both are heavily bankrolled when compared to Chorley. Jamie Vermiglio's men do not have a multi-millionaire pumping money in and will probably be on one of the smallest budgets in the division. An excellent team spirit within a well run club has got them to where they are today. But will it be enough to keep them up?
Chris Holroyd, National League veteran, is the highest profile summer signing so far in a bid to add experience of this division to their front line. Make no mistake though, this will be a tough season for Chorley. Realistically, they will be in the bottom half and whether they stay up could depend on how well they work the loan market as the season progresses. If following this league has taught me anything over the years though, it's that anybody can stay up and anybody can go down. If Chorley can maintain their team-spirit throughout the season, then there may be a few bigger basket cases who plummet instead of them.
Prediction: Survival (just...)
Eastleigh
Ins
Scott Rendell (Aldershot)
Andrew Boyce
Jack Payne (Ebbsfleet)
Rob Atkinson (Fulham)
Sam Smart (Basingstoke)
Joe Partington (Bristol Rovers)
Max Stryjek (Sunderland)
Notable Outs
James Constable
Chris Zebroski
Ollie Dennett
Lewis Harvey
Paul McCallum
Joey Jones
Oscar Gobern
Mark Yeates
Josh Hare
It's funny how things turn out. For years, Eastleigh have been tipped as promotion candidates before falling flat on their face with mid table finishes. Yet the year in which investor Stewart Donald departed for Sunderland with his pot of gold was also their best season for a while. Well travelled goalscorer Ben Strevens took the reigns and did a bloody good job in taking Eastleigh to the semi-finals of the Play Offs where they missed out on a trip to Wembley by the narrowest of margains.
However, this may be as good as it gets for Eastleigh. A summer exodus has seen the goals of Paul McCallum sold to Solihull Moors and the creativity of Mark Yeates snapped up by AFC Fylde. Other impressive performers such as Joey Jones and Josh Hare have moved into the Football League leaving Eastleigh looking bare in certain key areas. The experience of Scott Rendell arrives filling that quota left by James Constable and Chris Zebroski whilst Jack Payne's signature will likely see him playing alongside the vastly experienced Danny Hollands.
Overall, there are worse squads in the league than Eastleigh's. How they cope with the bulk of last season's attacking prowess being taken from them though remains to be seen. Experienced striker Ben Williamson will shoulder the burden of scoring enough to keep the Spitfires' flying above the drop zone. Like a few others who may be around them, how they work the loan market may be the difference between survival and relegation. Is Ben Strevens the real deal? We're about to find out.
Prediction: It may be a little dicey at times but they should stay up.
Halifax Town
Ins
Jack Earing (Bolton)
Tobi Sho Silva (Dover)
Will Appleyard (Stevenage)
Jamie Allen (Dover)
Notable Outs
Matty Kosylo (Fylde)
Ryan Sellers
Ben Tomlinson
Sanmi Odelusi
As far as pre-seasons go, Halifax's could have been better. Manager Jamie Fullerton walked away from the club just 14 days before the first match and the club's squad currently looks incredibly thin. Enigmatic winger Matty Kosylo has departed for ambitious Fylde and signings appear to be less than inspiring.
Experienced defender Nathan Clarke had held the role of temporary manager but he has now been relieved as ex Oldham caretaker boss Pete Wild has been given the full time job. More signings will now surely be made. At present though, unwanted Dover pair Tobi Sho Silva and Jamie Allen have joined alongside the inexperienced Jack Earing and goalkeeper Will Appleyard. Now he has the job, Wild will desperately need to address Halifax's goalscoring problem. The Shaymen only hit 44 goals last season which was the 3rd lowest total in the league. With Kosylo, their main creative outlet, now gone, some serious answers are going to have to be found in the final third.
It's all pointing towards a relegation battle and, although there is still time for Halifax to bring in the personnel required, it is looking a little perilous.
Prediction: Relegated
Maidenhead Town
In
Shamir Fenelon (Aldershot)
Henry Landers (North Leigh)
Josh Smile (Chippenham)
Lewis Knight (St Albans)
Chris Dunn (Walsall)
Freddie Grant (Wealdstone)
Joseph Ellul (Billericay)
Jake Cassidy (Hartlepool)
Danny Whitehall (Marine)
Taye Ashby-Hammond (Fulham - loan)
Bernard Mensah (Bristol Rovers)
Notable Outs
Max Worsfold
Carl Pentney
Ryan Bird
Ayo Obileye
You have to give Alan Devonshire an enormous amount of credit for his managerial career. Year after year, he appears to overachieve with unfancied sides punching above their weight. Although he hasn't quite taken Maidenhead to the heights he did with Braintree, the Magpies finished a credible 12th in their first season back in the National League.
Last season was a tougher task however. Devonshire's magic nearly wore off as Maidenhead stumbled to a 19th placed finish and, in truth, were saved by a selection of teams being a bit more rubbish than they were. 2018 signings Ryan Bird and James Akintunde had miserable seasons in front of goal as the team only managed 45 goals and let in 70! Yet in true Devonshire style, they scrapped their way to numerous key one goal victories and confirmed their place in the division for another year.
Season three looks like being just as hard. Finding the unfulfilled gem seems to be the Maidenhead approach as Shamir Fenelon and Jake Cassidy, both of whom have had difficult times in the National League, have signed to hopefully provide the goals needed. The one striker signed with calibre at this level is Bernard Mensah. The onus could be largely on him to score the goals that keep Maidenhead up. Other signings so far appear to be lower league gambles, which may well come off, but it is far too early to tell. The biggest blow however could be the departures of Adrian Clifton, who scored 14 goals and won every club end-of-season award in 2018-19, and midfield dynamo Harold Otametey. Neither look to have currently been replaced and that could be fatal for the Magpies.With nearly every other manager, Maidenhead would be the obvious tip for relegation. However, it is very tough to shake the fact that they have a manager who only ever seems to succeed. Maidenhead, you're a toughie to predict!
Prediction: They'll fight and I think it'll go right to the wire this year for Maidenhead. Because of the Devonshire factor, I'm going to go for survive...just!
Sutton United
In
David Ajiboye (Worthing)
Omar Bugiel (Bromley)
Ben Goodliffe (Wolves)
Aaron Jarvis (Luton)
Will Randall (Newport)
George Tuson-Firth (Lewes)
Dan Matsuzaka (Braintree)
Notable Outs
Dean Beckwith
Jonah Ayunga
Nicky Bailey
Brett Williams
Ross Worner
Roarie Deacon
Gime Toure
James Dobson
Josh Taylor
All good things have to come to an end. And when they do, normally a period of uncertainty tends to follow. Paul Doswell called time on his successful 11 year stint as manager of Sutton at the back end of last season leaving supporters in shock. The club acted relatively swiftly in bringing in the untested Matt Gray who has formerly worked as assistant manager at a number of Football League clubs. A risk, for sure.
Doswell soon took over as Havant and Waterlooville boss and has wasted no time in coming back to recruit from his former club. Dean Beckwith, Roarie Deacon, Nicky Bailey, Jonah Ayunga and Ross Worner have all jumped ship to The Hawks. Whilst some of these players may be in the twilight of their careers, their experience would have been invaluable to Sutton and a new manager.
After such an exodus, it is vital that Gray gets this summer's recruitment right to give the club a fresh sense of momentum. So far, names coming through the door have been relatively underwhelming. Ben Goodliffe, son of new Assistant Manager Jason, has signed following a solid first senior season with Dagenham and Redbridge. Omar Bugiel is the best known of all the incomings although he failed to shine up front for Bromley last season. Elsewhere, other signings have all been inexperienced. Compare this to the breadth of knowledge exiting the club and it's fair to say that the squad is in a weaker position than at the end of last season. The club's hopes may lie with striker Tommy Wright who is returning following a 10 month lay off. If the forward can re-find his best form, then he may be able to fire the side to safety.
All the signs point to Sutton giving up their play off challengers status that has followed them in recent seasons. A real battle to survive looks on the cards. Matt Gray needs to get off to a good start or he may well find his job under threat if The U's find themselves in relegation peril.
Prediction: The signs are all pointing towards relegation.
Woking FC
Ins
Dave Tarpey (Barnet)
Godfrey Poku (Wealdstone)
Sam Howes (Watford)
Manny Parry (Boreham Wood)
Shaun Donnellan (Maidstone)
Moussa Diarra
Notable Outs
After just a year away, Woking returned to the National League with a 1-0 Play Off final victory over Welling. The back end of the 2018-19 season was not smooth sailing for The Cards as they needed 3 goals in a frantic final 15 minutes to beat overcome Wealdstone 3-2 in the semi-finals. Prior to this, their form had appeared to desert them somewhat with only 1 win from their final 7 league matches. Nevertheless, manager Alan Dowson got the team over the line and the focus now turns to whether or not they can preserve their status in the fifth tier.
Dowson acted quickly, in his first season at this level, to tie down star man Max Kretzschmar to a new deal. The goal-scoring midfielder will need to find the form that has seen him become prolific at National League South level. A number of other signings have been made; most of whom have experience of playing at this level but have perhaps not quite managed to hold down a starting spot at their former club. However, the stand out signing has to be that of Dave Tarpey. The marksman burst onto the scene around three seasons ago when he scored a ridiculous 44 goals in 41 games for Maidenhead in the National League South. 7 goals in his first 6 National League Premier games convinced Barnet to sign him but a bad knee injury robbed The Bees of his goal-scoring talents. Since then, Tarpey has struggled for a run of games. A loan spell to Woking at the back end of last season saw him score three times and a permanent move may be just what he needs. If he can remain fit, Woking may have just found a goal-scorer to shoot their way out of trouble.
One blow however is the loss of Armani Little to last season's rivals Torquay United. The on-loan midfielder scored the winning goal in the Play Off final and Card's fans would have been hoping to gain his signature for this season.
Undoubtedly, this looks like being a learning curve for Alan Dowson and his players. There will be weeks where they are outclassed by the stronger squads of the division. However, they have recruited players with experience at this level and providing they don't suffer the misfortune of injuries, they will make a big fight of it.
Prediction: If Dave Tarpey clicks, then I think Woking survive. That's a big ask though after the injuries he's had. Narrow relegation.
In Limbo
Notts County
Ins
Nope! Nada! None!
Notable Outs
Lewis Alessandra
Richard Duffy
Cedric Evina
Jon Stead
David Vaughan
Elliott Ward
Dan Jones
Kion Etete
Where to start... Notts County look set to pip Yeovil to 'Basket Case Club of the Season' with their pre-season antics. So far a grand total of zero signings due to off the field problems which involve owner Alan Hardy seemingly unable to sell the club. Rumours of new Danish owners have been in the pipeline for several weeks now but little movement to complete a deal appears to have happened. Furthermore, County regular find themselves in court for unpaid bills and wages. If this continues, it will only be a matter of time before the worst happens...
Manager Neil Ardley has a number of players on trial in the hope that he will be able to make some signings at some point. Some of the names bandied about seem quite impressive on paper (Jim O'Brien, Damien McCrory and Nathan Tyson to name a few) but whether they will hang around whilst the takeover saga continues remains to be seen. Even the players currently signed up to County have a fair bit of pedigree. Kristian Dennis, Enzio Boldewijn and Kane Hemmings would be a front line that most teams going for promotion would happily take.
If County can get their act together before the season begins, then you'd back them to have a solid season such is their pulling power with prospective players. However, if they continue to toil at their unpopular owner's mercy, then it has been seen several times before that no club is too big to be relegated from this division.
Prediction: Who knows. At present, I'll plump for mid table if they don't manage to get expelled first.
Yeovil Town FC
Ins
Luke Wilkinson (Stevenage)
Rhys Murphy (Chelmsford)
Lee Collins (Forest Green)
Andrew Crofts (Newport County)
Albi Skendi (Stratford Town)
Tom Bradbury (Dundee)
Notable Outs
Francis Zoko
Yoann Arquin
Adel Gafaiti
Alex Fisher
Bevis Mugabi
Sessi D'Almeida
Korey Henry
Tom James
Gary Warren
Omar Sowumni
Slightly less crazy than the Notts County circus is the pantomime that has been occurring at Yeovil Town for the last few years. Promotion to the Championship, whilst an amazing feat, came with its own set of consequences as the Glovers could not sustain the level of success. Combined with bad decisions from behind the scenes and Yeovil have plummeted down and out of the Football League. However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel as a prospective new takeover led by Scott Priestnall and Errol Pope appears to be on the verge of being completed.
In terms of the squad, it's been a 'clear the decks' summer for Yeovil. Names that have come to be associated with the club such as Francis Zoko and Omar Sowunmi, amongst others, have been let go. Former Stevenage manager Darren Sarll has been appointed the man to oversee this transitional period. Sarll had a mixed spell at Broadhall Way but does have a reputation as being a good manager of youth; a skill which could be just what Yeovil need as they potentially delve into the non-league market. The signing of Albi Skendi from Stratford Town signifies this as Sarll was reportedly shocked by his standards and quality. Rhys Murphy, whilst more proven, has also arrived from non-league after scoring a hatful for Chelmsford last season. Elsewhere, the experience of Luke Wilkinson and Lee Collins suggest that Sarll is prioritising a solid defence as his first remedy.
More signings are expected to arrive once the takeover has been completed although Sarll has stated that recruitment will not be completed before the season gets underway. It's fair to say that nobody is quite sure what to expect from Yeovil this season. A season of stability wouldn't go amiss after 3 relegations in 6 years. However, with the play-off positions going down to 7th, Yeovil could potentially gatecrash the promotion party if they get their remaining signings right.
Prediction: Hopefully a period of stability is to follow. Mid table.
Mid table obscurity
Barnet
Ins
Scott Loach (Hartlepool)
Notable Outs
Dave Tarpey
Byron Harrison
Mark Cousins
Craig Robson
Wes Fonguck
Barnet started out last season as one of the favourites for promotion. Experienced promotion winner John Still had been persuaded to return from Dagenham and Redbridge and the wily boss was expected to build a squad that would seal an instant return to the Football League. However, Still's magic appeared to desert him as he put together a bloated squad on two-year contracts; the majority of whom appeared to have been signed more off reputation than current ability. It was left to Darren Currie to steer the unsteady ship after Still had wisely moved upstairs and then out of the club altogether.
Currie's hands have been tied this summer largely due to the two-year deals bandied around the year prior. The former winger has managed to shift a few with goalkeeper Mark Cousins sold to Bromley and impressive Hartlepool shot-stopper Scott Loach coming in. However, other incomings have not yet been possible although this may change down the line. The reluctant departure of Wes Fonguck may have freed up a few wages and Currie will need to invest this wisely to strengthen the key areas of the squad. A striker may be first on the shopping list as Shaq Coulthirst can not be expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden alone.
One positive could be that the squad has largely played together for a year. A few of the bad influences have been removed and the familiarity could lead to greater consistency, especially in the early weeks when other teams are still looking to gel. A good start could set Barnet on their way to a play off challenge. Realistically though, the club does look a little light in some positions when comparing to other hopefuls. It may well be that Barnet suffer another season of inconsistency with the shadow of the now departed Mr Still continuing to loom large over them.
Prediction: Ups and Downs. Mid table.
Barrow
Ins
Morgan Penfold (Peterborough)
Bradley Barry (Chesterfield)
Scott Quigley (Blackpool)
Dior Angus (Port Vale)
Mark Waddington (Stoke)
Oliver Greaves (Sheffield United)
Byron Harrison (Barnet)
Notable Outs
Jack Bartham
Lee Molyneux
Dan Jones
Moussa Diarra
Barrow come into this season after a quietly impressive campaign last time out. The Bluebirds won't have taken up many column inches but new manager Ian Evatt certainly steadied the ship after a disastrous 2017-18 campaign nearly spelled relegation. The ex Chesterfield defender appears to have taken to management like a duck to water with a 10th place finish in his first full season in charge.
Nevertheless, Barrow were still some way off of the play offs and a 20 goal striker is what is needed to change that. Jack Hindle and John Rooney chipped in with double figures last season but not since the days of an in-form Byron Harrison have Barrow possessed a real number nine. The team are so desperate for one that they've taken to resigning the striker on a 1 year deal. Whether injuries have robbed Harrison of being the player he once was remain to be seen. Alongside this, the Bluebirds have brought in several different options in Scott Quigley, Dior Angus and Morgan Penfold. Quigley, in particular, could be a good signing although a 3-year-deal is a risky move, especially with his injury history. Ian Evatt will have to manage him carefully to get the best out of him.
On the whole, Barrow look destined for a season around the middle of the table. They look solid enough to pick up wins on a semi-regular basis but just appear to lack the quality of the top teams in the final third. Mind you, a good manager can sometimes add an extra 10% to a team and Ian Evatt has an aura about him. If others fall below expectations, don't rule out an outside play-off push from the Barrow boys. Their biggest problem however may be keeping hope of their highly rated manager...
Prediction: Solid mid table
Dagenham & Redbridge
In
Josh Strizovic (Maidstone)
Joan Luque (Lincoln City)
Harold Odametey (Maidenhead)
Bagasan Graham (Ebbsfleet)
Reece Grant (Aldershot)
James Dobson (Sutton)
Mitch Brundle (Dover)
Will Wood (Accrington)
Andrew Eleftheriou (Watford)
Manny Onariase (Rotherham)
Luke Croll (Exeter)
Joe Quigley (Bromley)
Notable Outs
Nathan Smith
Tomi Adeloye
Gavin Hoyte
Jack Munns
Ben Nunn
Luke Pennell
Conor Wilkinson
It was nearly curtains for the Daggers last season. Financial difficulties saw John Still, and most of the previous squad that had been pushing for promotion, depart. A young, inexperienced squad was signed up on a budget and only a timely investment from new American owners allowed the Daggers to strengthen in time. Peter Taylor deserves credit for bringing the likes of Angelo Balanta and Conor Wilkinson to the club as their form quickly reversed ensuring a lower mid table finish.
The summer has been mixed to say the least. Losing the goals and all round ability of Conor Wilkinson is a huge blow to potential promotion hopes. The enigmatic forward was arguably one of the best strikers in the division and the Daggers would have fancied a top seven finish with him in their ranks. Expectations may now have been checked slightly but there is still no reason why Peter Taylor's men can't have a much better season than last. The deadwood has been cleared out and Taylor has taken his time to bring in what he describes as the 'right players'. Out of all the signings, Dover captain Mitch Brundle and Harold Odametey from Maidenhead will bring real competitiveness and energy to the midfield; a weakness from last season that needed to be addressed.
What will determine whether the Daggers can compete at the right end will be if they can successfully share the goals amongst the team. Much maligned Joe Quigley has been bought to act as a target man to help supplement the likes of Reece Grant, Joan Luque and Angelo Balanta. All three have great ability and if they click the Daggers could finish higher than predicted here. At present though on paper, you'd have to say that their lack of a proven number nine could just be their undoing.
Prediction: Inconsistent and mid table.
Dover
Ins
Michael Woods (Harrogate)
Jack Munns (Dagenham)
Yusuf Mersin (Crawley)
Oscar Gobern (Eastleigh)
Will de Havilland (Maidstone)
Kurtis Cumberbach (Farnborough)
Paul Rooney (Colchester)
Steven Rigg (Gateshead)
Nassim L'Ghoul (Welling United)
Aaron Simpson (Waterford FC)
Bilel Hinchiri (Charitois)
Notable Outs
Stuart Lewis
Jack Connors
Nortei Nortey
Connor Essam
Mitch Walker
Tobi Sho Silva
Jamie Allen
All change at Dover last season! Chris Kinnear's last minute signings finally caught up with him as the club suffered a dreadful start to the season which at one point saw them rock bottom of the league. The club acted quickly and decisive to bring in Andy Hessenthaler who left his post as Eastleigh manager to do so. On the face of it, this looked an unusual move but Hessenthaler had previously helped Dover as a player and manager to rise two divisions to the National League South. The new manager immediately improved the club's form and they finished the season looking more like a team going for promotion than relegation.
This summer, the Whites have cleared the deadwood from their squad and have been active early in the transfer market to strengthen key positions. The strategy this summer appears to invest in National League players with previous pedigree who are at a good age. This has seen Michael Woods, Jack Munns, Oscar Gobern and Steven Rigg arrive. Four players who know their way around at this level. Following last season's struggle, Dover also made a number of mid-season signings such as striker Alfie Pavey and experienced defender Scott Doe. The squad looks hardened and competitive. There will surely be no repeat of the relegation worries from last season...
It's hard to predict where Dover will finish. One voice is telling me that they have an experienced team which will be tough to beat which could see them in the upper regions and the other is telling me that lack a goal-scorer. I think both of these facets will end up evening the other out meaning that upper mid table is the most likely scenario. Don't rule out a play off push though; especially if others stumble.
Prediction: An outside chance of the play offs. Don't be surprised if they gatecrash them.
Ebbsfleet
Ins
Ayo Obileye (Maidenhead)
Gozie Ugwu (Chesterfield)
Alex Lawless (Leyton Orient)
James Grimes (Macclesfield)
James Ball (Stevenage)
John Goddard (Aldershot)
Harry Palmer (Canvey Island)
Josh Umerah (Charlton)
Notable Outs
Michael Cheek
Chris Bush
Bagasan Graham
Jack Payne
Dean Rance
Corey Whiteley
Sam Magri
Danny Kedwell
Andy Drury
Ebbsfleet's list of departures this summer is seriously talented. So talented in fact, that you wonder how they failed to make the play offs last season. The answer is simple: financial difficulties. Problems behind the scenes saw Darryl McMahon depart midway through with relegation worries a distant possibility. Gary Hill was appointed and led the largely unpaid squad on a terrific run of form that saw them fall just short of the Play Offs. Michael Cheek, in particular, starred with 16 goals.
The ongoing financial difficulties have made Ebbsfleet one of the favourites for relegation in most people's eyes. Gary Hill has had to navigate the market very carefully to rebuild a squad that can compete at this level. Perhaps somewhat controversially, I think he has done an excellent job so far with this. Hill is the sort of manager you want when you are up against the odds. For years, he had Woking punching above their weight on a small budget. It is through these links where he has made two of his most impressive signings. Gozie Ugwu shone in his previous season under Gary Hill but his move to Chesterfield did not work out. Winger John Goddard also got his move to the Football League off the back of an outstanding season with Woking which saw him score 17 goals. Hill will back himself to get the best out of these two mercurial talents.
Elsewhere, the Fleet have moved for experience with veteran Alex Lawless bought to run the midfield and two James' - Grimes and Ball - also adding much needed Football League experience to the squad. Undoubtedly more signings will be added during the coming weeks but the small squad that has been assembled already looks competitive. It would be foolish to completely predict a plain sailing season for Ebbsfleet, but I am struggling to see them in genuine relegation danger with Gary Hill in charge and the signings they have made.
Prediction: Comfortably lower mid-table.
Stockport County
Ins
Alex Curran (Colne)
Ben Jackson (Huddersfield)
Notable Outs
Scott Duxbury
Matty Warburton
Darren Stephenson
Stockport holds special memories for me personally. As a Daggers supporter, our first ever Football League match was away the Hatters. I remember standing opposite a packed and noisy Cheadle End and thinking 'we've arrived'. Since then, I've always had a small soft spot for County and was saddened to see them stuck in the National League North for many years. Yet at last manager Jim Gannon, who led Stockport back in 2007 when they beat the Daggers that very day, led the club to a dramatic final day title victory last season. Talk about coming full circle!
Interestingly, Stockport have been one of the quietest clubs in the transfer market this summer. They have suffered two blows to their promotion winning squad with full back Scott Duxbury moving to Fylde and Matty Warburton being snapped up by Northampton. In particular, Warburton will be a massive loss as the attacking midfielder scored 27 goals last season in his way to being voted Hatters Player of the Season. So far, only young prospect Alex Curran arriving from the the Evo-Stik West Division and 18-year-old Ben Jackson arriving from Huddersfield have bolstered the ranks.
It may be that Gannon is assessing how his current crop of players cope with the transition to the fifth tier of English football before making his move for signings. Undoubtedly there be more additions, possibly on-loan, as the season progresses. As far as Stockport's chances go, it is unlikely that they will trouble the upper regions of the league. They will be happy with continuity and re-establishing themselves at this level which is most likely what they will achieve.
Prediction: No dramas. Mid table.
Play off contenders
Boreham Wood
Ins
Adam Mcdonnell (Aldershot)
Kabongo Tshimanga (Oxford City)
Piero Mingoia (Accrington)
Tyrone Marsh (Macclesfield)
Jordan Thompson (Coventry City)
Notable Outs
Bradley Ash
Manny Parry
A few weeks ago, I had Boreham Wood down as a real prospect for relegation. Luke Garrard's men suffered a real play off hangover last season and were largely saved by others failing miserably. That being said, they were victims of their own success with the dynamic front line of Morgan Ferrier, Bruno Andrade and Angelo Balanta being poached by other clubs. Wood struggled to replace these last summer with none of the front line managing to hit double figures. Justin Shaibu, on loan from Brentford, hit 9 goals whilst Bradley Ash disappointed with only a 5 goal return. Ralston Gabriel was signed mid-season and showed promise which could bode well for the season ahead.
In terms of signings, Luke Garrard has understood the need to reinvigorate his front line and has done so with the exciting signing of Kabongo Tshimanga. The Congolese striker has lit up the National League South for Oxford City and could well terrify defences this season. He is supported by the signing of Tyrone Marsh who won the National League with Macclesfield two seasons ago. The striker has a good record at this level and should help to strengthen the weak area of last season. However, the signing that really caught my eye was Piero Mingoia from Accrington Stanley. The little playmaker has enjoyed a decent career at Football League level, although possibly lost his way a tad last season. If he can refind the form from his first spell at Accrington, then Boreham Wood could well have made one of the best signings of the summer.
It's amazing what a few weeks can do. The Wood now look significantly stronger going forward whilst the foundations of their successful side from two years ago still remain. On paper, I'm edging towards Luke Garrard's men hovering around upper mid-table for most of the season but if their strike-force catches fire, it could be higher than that.
Prediction: Potential Play Off push. Gut feeling says they'll be around 7th - 10th. I think they may just miss out.
Bromley
In
Adrian Clifton (Maidenhead)
Michael Cheek (Ebbsfleet)
Joe Kizzi (Billericay)
Billy Bingham (Gillingham)
Chris Bush (Ebbsfleet)
Reeco Hackett Fairchild (Charlton)
Mark Cousins (Barnet)
Korey Henry (Yeovil)
Notable Outs
Roger Johnson
Frankie Sutherland
Richard Brindley
Joe Quigley
David Gregory
Omar Bugiel
Since rejoining the National League Premier in 2015, Bromley have been hovering. Just hovering. Never in any danger of relegation but no real chance of threatening the top seven. Their squad has always appeared to contain a mish mash of ultra experienced players on their very last legs and erratic talents. The end result being: you never knew which Bromley would turn up. Would it be the one that could play you off the park or the one that would surrender meekly for your most comfortable home win of the season?
After many years of 'sticking', this year it appears Bromley have 'twisted'. Straight out of the traps at the beginning of May, manager Neil Smith had confirmed Maidenhead talisman Adrian Clifton as his first signing of the summer. A few days later, Ebbsfleet top-scorer Michael Cheek had also been confirmed. Between them, the pair struck around 30 goals last season. A serious statement of intent. If that wasn't enough, ball-playing midfielder Billy Bingham was snapped up after his release from Gillingham. The ex Dagger has struggled with injuries over the last couple of years but will be one of the best midfielders in the division if he remains fit. Other signings such as Mark Cousins and Chris Bush are solid, experienced pros at this level whilst Reeco Hackett-Fairchild has the potential to flourish if given a run of games.
Elsewhere, Smith has acted to clear the deadwood from his squad as he attempts a play-off assault. The squad is talented but quite thin meaning that avoiding injuries to star players will be the priority. If Bromley can keep everybody fit, then there is no reason why they can't break the top seven this season.
Prediction: Anywhere between 6th and 9th. My gut feeling is they will miss out by the narrowest of margains.
Harrogate Town
In
Connor Hall (Brackley Town)
Scott Brown (Accrington)
Brendan Kiernan (Welling)
Will Smith (Barnsley)
Jon Stead (Notts County)
George Smith (Chesterfield)
Sam Jones (Cheltenham Town)
Out
Michael Woods
Dominic Knowles
Jordan Thewlis
Aaron Williams
With everybody's attention on Salford last season, Harrogate enjoy a hugely impressive first season in the National League Premier that crept a little under the radar. At one point, the North Yorkshire club were in contention for the title but just faded away slightly in the second half of the season. Harrogate will point to their defensive record as an area for improvement as they were only ranked 13th for goals conceded last season. The team did a good job of sharing the goals around however as they finished highest scorers in the division. Jack Muldoon and Mark Beck both hit double figures whilst defender Callum Howe was colossal from set pieces with 9 goals.
This summer, long-serving manager Simon Weaver appears to have made a number of impressive signings. Experienced midfielder Scott Brown, from Accrington, appears a massive coup as the 34-year-old made 29 appearances at League 1 level last season. Well travelled striker Jon Stead has also been signed up as an alternative target man to Mark Beck whilst former Grimsby striker Sam Jones has also signed to add more firepower.
Having spent a season becoming acquainted with the division, Harrogate will be expecting big things this season. They have not lost any of their better players and have strengthened, especially in the forward positions. If everything clicks, there is no reason why they might not find themselves in a battle for the title. There is this nagging feeling though that a few sides might be just a little bit stronger at the back than them. With this in mind, it could be more of the same for Harrogate this season. And honestly, that wouldn't be a failure by any means.
Prediction: Comfortably in the play offs.
Hartlepool
Ins
Nicke Kabamba (Havant & Waterlooville)
Ben Killip (Braintree)
Michael Raynes (Crewe)
Luke Molyneux (Sunderland)
Gime Toure (Sutton)
Gus Mafuta (Salford)
Jason Kennedy (Carlisle)
Notable Outs
Scott Loach
Jake Cassidy
Conor Newton
Will it be third time lucky for Hartlepool? Two mediocre seasons in the National League have come and gone with very little to show for their efforts. The club have already been through multiple managers since their relegation from the Football League but seem to have settled on Craig Hignett being the man to resurrect their fortunes. Early signs have been promising however. The club has made several strong summer signings in key positions, especially in midfield. Experienced Jason Kennedy has joined from Carlisle after many years of patrolling Rochdale's central area. Gus Mafuta, who is also partial to a tackle or two, has also signed from Salford. Both join arguably Hartlepool's best player in Liam Noble to form what looks like a much more competitive central area.
The Pools have also looked to strengthen up front; an essential area really given that midfielder Liam Noble was the only player to hit double figures last season. Nicke Kabamba, who had a successful loan spell of 7 goals during the second half of the season, has signed alongside Gime Toure. The Sutton man is physically imposing but needs to improve his goal haul somewhat. One disappointment however was the departure of well-know goalkeeper Scott Loach. Nevertheless, the club moved quickly to secure impressive Braintree stopper Ben Killip. Experienced centre back Michael Raynes has also joined to bolster the back line.
It has to be said that Hignett has put together a much more competitive looking squad together. In truth, he had little other choice considering Pools had that awful combination of being leaky and struggling to score last season. Hignett himself is renowned for attacking football that brings goals....at both ends. Over the course of the season, it is vital that he strikes a balance or else it may be another season of frustration for Hartlepool supporters. At the very least, it should be a more entertaining watch than in recent years.
Prediction: On the right track with their signings. A better season with a top 7 push should be their minimum.
Torquay United
Ins
Lucas Covolan Cavagnari (Worthing)
Armani Little (Oxford)
Manny Duku (Cheltenham)
Jake Andrews (Bristol City)
Frank Vincent (Bournemouth)
Notable Outs
Sometimes football has to be cruel to be kind. After what seemed like an eternity, Torquay were finally put out of their misery at the end of the 2017-18 season as they were relegated to the National League South. The club had been treading water for some time and repeatedly making the same mistakes. Although relegation was heartbreaking, it allowed some breathing space to rebuild in an easier division.
After a poor start to last season, Gary Owers was sacked and the Gulls managed to pull off a coup in securing the services of Gary Johnson. Johnson recruited well and the team romped to the title by 10 points. One player who stood out was striker Jamie Reid who struck 29 goals in the promotion winning campaign. Johnson appeared to bring the best out of the striker who had previously not been anywhere near as prolific at National League Premier level. Now aged 25, many are expecting Reid to be a real danger man in the division next season. One player he will have to do without is his former strike partner Saikou Janneh who hit 17 goals of his own during a successful loan spell. The Bristol City striker looks set to remain at Ashton Gate meaning that Johnson has had to recruit elsewhere. Step forward Manny Duku. Johnson signed the Dutch striker in his final season as Cheltenham boss although he was sacked shortly afterwards. It never really happened for Duku at Whaddon Road but there is potential for a real potent partnership with Reid at Plainmoor.
Elsewhere, free-kick whizz Armani Little has also signed after a successful loan spell at promotion rivals Woking last season. The midfielder has penned a deal along with other youngsters Jake Andrews and Frank Vincent. It appears as if Johnson is going to largely stick with the squad that got him here whilst adding a few inexperienced but technically gifted players to the ranks. Personally, I think Gary Johnson is one of the best managers in the divisions. Promotions with Bristol City, Yeovil, Cheltenham and now Torquay shows that he is not a flash in the pan. Despite entering the twilight of his career, I think he has one last hurrah left in him. A lot of supporters will be expecting Torquay to settle into mid table but with the majority of the squad already being attuned to Johnson's ways and a few exciting signings adding a freshness to the camp; why can't they be the team to cause a surprise?
Prediction: Going to take a punt here. I think they'll gatecrash the top 7.
Title chasers
AFC Fylde
Ins
Kyle Jameson (West Brom)
Scott Duxbury (Stockport)
Matty Kosylo (Halifax)
Jordan Williams (Rochdale)
Kurt Willoughby (FC United)
Mark Yeates (Eastleigh)
Alex Whitmore (Grimsby)
James Montgomery (Forest Green)
James Craigen (Dunfermline)
Notable Outs
Serhat Tasdemir
Tom Brewett
James Hardy
Jordan Tunnicliffe
Zaine Francis Angol
Last season's play off finalists
Highly rated Forest Green goalkeeper James Montgomery has been signed to replace the out of contract Jay Lynch whilst Kyle Jameson, Scott Duxbury and Jordan Williams come in to add some steel as Jordan Tunnicliffe and Zaine Francis-Angol depart to the Football League. It is their ability to replace those who are leaving with little fuss which has made people sit up and take notice of Fylde this summer. They will hope that the new signings in creative areas will help to convert some of them 15 draws last season into victories this time out. Dave Challinor has been with the club for 8 years now and has also shown an ability to adapt with whatever new division the Coasters find themselves in with three promotions during that time.
The signs are good for AFC Fylde. A strong squad, a successful manager and a recent history of always being involved in the promotion picture. One does have to wonder however what would happen if Rowe were to get a long-term injury. Would Fylde be able to cope in his absence? Would other players be able to step up and take on the responsibility he carries? Such small details could be the difference between a team that gets in the play offs and a team that reaches the Football League.
Prediction: They have the strongest squad. Barring misfortune, they look like the Champions.
Chesterfield
Ins
Haydn Hollis (Forest Green)
Liam Mandeville (Doncaster)
Luke Coddington (Northampton)
David Buchanan (Northampton)
Anthony Gerrard (Carlisle)
Josef Yarney (Newcastle)
Jack Mckay (Cardiff)
Anthony Spyrou (Norwich)
Notable Outs
Drew Talbot
Sam Muggleton
Jerome Binnom-Williams
Marc Antoine-Fortune
Joe Anyon
Gozie Ugwu
Kyel Reid
George Smith
Callum Burton
Charlie Carter
Lee Shaw
Chesterfield fans will want to wipe the 2018/19 season from their memory. Martin Allen was meant to be the man to lead them back to the Football League but he only succeeded in leading them to a world record of 482 consecutive draws... The football wasn't too pretty either with the lump it to Denton plan A, B and C becoming incredibly tiresome to watch. A change was needed and the one positive to come from last season would have been the return of John Sheridan. Like good managers tend to do, the results immediately took an upward turn to give much cause to optimism for the new season.
Sheridan has acted over the summer to clear out the deadwood. Flops such as Marc Antoine-Fortune, Kyel Reid and Jerome 'bin him' Williams left as part of the large rebuilding process. Luke Coddington has joined with a view of challenging Shwan Jalal for the number one shirt. However, Sheridan's best signing may well have come last season. Poaching Scott Boden from financially troubled Gateshead looks to be a masterstroke with the striker scoring 10 goals in his 15 appearances during the second half of last season. With new exciting forward Liam Mandeville likely playing the number 10 role behind Boden, it is unlikely that the Spireites will be short of goals. Despite signing young Norwich striker Anthony Spyrou, Sheridan has commented on wanting one more forward. It is clear that he wants the utmost competition in this area.
The manager has also acted in bringing in players of vast experience for his backline. Northampton stalwart David Buchanan arrives to command the left back position whilst Anthony Gerrard, of Cardiff fame, also arrives to beef up the centre back area. Centre back Haydn Hollis from Forest Green also looks a strong signing at this level. With Sheridan previously mentioning how last year's team lacked character, it is clear that he has moved to address this with big personalities.
So how will they do? There is a distinct similarity to the way Leyton Orient and Luton both won the National League Premier in that they both had poor seasons, appointed a strong manager for this level and stormed to the title in the following season. It's not a given that Chesterfield will do the same but it's hard to say that they won't. Even though their squad looks one or two players short, there is plenty of time to rectify that and the current squad is certainly strong enough to get the Spireites off to a reasonable start. Being one of the biggest names of the division will also go some way in attracting quality as the season advances and this could be the difference in winning a league and finishing a few places lower in the play offs.
Prediction: Biggest contenders to Fylde for the title. They will go close.
Solihull Moors
Ins
Paul McCallum (Eastleigh)
Mitch Hancox (MK Dons)
Notable Outs
Adi Yussuf (Blackpool)
Jermaine Hylton (Motherwell)
Hands up if you predicted Solihull Moors to be in the title picture on the final day of last season! Nobody? The Moors gave everybody a timely reminder last season that no matter who you are, if you get it right, then you can finish anywhere in this division. The departure of Mark Yates before the season started looked like a blow but turned into a blessing in disguise as former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers took on the role.
With strong financial backing, Flowers built a physically imposing team with three centre backs and a front two of either man mountain Nathan Blissett or experienced goalscorer Danny Wright which was supplemented with the pace of either Jermaine Hylton or Adi Yussuf. The latter two both hit double figures last season but, in a big blow, have both moved on to new clubs. The Moors immediately looked to solve this problem with a statement of intent by signing last season's 2nd top scorer Paul McCallum. Can the ex Eastleigh man repeat his 25 goal season for the Moors? If he does, they will certainly be up there challenging again.
The only other signing so far has been midfielder Mitch Hancox who was part of Macclesfield's title winning team. The focus appears to be on continuity for Flowers although he will have to guard against other teams working out a successful strategy against their direct approach. Although McCallum is a significant buy, other teams around them have actively looked to strengthen and it remains to be seen whether Moors have stood still as opposed to building on what turned them into challengers in the first place.
Prediction: A decent season although I don't think they'll hit the heights of last year. Should secure a play off place with this squad.
Wrexham
Ins
Leighton McIntosh (Airdrieonians)
Devonte Redmond (Salford)
JJ Hooper (Grimsby)
Mark Harris (Cardiff)
Adam Barton (Dundee United)
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (Chelmsford City)
David Szczepaniak (Morecambe)
Michael Chambers (Dulwich Hamlet)
Notable Outs
Chris Holroyd
Nicky Deverdics
Kemy Agustien
Kieran Kennedy
Poor Wrexham! If it's not their form falling away in the second half of the season, it's a successful manager being poached mid-season. Sam Ricketts had The Red Dragons competing at the very top for the title but was lured away to Shrewsbury in December. The club admittedly made a mistake in hiring Graham Barrow before Bryan Hughes arrived to steer the club into the play offs. Bizarrely, last season represented the first time in six attempts that the team actually made the end of season play offs. Although the season ended in disappointment, people within the club should have been considering how to build from this stepping stone. Summer signings appear to suggest that they have.
With a rock solid defence, it was clear for all to see that Wrexham needed to invest in their creative areas and their front line. Supporters will be hoping that JJ Hooper can bring his scoring touch to the Racecourse Ground after the former Grimsby man hit 14 in 22 appearances for Bromley last season. Cardiff youngster Mark Harris and Leighton Mcintosh, who had a good record at Airdrieonians, complete a new look front line. Elsewhere, Devonte Redmond has arrived from Salford to add some stature to the midfield. However, the club may be on the look out for more centre back following Kieran Kennedy's departure to Port Vale.
Signings aside, the big question mark is over the manager. Is Bryan Hughes capable of managing a team to the title? Will the Wrexham board be satisfied if Hughes is in the running for a play off spot but off the pace for automatic promotion? Will Hughes attract interest from Football League clubs if Wrexham are flying in the league? These questions, and more, largely sum up why the Red Dragons have been stuck in this division for over 10 years. If Wrexham are to go up this season, then it's clear that, as usual, they'll have to overcome a lot of obstacles along the way.
Prediction: The same old story. Close but no cigar.
Predicted League Table
(because I love looking a fool come May...)
1) AFC Fylde
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2) Chesterfield
3) Wrexham
4) Harrogate
5) Solihull Moors
6) Hartlepool Town
7) Torquay United
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8) Bromley
9) Boreham Wood
10) Dover
11) Barnet
12) Dagenham and Redbridge
13) Barrow
14) Yeovil Town
15) Ebbsfleet
16) Stockport County
17) Eastleigh
18) Notts County
19) Chorley
20) Maidenhead
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21) Woking
22) Aldershot Town
23) Sutton
24) Halifax Town
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