The Vanarama National League 2020/21 Preview

6 long, long, long months. And at last, the National League is back...but not quite as we know it. 

Firstly, barring a miracle, the season will contain 23 sides fighting it out following Macclesfield's suspension from the league after being wound up in court. With the National League's swift decision making apparent in all it's glory, Macclesfield's expulsion will come into effect from October 12th meaning that their first three games have been postponed/cancelled. 

Secondly, due to it apparently being safer in an indoor pub than an outdoor terrace... supporters will not be able to watch their sides in the flesh for the foreseeable future. As clubs have been granted permission to set up streaming services, fans will be able to watch their team from the comfort of their own homes...or them much, much safer pubs/clubhouses that I previously mentioned. 

Finally, we welcome a few new names into the division. With Stevenage getting a reprieve despite one of the worst survival attempts in the history of League Two, there are no new names dropping down from above. Nevertheless, the elite mix of Wealdstone FC, Weymouth FC, King's Lynn Town and Altrincham FC join the merry band of mediocrity all looking to gain promotion to the cherished Football League. 

Enjoy the ride everybody. Football is back. And by god, we've missed it! 

If you like what you read, follow me on twitter @leewilsondrfc for regular non-league content. 

Fighting relegation

Aldershot Town

Ins
Jamie-Sendles White (Crawley)

Joel Nouble (Concord) 

Josh Rees (Bromley)

Chike Kandi (Daggers)

Ross McCormack (Unattached)

Toby Edser (Woking)

Killian Colombie (Unattached)

Notable Outs
Dean Rance 

Robbie Tinkler 

Ethan Chislett 

Potential Line up

Brief: It looks like another tough season in the pipeline for Aldershot. Danny Searle did well to keep the Shots out of the relegation zone last season (albeit they were nervously glancing over their shoulders when the season ended prematurely. Losing first choice left-back Lewis Kinsella to a long term injury along with Ethan Chislett's goals from midfield after a permanent move to AFC Wimbledon is a real blow, especially when you consider the Shots had the lowest tally of goals from strikers in the division last season. Ross McCormack signing will either be a masterstroke or a waste of wages. If it's the latter, the Shots will have to hope that Josh Rees can rekindle his goal-scoring form from a few years ago or that Chike Kandi can hit double figures from the wide areas. 

Prediction: Another season hovering amongst the bottom 8-10 looks likely. Danny Searle has carved out a reputation as a good non-league manager and with a few other sides on shaky ground, you'd imagine that Aldershot will have enough to secure their spot in the division once again. 


Altrincham FC

Ins

Ritchie Sutton (Morecambe)

Yusifu Ceesay (Blackpool)

Matthew Gould (Spennymoor Town)

Matty Kosylo (AFC Fylde)

Max Clayton (Free agent)

Outs

James Jones

Max Harrop

James Hooper

Steven Drench

Craig Mahon

Lewis Walters

Elliott Durrell

Potential line up 

Brief: Two promotions in three seasons sees Altrincham back in the National League for the first time in six years. Phil Parkinson has done a terrific job in revitalising the club and had made some astute looking signings during pre-season. Ritchie Sutton brings experience to the defence whilst Matty Kosylo may just re-find his Halifax form on the left wing under the stability of a tight knit squad. For the majority of the squad though, this will be their first real crack at National League football and it remains to be seen if the likes of Jordan Hulme and Josh Hancock can continue to be as prolific at a higher level. As the likes of Chorley found out last season, the National League is tough with the amount of full time sides now in the division and Altrincham may need to add further to their squad in order to survive a gruelling season. 

Prediction: Altrincham have staged a remarkable turnaround to make it back to the National League from where they were. On paper, they have one of the weaker looking squads containing a few wildcards. The likes of Max Clayton and Matty Koslyo will likely have to find close to their best form to drag Altrincham to safety over a long season. 

Barnet

Ins
Ben Nugent (Stevenage)

Tyrone Duffus (Warrington Town)

JJ Hooper (Wrexham)

Eliot Richards (Merthyr Town)

Alex McQueen (Dag & Red)

Jerome Binnom Williams (Halifax)

Matt Preston (Mansfield Town)

Dwight Pascal (Potters Bar Town)

Notable Outs
Dan Sweeney

Cheye Alexander

Callum Reynolds

Dan Sparkes

Elliott Johnson

Ricardo Santos

David Tutonda 

Charlee Adams

Simeon Akinola

Mauro Vilhete 

Medy Elito

Shaquile Coulthrist 

Potential line up: 

Build up: All change at the Hive this season as manager Darren Currie decided to leave the club after steering them to the Play Off positions. Currie is no fool and knows that he has probably achieved the maximum available with a vast number of last season's squad out of contract and budget cuts abound. Ex Hereford manager Peter Beadle has been hired in a somewhat surprising move. Beadle has been out of work for a few seasons and has no experience of managing a club this high up the footballing pyramid. With an exodus of key players including Shaquille Coulthirst, Simeon Akinola, Cheye Alexander and Dan Sweeney just to name a few, Beadle's recruitment has looked cheap in comparison. Alex McQueen and Jerome Binnom Williams have both never fully convinced at this level but have been brought in to add dynamism to the full back areas. Eliot Richards and Tyrone Duffus have both been managed by Beadle before whilst JJ Hooper could be a useful acquisition if he refinds his goal-scoring form from Bromley. Altogether though, Barnet look a mish mash of the remaining contracted players and cheap buys to patch up the squad. It's a recipe that never tends to end well and it is hard to see Barnet equalling or bettering their efforts from last season. 

Prediction: It looks like being a very long season for Barnet. The squad that is left is a pale shadow of it's former self and the manager is untested at this level. What is also striking is the air of negativity that has been around the club for a few seasons. It feels like something has to change at Barnet or else they are only going to head in one direction. This could be the season where an unthinkable relegation to the National League South becomes a reality.

Chesterfield

Ins
Nathan Tyson (Notts County)

Milan Butterfield (Kidderminster)

Jordan Cropper (Burnley)

Kyle Letheren (Salford)

Notable Outs
Shwan Jalal

Lee Shaw

Michael Fondop

Sam Wedgebury

Robbie Weir

Jay Sheridan

Charlie Wakefield

Levi Amantchi

Jack Holmes

Potential line up

Brief: Chesterfield's second season back in the National League was nothing short of a disaster. Pre-season favourites, John Sheridan got it completely wrong and was dismissed in January with the club staring into the abyss. John Pemberton managed to narrowly pull the Spireites to safety with a rebuilding job needed. However, this much needed squad revamp has failed to materialise with several of the deadwood leaving but very few coming in. Nathan Tyson is the biggest name to arrive but at the age of 38 - it is worrying that a lot of Chesterfield's hopes have been pinned on him. Possibly more worrying is that the issues in the centre of defence have not been addressed with the likes of Will Evans and Haydn Hollis remaining despite unconvincing performances last season. On name alone, the natural urge is to push Chesterfield higher up the league placings but it is very hard to justify such a rise with a squad so devoid of solidity, creativity or goals. Another season of struggle awaits. 

Prediction: Make no mistake, Chesterfield are in for another battle at the wrong end of the table. A poor pre-season with largely the same players who have already failed collectively at this level only spells trouble. They do have a fighting shot at survival simply as I think they will be forced to add more to this squad once the initial results do not arrive.

Dover

Ins
Josh Bexon (Southend)

Louis Collins (Sevenoaks)

TJ Bramble (Gillingham)

Sam Wood (Bromley)

Akheem Rose (Grimsby)

Travis Gregory (Leatherhead)

Notable Outs
Kevin Lokko
Inih Effiong

Anthony Jeffrey

Ricky Modeste

Jai Reason

Ade Yusuff

Lee Worgan
Nassim L'Ghoul

Bobby Joe Taylor

Michael Woods

Potential line up

Brief: Of all the National League clubs affected by the current pandemic, it is fair to say that Dover have probably been the worst hit. Chairman Jim Parmenter had to put the entire squad on the transfer list after players rejected a 20% pay cut with fears that the club may follow the same path as Macclesfield and be forced to wind up. As it is, the outgoings of players such as Inih Effiong, Kevin Lokko and Nassim L'Ghoul have helped proceedings although money is still very tight down at the Crabble. Manager Andy Hessenthalar has put a brave face on and carried on in business as usual fashion. However, the quality of incomings has made it clear to see that Dover will most certainly be competing at the wrong end of the division this season. The team will certainly require Steven Rigg to find his goal-scoring boots at the club's senior striker and will also need the likes of Jack Munns and Oscar Gobern to perform above and beyond the norm. Regardless of where they finish though, if Dover still have a football club come the end of the season, that will be a success in itself.  

Prediction: The favourites to be relegated. Andy Hessenthaler will deserve the freedom of Dover if he manages to keep them up with their current squad. It does sound depressingly bad for Dover from a financial perspective and it is likely that only cheap free transfers or loan signings will be able to be made throughout the season to cover an already thin squad. It is very difficult to see how they can possibly avoid the drop. 

Weymouth

Ins

Josh Leslie-Smith (Poole Town)

Jack Dickson (Poole Town)

Cody Cooke (St Mirren)

Myles Anderson (Hartlepool)

Alefe Santos (Aldershot)

Brennan Camp (Bournemouth - loan)

Jack Bycroft (Southampton - loan)

Sam Pearson (Bristol City - loan)

Outs

Brett Williams

Abdulai Bell-Baggie

Stephane Zubar

Ashley Wells

Potential line up:

Brief: After eleven years away from the National League, Weymouth made a dramatic return to the 5th tier following a penalty shoot out Play Off final victory over Dartford. Promotion was a just reward following a successful season with former AFC Bournemouth player Mark Molesley as manager. In a pre-season blow, Molesley left the club to join League Two Southend United. The Terras then swiftly appointed another ex Bournemouth player with Brian Stock undertaking his first management role. Stock has a big job on his hands this season as Weymouth will be one of the favourites to be relegated. Cody Cooke has been signed to spearhead the front line whilst experienced defender Myles Anderson has also joined. A lot of pressure will full on the shoulders of those who have prior National League experience such as Josh McQuoid, Josh Wakefield and Ollie Harfield. The side do appear to lack goals though as Cooke and McQuoid's most recent records leave a lot to be desired. It may be that Stock has to use his local connections, like Molesley did, to source some of the better up and coming young players from larger clubs in the area on loan. 

Prediction: Weymouth will be up against it in the National League. The differences from the National League South are evident with a majority of full time clubs and players of a greater athleticism/skillset. They will look to surprise a few and will make a fight of it but realistically I find it difficult to see them staying up going by their current squad. 

Woking FC

Ins
John Goddard (Aldershot)

Connor Hall (Bolton)

Charlie Cooper (Halifax)

Tommy Block (Hibernian)

Joe Leslie (Stevenage)

Sam Cartwright (Peterborough - loan)

Notable Outs
Manny Parry 

Shaun Donnellan 

Godfrey Poku 

Moussa Diarra 

Jake Hyde

Joe Leslie (Leatherhead - loan)

Potential line up

Brief: It has been a difficult looking summer for Woking. Alan Dowson worked wonders last season with a sustained Play Off push before his side just faded in the second half of the season. Hopes of building on a promising first season back in the National League look to have faded however with the loss of towering centre backs Moussa Diarra and Manny Parry along with the team's top goalscorer in Jake Hyde. In particular, the loss of Diarra and Parry is a huge blow with the defenders well equipped to deal with the large variety of sides who look to go long. A double leg fracture to remaining senior centre back Ben Gerring has left the Cards looking very short in defence. Hyde's departure has seen Connor Hall brought in from Bolton after a promising loan spell at Chorley towards the back end of last season. Replacing Hyde's knowhow and ability to score crucial goals will be very tough however and there is a feeling that the club will need further reinforcements in this area. The experienced Dowson will undoubtedly have a few names in his contact book if Woking need to add greater strength in depth. 

Prediction: This looks like being a much tougher season for Woking. Any side who loses two dominant centre halves and their main source of goals would struggle to replace them. Fortunately, Woking have a good manager who has worked the loan market well in the past. It may be a struggle at times, but I back Woking to not be amongst the three worst sides over a full season. 

Lower mid-table 

Maidenhead United

In
Josh Coley (Norwich)

Danilo Orsi-Dadomo (Hampton and Richmond)

Manny Parry (Woking)

Shaun Donnellan (Woking)

Nathan Blissett (Solihull Moors)

Dan Sparkes (Barnet)

George Wells (Slough)

Taye Ashby Hammond (Fulham)

Jerry Wiltshire (Des Moines Menace)

Sam Barratt (Southend)

Notable Outs
Chris Dunn

Joe Ellul

Freddie Grant

James Akintunde

Shamir Fenelon

Danny Whitehall

Aron Davies

Rene Steer

Potential line up 

Brief: By the barest of margains, Maidenhead survived relegation last season on points per game from Ebbsfleet. Nevertheless, the season would have served as a wake up call to Alan Devonshire as has it not been for Bury's expulsion, the Magpies would have gone down as the 4th bottom side. Out has gone the deadwood, including James Akintunde and Shamir Fenelon who both failed in front of goal far too often. Devonshire has acted decisively this transfer window with a number of impressive looking early signings. Acquiring Manny Parry from Woking is somewhat of a coup as the towering centre back will perfectly suit the manager's head it, kick it defensive approach. Up the other end, Nathan Blissett is as stereotypical a National League target man as they get and will be perfect foil for the nippy Orsi- Dadomo or Josh Kelly alongside him. Dan Sparkes and Sam Barrett will both added a quality delivery from the wide areas whilst Shaun Donnellan is a workmanlike midfielder stroke defender. Whisper it quietly but Maidenhead look quite good...on paper. 

Prediction: As usual, Maidenhead are largely reliant on their first team due to a lack of depth in their squad. However, this first XI looks far stronger than what Devonshire has been able to field over the last season or two. The 4-4-2 will be defensively tight as always but the attacking quartet of Blissett, Dadomo-Orsi, Barrett and Kelly has goals in it. Back Maidenhead to be comfortable this season. 

Sutton United

In
Dean Bouzanis (Melbourne City)

Tobi Sho-Silva (Halifax)

Notable Outs
Jamie Butler

Aaron Jarvis

Tom Bolarinwa

Kyel Reid

Potential Line up

Brief: Last season, Sutton were one of the sides that I thought may struggle. A long term manager leaving along with several big personalities from the playing staff looked to be a recipe for disaster. However, Matt Gray did an impressive job of leading Sutton to a comfortable mid table position by the time the season was curtailed. Gray will have his work cut out to push on this season though with limited investment. Harry Beautyman's goals from midfield will be key again whilst new signing Tobi Sho-Silva will be expected to help release the burden on the 12 goal man. It is likely that Gray will have to work the loan market during the season to help pad out a thin looking squad. These incomings will be key with many games coming in a short space of time. 

Prediction: A small squad and lack of new signings will probably check any substantial progress for Sutton this season. The first team looks solid and much will depend on whether or they are hit by injuries. Providing luck does not desert them, another lower mid table finish should be on the cards. 

Wealdstone

Ins

Dan Wishart (Maidstone)

Charlee Hughes (Maldon & Tiptree)

Danny Parish (Maldon & Tiptree)

Jack Cawley (Concord)

Harry Isted (Luton - loan)

Jay Williams (Northampton)

Jorome Slew (Maldon & Tiptree)

Adel Gafaiti (Truro City)

Outs

Billy Clifford

Jake Shepherd

Potential line up

Brief: It's been a while since Wealdstone have played in the top division of non-league football but the Stones will deservedly take their place in the fifth tier for this season. Dean Brennan's side were free-scoring last time out with multiple players contributing to the goal tally. Ross Laffayette led the scoring charts with 12 goals but the veteran striker looks set to lose his starting spot to the physical Moses Emmanuel who scored a hatful of goals for Brennan previously at Billericay. Alternatively, Brennan may turn to one of the three Maldon & Tiptree forward players following their dominance in step 4 last season. Furthermore, impressive young stars Dennon Lewis and right back Michee Efete, who scored 11 and 7 times respectfully last season, looked set to leave for the Football League during the summer but retaining both is a huge boost to their survival prospects. Brennan's boys will start the season as one of the favourites for the drop but don't bet against them beating the odds to beat the drop with a tight knit collective team effort. 

Prediction: Wealdstone have a small compact squad which may struggle at times during the congested season. However, with only 3 relegation spots up for grabs and the forward options at their disposal, they should have enough talent and comradery in their side to stay clear of those who will struggle. 

Upper mid-table 

FC Halifax Town

Ins

Jake Hyde (Woking)

Matt Stenson (Solihull)

Martin Woods (Free agent)

Kieran Green (York)

Luke Summerfield (Wrexham)

Reuben Noble Lazarus (Golcar United)

Jack Senior (Gloucester City)

Tom Bradbury (Yeovil)

Dom Tear (Huddersfield)

Neill Byrne (AFC Fylde)

Notable Outs
Will Appleyard

Jerome Binnam Williams

Liam Nolan

Josh McDonald

Jack Redshaw

Michael Duckworth

Tobi-Sho Silva

Charlie Cooper

Josh Staunton

Cameron King

Matty Brown

Potential line up

Brief: The shock side of last season. With a turmultuous pre-season which saw Jamie Day leave, Pete Wild join and a whole host of players signed on the quick, Halifax's fast start was enough to see them hang on to a Play Off spot as the season was curtailed early. More of the same would be very welcome for the Shaymen although realistically it will be hard to replicate the same success this season. Liam McAlinden hit double figures before leaving the side in January whilst Devante Rodney's loan spell where he hit 5 in 9 games was not able to be made permanent. Cameron King, who score aplenty early on in the season, also left during the summer. Finding goals has been Pete Wild's job this summer and he has recruited Jake Hyde and Matty Stenson to do the job. The latter suffered a torn hamstring in pre-season and will miss the opening few months of the season. Hyde traditionally has tended to scored well at southern based sides but struggled when moving further north. Halifax fans will be hoping that this pattern does not continue. Defensively, the setup looks solid with Neill Byrne and Tom Bradbury joining veteran Nathan Clarke whilst the experienced Luke Summerfield and Martin Woods will add knowledge to the midfield. Overall, Halifax look solid if unspectacular, which is fine, however don't expect the shock success of last season to repeat itself. 

Prediction: Last year's surprise package will be hoping for further success although it will be hard for them to replicate their gritty approach which saw them snatch a Play Off spot. A mid table position is more likely although they will have to be wary of falling further down the table if the strikers do not fire. 

Hartlepool

Ins

Mark Shelton (Salford)

Timi Odusina (Norwich)

Gary Liddle (Walsall)

Rhys Oates (Morecambe)

Josh McDonald (Halifax)

Claudio Ofosu (Royston Town)

Mason Bloomfield (Norwich)

David Ferguson (York)

Tom Crawford (Notts County)

David Parkhouse (Sheffield United - loan)

Ryan Johnson (Kidderminster)

Notable Outs
Luke James

Mark Kitching

Myles Anderson

Fraser Kerr

Michael Raynes

Niko Muir

Jason Kennedy

Gime Toure

Gus Mafuta

Dimitrios Konstantopoulos

Potential line up 

Brief: Another year and another season of hope for Hartlepool fans. Following what seemed like a endless spiral of ex Middlesbrough players taking charge and failing, former Fylde manager Dave Challinor was appointed back in November 2019. Despite a very disappointing end at Fylde, Challinor does contain the credentials that the North East based side should be looking for if they wish to return to the Football League. The rebuilding job has seen a whole host of players depart with some exciting younger faces added. In particular, the offensive positions have a more youthful feel to them with Luke Molyneux, Claudio Ofosu, Mason Bloomfield, David Parkhouse, Mark Shelton and Tom Crawford all under the age of 25. This is certainly how a club like Hartlepool should be looking to operate with players that have a higher developmental ceiling who may make the club a fair sum in the future after potentially creating success on the pitch. The side does feel a little unfinished at present though with a right back desperately needed and potentially a more commanding goalkeeper required down the line. Maybe in a year or so, this will be a squad that can really have a go at promotion. 

Prediction: It is hard to see anything other than much of the same for Hartlepool. Like a few other sides in the league, it is hard to completely revolutionise a squad over one summer considering the mediocrity that came before it. Whilst a younger players with potential have been added, the Monkey Hangers do look to lack that dominant striker who can lead the line and score on a regular basis. A season of comfort with not too much excitement awaits. 

King's Lynn

Ins

Jamar Loza (Chelmsford)

Archie Mair (Loan - Norwich)

Tai Fleming (Yeovil)

Simon Power (Loan - Norwich)

Cameron King (Halifax Town)

Outs

Ryan Fryatt

Nathan Fox

Tom Ward

Chris Henderson

Potential Line up

Brief: Ian Culverhouse worked wonders last season with National League North winners King's Lynn. A joy to watch: Lynn were ruthless in attack with Adam Marriott scoring 28 league goals prior to the league shutting down in March. The Linnets did suffer a blow during their pre-season preparations with goal-scoring midfielder Chris Henderson departing for personal reasons. It will be up to the newly signed Cameron King from Halifax to pick up Henderson's goals from midfield. Last season, Culverhouse played a front two of the physical Michael Gash alongside the prolific Marriott. With Gash now 34 and spending pre-season injured, it will be interesting to see whether Culverhouse sticks with a strike partnership thus leading to a more open midfield; or whether he will revert to a more pragmatic system that packs the midfield. Jamar Loza and the returning Simon Power will look to provide the flair - most likely from the wide areas whilst personally I am curious to see Ryan Jarvis reinvented as a holding midfielder. One thing for sure is that Culverhouse has always had a reputation for being a fantastic coach and his side will approach this season with a clear identity. 

Prediction: King's Lynn are the unknown quantity of the league. Free scoring last season, it remains to be seen whether or not they will go into this season with such an open approach. Whilst at times a soft centre may be more severely punished, Lynn do have proven goal-scorers which will at least fire them to safety and potentially further if they are fortunate on the injury front.

Torquay United

Ins
Danny Wright (Solihull)

Andrew Nelson (Dundee)

Gary Warren (Exeter City)

Frazer Kerr (Hartlepool)

Connor Lemonhaigh-Evans (Bristol City)

Dean Moxey (Exeter)

Josh Umerah (Ebbsfleet)

Gary Warren (Exeter)

Notable Outs
Ryan Dickson

Josh Baxter

Jared Lewington

Jamie Reid

Potential line up

Brief: Consolidation was the name of the game for Torquay in their first season back in the National League. At one point, a play off charge did look possible but an array of injuries checked their progress and ensured a mid table finish for the Gulls. Over the summer, goal machine Jamie Reid departed for Mansfield thus leaving a huge hole in the side's attack. Such a situation normally goes one of two ways: the team loses it's reliance on the player and collectively score more or the team struggle to replace the player's goals and plummet down the league. Gary Johnson has brought in Josh Umerah, Andrew Nelson and Danny Wright; all of which appear relatively canny signings with different skillsets. Experienced organiser Gary Warren has returned at the heart of the defence whilst equally experienced Dean Moxey could be a shrewd acquisition down the left side. Importantly, the club has retained Player of the Year Ben Whitfield and the very talented ball player Aaron Nemane. On the face of it, Torquay will not struggle to score again this season but the big question will be whether they can be tighter at the other end?

Prediction: Losing Jamie Reid's goals is a blow but Gary Johnson has acted decisively to replace these with four genuine forward options now at the club. There is that beautiful blend of talent and experience in the squad with the likes of Ben Whitfield, Aaron Nemane, Olaf Koszela and Armani Little able to find a different gear along with the knowhow of Dean Moxey, Gary Warren and Danny Wright. If they get a bit of luck, I think this Torquay side could sneak into the top seven. I just think there are a few other sides, who over a long season, may edge them out. 

Play off contenders

Bromley

In
Liam Trotter (Orange County FC)

Kory Roberts (Walsall)

James Alabi (Leyton Orient)

Byron Webster (Carlisle)

Harry Forster (Watford - loan)

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild (Portsmouth - loan)

Notable Outs
Sam Wood

Jordan Higg

Dave Winfield

Adam Mekki

Andre Coker

Jake Goodman

Josh Rees

Ryan Huddart

Adrian Clifton

Potential line up

Brief: One man who will be delighted that last season ended early is Bromley manager Neil Smith. After being in the top three for the opening 3-4 months, the wheels came off after Christmas with the side plummeting out of the play offs eventually finishing 13th in the division. It is fair to say that, had the season been completed in it's entirety, Smith's position may well have been called into question more than it has been. The club have looked to trim the squad over the summer with several fringe players moving on. The incomings have been interesting with Byron Webster and Liam Trotter bringing a whole wealth of Football League experience with them. The ace in the pack might well be acquiring former striker Reeco Hackett-Fairchild on loan. The club's form plummeted following his move to Portsmouth last season and reacquainting him up front with Michael Cheek might just be the tonic Bromley need.  

Prediction: Bromley's first eleven should be more than a match for anybody in the division. There are concerns over whether there is enough strength in depth and also whether the manager has the capabilities to take a side further up the league pyramid than he has before. Bromley will likely be hovering around the border of the play offs. 

Dagenham & Redbridge

In
George Saunders (AFC Hornchurch)

Dean Rance (Aldershot)

Callum Reynolds (Barnet)

Paul McCallum (Solihull Moors)

Elliott Johnson (Barnet)

Darren McQueen (Dartford)

Kai Brown (Ipswich - loan)

Bailey Clements (Ipswich - loan)

Adrian Clifton (Bromley)

Notable Outs
Bagasan Graham

Chike Kandi

Alex McQueen

Harold Odametey

Will Wood

Gabby Zakuani 

Manny Onariase 

Liam Gordon 

James Dobson

Potential line up

Brief: Another summer of change for Dagenham & Redbridge. The worries of last summer were confirmed with manager Peter Taylor's pre-season recruitment not holding up to the demands of National League football. With the side in danger of relegation, Darryl McMahon was able to steady the ship before moulding the squad in his own image. This summer, the recruitment appears stronger although still not without question. Paul McCallum is a sizeable upgrade in the striker department ensuring that the Daggers have a number 9 who knows where the goal is. Darren McQueen and Kai Brown add pace and trickery in the final third whilst Elliott Johnson looks ideal for the left wing back role. Nevertheless, the centre of defence is a cause for concern with a host of players who are competent on the ball but who perhaps lack authority in the challenge and dynamism across the ground. Manny Onariase was perhaps that player but the former West Ham man's departure to Scunthorpe perhaps sees the Daggers a little light at the back. 

Prediction: The signing of Paul McCallum may well be the difference between Dagenham finishing lower mid table and pushing for the Play Offs. Ultimately, the Daggers need to drastically improve their away form from the past few seasons to have any chance of success. Will their defence be able to hold firm when under pressure on the road? I think they may just fall short of the top 7.  

Eastleigh

Ins
Joe Tomlinson (Hungerford Town)

Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Weymouth)

Dan Smith (Bognor Regis)

Pierce Bird (Notts County)

Ben House (Reading)

Joe McDonnell (Notts County)

Notable Outs
Scott Rendell

Jack McKnight

Lewis Waterfield

Max Stryjek

Potential line up

Brief: A quiet and unremarkable season for Eastleigh last time out. After the excitement of reaching the Play Off semi finals the season prior, losing assist machine Mark Yeates and the goals of Paul McCallum were too much to recover over one summer. By comparison, last season's strikeforce of Tyrone Barnett, Ben Williamson and Scott Rendell lacked the same threat and clinical edge. Manager Ben Strevens has looked to bolster that area with Ben House and Danny Smith arriving. Both players are young, full of running and have good numbers in front of goal. Joe Tomlinson, last season's National League South Young Player of the Year at Hungerford, will likely be used up and down the left side parallel to the tricky Sam Smart. Abdulai Bell-Baggie, fresh from promotion at Weymouth, looks like he'll be used in a role behind the front two whilst Pierce Bird will add some fresh legs to the central defensive area along with experienced Andrew Boyce and Joe Partington. After a transitional year, Eastleigh's squad has a fresh, hungry look to it. Expect them to cause a few shocks along the way. 

Prediction: Every year there is a functional team who click and perform above their means. Ben Strevens' business over the summer looks well judged and importantly they appear to have added a real goal threat going forward. Perhaps one that could come back and bite me, but I think they may well make the top seven. 

Wrexham

Ins
Elliott Durrell (Altrincham)

Jamie Reckord (Solihull)

Jordan Ponticelli (Coventry City)

Reece Hall-Johnson (Northampton)

Theo Vassell (Macclesfield)

Kwame Thomas (Burton)

Adi Yussuf (Blackpool - loan)

Anthony Jeffrey (Dover)

Fiacre Kelleher (Macclesfield)

James Horsfield (Scunthorpe)

Jordan Davies (Brighton)

Notable Outs
Jake Lawlor

Akil Wright

Luke Summerfield

Jazzi Barnum-Bobb

Jason Oswell

Doug Tharme

Leighton Mcintosh

JJ Hooper

Matthew Sargent

Jack Thorn
Dawid Szczepaniak

James Jennings

Bobby Grant (loan)

Davis Keillor-Dunn

Potential line up

Brief: Wrexham suffered a disastrous 2019/20 season which saw rookie manager Bryan Hughes sacked after the side dropped into the relegation zone. Former manager Dean Keates returned to a mixed reception but dragged the side away from genuine danger come lockdown. Keates has been busy freshening up a stale looking squad over the summer with new strikers in Kwame Thomas, Jordan Ponticelli and Adi Yussuf hoping to give the team a much overdue goal threat. In general, the side looks unrecognisable from the Wrexham of recent seasons with new full backs and wide men giving Keates' men a whole new attacking verve. In particular, it will be interesting to see how Keates does in his first full season back at the club after a chastening period at Walsall. Another factor in the club's season will be the current rumoured takeover involving actor Ryan Reynolds. Goodness knows as to the impact this would have on Keates' team if a large budget suddenly becomes available. 

Prediction: Dean Keates adds a stability and grittiness that Wrexham lacked last season. The football probably won't be particularly fun to watch but Wrexham should grind out results and be a feature in the top half of the table. Providing new strikers Yussuf, Thomas and Ponticelli offer a consistent goal threat, they may just find themselves in the top seven. As usual with Wrexham, it will be a close run thing. 

Title chasers

Boreham Wood

Ins
Nathan Ashmore (Ebbsfleet)
Gus Mafuta (Hartlepool)

Corey Whitely (Newport)

Zaine Francis-Angol (Accrington Stanley)

Shaquile Coulthirst (Barnet)

Notable Outs
Ricky Shakes

Tyrone Marsh

Potential line up

Brief: Boreham Wood go into the new season as one of the league's most consistent performers over the past few years. Luke Garrard has retained the bulk of his squad whilst making some impressive additions which add real depth to an already good group. The potential side above may well look completely different come the opening day as Wood simply have so many options. Garrard may well include the likes of tricky winger Sorba Thomas, defensive stalwart Tom Champion, the crafty, creative Piero Mingoia or potentially even Matt Rhead as a target man up front. And that's not to mention the likes of Femi Ilesanmi, Danny Woodards or Adam McDonnell amongst others. The Wood have strong options all over the pitch and real firepower in the forward areas. Likely to set up with three at the back as usual, Wood's core know Garrard's expectations whilst his additions are all familiar with the division. Bet against them at your peril.

Prediction: Champions. Boreham Wood have been in and around the Play Offs for a few seasons and now look ready to make that next step. A strong all round squad complimented by two of the strongest strikers, in Tshimanga and Coulthirst, that the league has to offer. They have added depth and variety to the squad over the summer and crucially have a very good manager. Putting Wood at the top of a league with such big names looks unusual but when you digest what lies beneath, there doesn't look to be many, if any, better equipped to win the league. 

Notts County

Ins
Ruben Rodrigues (FC Den Bosch)

Jake Reeves (Bradford)

Casper Sloth (Motherwell)

Elisha Sam (Arda Kardzhali)

Luke Pilling (Tranmere)

Sam Graham (Sheffield United - loan)

Jimmy Knowles (Mansfield - loan)

Adam Chicksen (Bolton)

Notable Outs
Nathan Tyson

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain

Matt Tootle

Pierce Bird

Zoumana Bakayogo
Regan Booty

Tom Crawford

Mitch Rose

Scott Wilson

Joe McDonnell 

Kristian Dennis

Sam Osbourne

Potential line up

Brief: Despite the ongoing global pandemic, Notts County supporters will probably feel a sense of calm compared to the chaotic nature of their last pre-season. A hastily assembled squad saw County slow to get going initially but the undoubted quality of their signings ultimately showed once they found their feet. Heartbreak in the Play Off final means that County are the pre-season favourites for the National League title this time around. Their squad is packed full of players with experience from higher levels and, curiously, a fair few signings from abroad. How these new faces settle could determine whether County show the consistency to top the table from their nearest challengers. Jake Reeves should add some steel to midfield, an area considered a weakness last season, whilst Kristian Dennis' departure allows Kyle Wootton the opportunity to be the consistent goal-scorer that County crave. The forward position is the one area in which County look a touch light. In Wootton, Wes Thomas and Cal Roberts, Ardley has players of good pedigree at his disposal but are any of them going to trouble the upper echelons of the top scorers chart? Time will tell. 

Prediction: Notts County have a squad capable of winning the title. Depth in every position and several players who could arguably play at the level above. The one question is whether Neil Ardley is the man to get the most from this group. With him in charge, I think they may just fall short of top spot. 

Solihull Moors

Ins
Reiss McNally (Guiseley)

Lewis Miccio (Kiddiminster)

Jordan Piggott (Halesowen Town)

Cameron Coxe (Cardiff City)

Callum Maycock (Coventry City)

Joe Sbarra (Burton Albion)

Jordan Cranston (Morecambe)

Stephen Gleeson (Aberdeen)

Joshveer Shergill (Walsall)

Niall Clayton (Oxford)

Notable Outs
Nathan Blissett 

George Carline

Callum Coyle

Harry Flowers

Terry Hawkridge

Luke Maxwell

Jordan Murphy

Ryan Nesbitt

Jamie Reckord

Shaun Rowley

Matt Stenson

Dan Sweeney

Lee Vaughan 

Danny Wright

Andy Wycherley

Paul McCallum 

Jake Beesley 

Potential line up

Brief: James Shan's first season in charge of Solihull was full of promise but ultimately served as a transition season. The former West Brom coach was tasked with overhauling a very direct, physical style of play into a much more fluent passing approach. A bloated squad from the Flowers era has been sizeably trimmed this summer with players more in the mould of the manager signing on. Shan has been working his contact book with ex Birmingham midfielder Stephen Gleeson joining the ranks amongst others. At present, the defensive and midfield areas look well stocked with several options for each position. Up front is the one area that looks light following Paul McCallum and Jake Beesley's departures over the summer. Adam Rooney, who signed back in March, looks a great addition but alternative options are currently lacking. You would expect Shan to bring in reinforcements over the coming weeks as the Moors pursue a title challenge. 

Prediction: Akin to last season's champions Barrow, Solihull may 'football' a few teams off the pitch if they get going. Their squad looks set other than in the forward positions although you would expect this to be remedied within the opening weeks of the season. A Play Off spot looks the most obvious shout at present but it does feel as if they're one or two more quality additions away from winning the whole thing. 

Stockport County

Ins
Connor Jennings (Tranmere)

James Jennings (Wrexham)

Mark Kitching (Hartlepool)

John Rooney (Barrow)

Alex Reid (Stevenage)

Jamie Stott (Oldham)

Jordan Williams (Fylde)

Harvey Gilmour (Tranmere)

John Barnes (Derby)

Macauley Southam-Hales (Fleetwood)

Ryan Croasdale (AFC Fylde)

Notable Outs
Elliott Osbourne

Festus Arthur

Paul Turnball

Sam Walker

Darren Stephenson

Alex Curran (Loan)

Potential line up

Brief: At this stage of last season, AFC Fylde had an established manager in Dave Challinor, a goal machine in Danny Rowe and had utilised a big budget in preparing for a title challenge. They were installed as the bookies pre-season favourites. 9 months later, they were relegated. This season, Stockport take the mantle of the side spending big in the hope of achieving a quick return to the Football League. Jim Gannon is a hero at the club and a vastly experienced manager at this level. Their list of summer transfers is impressive and daunting to supporters of other clubs. It is also worth pointing out that Lois Maynard, Ritchie Bennett and Liam Hogan all signed back in February just before the lockdown commenced. This is a squad saturated with depth and talent. The simple question is; can Jim Gannon find a consistent line up amongst his many options to hold off their nearest challengers. Or will the plethora of high quality players for this level struggle to gel?

Prediction: It is always incredibly hard to predict sides like Stockport simply because there are few prior factors to go off. Will the squad gel? Will the manager get the best from them? On paper, they should be top 3 minimum. Whether it be automatic or through the play offs, Stockport should go very, very close. 

Yeovil Town FC

Ins
Josh Staunton (Halifax)

Adam Smith (Forest Green)

Jack Clarke (Aston Villa)

Jimmy Smith (Crawley)

Daniel Leadbitter (Newport County - loan)

Ryan Burke (Birmingham - loan)

Harry Palmer (Ebbsfleet)

Notable Outs
Tom Bradbury

Tom Whelan

Tai Fleming
Marc Richards

Miles Hippolyte

Craig Alcock

Potential line up 

Brief: So near yet so far for Yeovil last season. After a summer of uncertainty, the Glovers were near permanent fixtures in the Play Off positions but ended up losing at the first hurdle in the knockout competition to a revitalised Barnet side. The recent pandemic has stretched Yeovil's resources although importantly they have kept their key men from last season. Deadly strike duo, Rhys Murphy and Courtney Duffus will undoubtedly find the net on a regular basis again whilst combative midfielder Albi Skendi is no longer an unknown prospect after racking up the most challenges in the league during his debut season. The squad is blessed with experience such as veterans Charlie Lee and Carl Dickinson amongst others who possess the knowhow required to have Yeovil fighting at the right end of the table. 

Prediction: With a squad full of tried and tested players, Yeovil will go very close to promotion again. How well Darren Sarll uses the loan market will be key as the Glovers have a small squad that will be stretched to it's limits during what is bound to be a busy, frantic season. 

The one that everybody gets wrong

1) Boreham Wood

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2) Stockport County

3) Yeovil Town

4) Solihull Moors

5) Notts County

6) Eastleigh

7) Bromley

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8) Wrexham 

9) Dagenham & Redbridge

10) Torquay United

11) King's Lynn

12) FC Halifax

13) Hartlepool United

14) Wealdstone

15) Maidenhead 

16) Sutton United

17) Chesterfield

18) Woking

19) Aldershot 

20) Barnet 

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21) Altrincham 

22) Weymouth

23) Dover