The Vanarama National League 2023-24 Preview

The last two years have really seen this preview rocket in views. Thank you to each and every one of you for reading, spreading the word and for allowing the power of social media to distribute this on a wider scale. I hope this year's version lives up to the same comprehensive detail from before. Please continue to retweet this on twitter and your club's forum - word of mouth and social media traffic are the only form of marketing I have.   

First of all, a look back at my prediction from last season. As always with predictions, it's a bit of a mixed bag but generally the vibe wasn't a million miles away (if you ignore the Play Off positions...).  

Last year's effort: The 2022-23 attempt

1) Chesterfield FC (Too optimistic)

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2) Wrexham FC (Close but no cigar)

3) Notts County (Right ballpark)

4) Solihull Moors (Vast underperformance)

5) FC Halifax Town (Nothing to see here...)

6) Dagenham & Redbridge (Crikey...)

7) York City (Bye...)

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8) Bromley FC (A little more like it)

9) Boreham Wood FC (Slight underestimation)

10) Southend United (Not too bad)

11) Woking FC (Surprised everyone)

12) Torquay United (Going well this...)

13) Eastleigh FC (Not too far out)

14) Oldham Athletic (Hit expectations)

15) Wealdstone FC (Again, around the mark)

16) Yeovil Town (Behind the scenes cost them)

17) Altrincham FC (First one spot on!)

18) Dorking Wanderers (Called this pretty well)

19) Barnet FC (Aha...)

20) Maidenhead United (Second one spot on!)

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21) Scunthorpe United (Pretty happy with this tip)

22) Gateshead FC (Looking accurate for a time)

23) Aldershot Town (Late surge saved them)

24) Maidstone United (Easiest one of the lot to call) 

Further predictions 2022/23

Managers to depart

Mark Molesley (Aldershot) CORRECT

Phil Parkinson (Altrincham) INCORRECT

Dean Brennan (Barnet) INCORRECT

Andy Woodman (Bromley) INCORRECT

Lee Bradbury (Eastleigh) INCORRECT

Hakan Hayrettin (Maidstone) CORRECT

John Sheridan (Oldham Athletic) CORRECT

Keith Hill (Scunthorpe) CORRECT

Phil Parkinson (Wrexham) INCORRECT

Chris Hargreaves (Yeovil) CORRECT

National League Top Goalscorer

1st: Kabongo Tshimanga (Chesterfield) NOWHERE NEAR

2nd: Paul Mullin (Wrexham) CORRECT

3rd: Macauley Langstaff (Notts County) FINISHED 1ST

Play Off Winners

Notts County SPOT ON!

Some excellent predictions there and a few shockers. Obviously, you can't account for Tshimanga but stand out picks were Scunthorpe to go down when few imagined them dropping to the NLN and Notts County to win the Play Offs. The Play Off positions are a little embarrassing but not many would have called Solihull dropping like a stone along with the likes of Barnet storming into contention. The beauty of the National League is that there are always a few unfancied squads that blend together well. 

Anyway, let's get to this year's version now. I'd just like to say first of all that this is the most open National League for quite some time. It's been very difficult to separate many of the clubs jostling for positions and I've probably got several horribly wrong. So with that amazing piece of self-promotion in mind, read on and enjoy. 

Here's a slightly better piece of self-promotion. If you like what you read, follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/leewilsonDRFC for regular non-league content. 

Fighting relegation (18th - 24th)

Aldershot Town

Ins

Hady Ghandour (Maidstone United)

Josh Stokes (AFC Sudbury)

Cian Harries (Swindon Town)

Theo Widdrington (Kings Lynn)

Aaron Jones (Kings Lynn)

Jordi Van Stappershoef (AFC)

Zain Walker (Kings Lynn)

Coby Rowe (Sutton)

Lorent Tolaj (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Kwame Thomas (Sutton United)

Stuart O'Keefe (Gillingham)

Christian Maghoma (Eastleigh)

Ethan Burnett (Reading)

Haji Mnoga (Portsmouth - Loan)

Outs
Kodi Lyons-Foster

Harrison Panayiotou

Marcel Elva-Fountaine

Ryan Hall

Jai Rowe

Michael Klass

Ben De Lacy-Turner

Lewis Horn-Haynes

Francis Amartey

Justin Amaluzor

Joe Partington 

Tyler Cordner

Corey Jordan

Josh McQuoid

Zain Walker (Loan)

Potential Line up

Squad brief: All change at Aldershot again following another disappointing season in which survival was narrowly obtained. New manager Tommy Widdrington has overseen a large turnover in nearly all positions as he aims to employ the wing back system that succeeded so well for him at Kings Lynn. Gone are the likes of winger Justin Amaluzor and fringe players such as Francis Amartey, Kodi Lyons- Foster and Michael Klass. In goal, six-foot-six Jordi Van Stappershoef looks set to be the club's number one goalkeeper. However, he will not have the protection of Tyler Cordner as the much heralded centre-back completed a six figure move to York City. Widdrington has smartly bolstered his central defence though with the incomings of Coby Rowe, Christian Maghoma and Cian Harries which immediately give the Shots a much more solid outlook. However, the unfortunate Maghoma sustained a ruptured achilles during the opening pre-season match and will subsequently miss the majority of the campaign. As a result, the club have acquired a player who impressed during the second half of last season in Haji Mnoga, who has returned on a season-long loan deal. Potentially, Widdrington may also turn to 20-year-old academy graduate Maxwell Mullins throughout the campaign after he impressed during pre-season at the heart of the defence. Widdrington has also recruited a few from his previous Kings Lynn side with right wing back Aaron Jones fresh from the National League North Team of the Season whilst the manager's son Theo Widdrington has also joined in possibly one of the least surprising transfers of the summer. Widdrington 'Junior' will likely compete with Henry Ochieng for a starting spot alongside the experienced Stuart O'Keefe, who joined the club himself from Gillingham this summer. The striking positions have seen big changes with target men Hady Ghanpour and Kwame Thomas signed. Widdrington has also looked to pad out his squad with raw forward potential as Lorent Tolaj and Josh Stokes both joined; the latter in particular dubbed a big talent. 

Manager: Best known for his playing days at Southampton in the early 1990s, Tommy Widdrington has had a varied managerial career. His first experience of managing a National League club was in 2009 when Widdrington became player/manager of Salisbury City, yet his time was short lived as the club entered administration soon after. Five years in charge of Eastbourne Borough from 2012-17 is his longest reign as a manager whilst his most recent year and a half in charge of King's Lynn was his most successful spell in management with the side fighting for promotion before he left to take the Aldershot Town post. Widdrington successfully kept the Shots up last season and will be hoping for a season far away from the bottom four. 

Unheralded Gem: Josh Stokes - For all the talent signed from the lower leagues this summer, the signing of Josh Stokes from AFC Sudbury has gone somewhat under the radar amongst the division. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder scored 16 times last season from attacking midfield and possesses a fearless, strong and direct approach. After impressing in pre-season, hopes are high that Stokes may be the spark that lifts Aldershot away from a relegation battle this season. 

Top Goal-Scorer Prediction: Lorent Tolaj

Overall Thoughts: Make no mistake, Aldershot would likely have been relegated last season without the appointment of Tommy Widdrington. The 51-year-old went unbeaten in his six games in charge and the 10 points achieved narrowly kept the Shots up. It is no surprise that Widdrington has revamped key areas of the squad, in particular the central defence and striking positions. So much so, that Aldershot look set to be able to name their strongest XI for a number of years. Despite the excitement of the likes of Josh Stokes and Aaron Jones signing, there is still concern about whether the Shots forward options contain a genuine goalscorer with Hady Ghanpour, Kwame Thomas and Lorent Tolaj not known for their prolificacy. Adding to that, new signing Christian Maghoma's long-term injury during pre-season perhaps shows the lack of quality beneath the first eleven. Whilst I believe the Shots are much better equipped for survival overall, the growing strength of those sides around them means they will still likely be in a battle near the bottom again. 

Prediction: Survival

FC Halifax Town

Ins

Adam Senior (Bolton)

Ryan Galvin (Sheffield Wednesday)

Andrew Oluwabori (Peterborough)

Max Wright (Harrogate Town)

Aaron Cosgrove (AFC Wimbledon)

Florent Hoti (Tranmere Rovers)

Jo Cummings (Boston United)

Outs
Sam Minihan

Sam Smart

Matt Warburton

Jack Senior

Harvey Gilmour

Kian Spence

Mani Dieseruvwe

Jesse Debrah

Potential line up

Squad brief: An 11th place finish and victory in the FA Trophy final represented a good transitional season on paper for FC Halifax Town after Pete Wild's departure. Yet the Shaymen were bottom of the division after eleven games and spent a large part of the season with one eye over their shoulder before 17 points from the final 9 games gave the season a different complexion altogether. Once again, the club has had to deal with losing key players over the summer with star defenders Jesse Debrah and Jack Senior departing to the Football League. Alongside this, top-scorer Mani Dieseruvwe, Harvey Gilmour and Matt Warburton have made moves to rival clubs in the National League. Manager Chris Millington has therefore moved to plug some of the developing holes in his squad with Adam Senior returning following a successful loan spell at centre back last season. This seems to be a theme in Millington's recruitment with many of his signings having played on loan in this division last season. Left back Ryan Galvin, winger Andrew Oluwabori and striker Aaron Cosgrove were on loan at Maidstone, Yeovil and Southend recently. Furthermore, new winger Max Wright showed potential in the six games he appeared on loan for the club last season following a serious ankle injury whilst Florent Hoti also signed after an impressive trial period. It is likely that Millington will continue with a 4-3-3 which will see Millenic Alli and, one of Angelo Capello and the aforementioned Oluwabori, either side of the lone striker. Defensive midfielder Jack Hunter will likely once again look to protect a back four of American right back Tylor Golden, Adam Senior, Jamie Stott and Ryan Galvin. Also, Sam Johnson, fresh from saving the largest number of penalties in the division last season, will provide essential experience between the sticks. 

Manager: Following Pete Wild's excellent performance in charge of FC Halifax was always going to be difficult, yet Chris Millington's first season in charge brought silverware with victory in the FA Trophy final. Like his predecessor, the Town boss does not have a senior playing career to speak of and has instead worked his way up the coaching chain. Millington started out at Altrincham U18s before a short spell abroad in Croatia. Upon returning, he then formed his partnership with Wild for the first time at Oldham Athletic's academy. After a short spell as Oldham Assistant Manager in 2019, he followed the now Barrow manager to Halifax where he has been ever since. Stepping up last season represented Millington's first experience as a senior football manager. 

Unheralded Gem: Millenic Alli - Playing his first full season in the National League, Millenic Alli's potential rose to the surface in the final months as FC Halifax won the FA Trophy. With only one goal by February, the 23-year-old hit eight in the final three months and dazzled with some exceptional displays from the wing. Developing his consistency over 46 games will be the aim for the Shaymen this coming season.

Top Goal-Scorer Prediction: Millenic Alli

Overall Thoughts: You would think after winning silverware that Halifax would be riding that wave through the summer. Yet it has been a strangely quiet time in West Yorkshire during the close season. Make no mistake, a late run of form and the FA Trophy victory somewhat papered over the cracks of a tricky first season in charge for Chris Millington. Whilst the Shaymen were solid defensively, 49 goals all season in the league was a poor return and top-scorer Mani Dieseruvwe has also since departed. With key first team players Jack Senior, Jesse Debrah and Harvey Gilmour also leaving for pastures new, you have to wonder if Halifax will maintain their solidity this season. Rather, Millington's men remind me somewhat of Yeovil Town - who over-relied on their defensive record and struggled for goals throughout the team. Adam Senior aside, I am not fully convinced by the summer recruitment and the lack of genuine striker is a cause for concern. The likes of expert penalty saver Sam Johnson, star right back Tylor Golden and experienced squad members such as Tom Clarke and Luke Summerfield will be key in keeping the club above the bottom four this season. 

Prediction: Survival (Narrowly)

Kidderminster Harriers FC

In

Reiss McNally (Solihull Moors)

Kieran Phillips (Gloucester)

Jack Lambert (Darlington)

Gerry McDonagh (Eastleigh)

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain (Kings Lynn)

Matt Preston (Solihull Moors)

Outs

Tom Leak

Tom Owen-Evans

Nathan Lowe

Jamie Emery

Keziah Martin

Jack Tolley

Ethan Freemantle (Loan)

Potential line up

Squad brief: An unbelievable ending to the 2022/23 season saw Kidderminster surge from mid-table to an out of the blue promotion with a 2-0 victory over Brackley Town in the Play Off final. Manager Russell Penn has immediately got to work with trying to build upon the strong defensive foundations that already exist. Former Wrexham goalkeeper Christian Dibble has signed a contract extension following his excellent form during the run in last season. In defence, Penn has swooped for two players he is familiar with having plied their trade on loan for the Harriers in recent times. 22-year-old Reiss McNally will give Alex Penney competition in the right centre back area whilst Matt Preston will likely lead from the heart of the defence after Kyle Morrison's loan ended. Former National League players in the form of Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gerry McDonagh have also joined although both struggled at previous clubs whilst playing at this level. The midfield partnership of Joe Leesley and Shane Byrne has been key to Kidderminster's solidity previously, however Penn will hope that the signing of Jack Lambert will provide the creativity behind the front two that was lacking at times last season. Up front, a positional change for Ashley Hemmings midway through the campaign was the catalyst for his outstanding form alongside veteran Amari Morgan Smith. 20-year-old Kieran Phillips has been signed to provide competition for Hemmings after his 14 goals for Gloucester City last season despite missing two months through injury. 

Manager: Russell Penn is a name known to most lower league followers after a playing career as a tough tackling midfielder with Kidderminster, York and Cheltenham. After his tough-tackling days concluded, Penn quickly became Kidderminster Assistant Manager and, after a short spell as interim boss in-between, became full time manager in 2020. A noticeable run in the FA Cup, which included nearly knocking out West Ham United, brought attention to his side in the masses. The 21/22 season saw Kidderminster's form fade in the final weeks and a play off defeat to Boston United followed. However, it was the opposite twelve months later as Penn's side defied to odds to win their final eight games and claim promotion to the National League for 2023/24. 

Unheralded Gem: Jack Lambert - One of the stand out creative forces in the National League North for Darlington last season before injury curtailed his season. With 16 goals and 14 assists, Lambert's wand of a left foot will be pivotal if the Harriers are to avoid the drop this season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Ashley Hemmings

Overall Thoughts: It is a minor miracle that Kidderminster Harriers are in this division for the coming season. After suffering an injury ravaged first half of the season, with five games to go, Russell Penn's side were six points off the play offs, yet five consecutive wins followed by a further three in the play offs saw them unbelievably promoted. It is worth remembering this as we examine Kidderminster's prospects for the upcoming campaign. The side only managed 49 goals in the National League North which was way down on their numbers from the campaign before. Whether young Kieran Phillips or much travelled target man Gerry McDonagh can relieve the burden on the ageing Amari Morgan-Smith and Ashley Hemmings remains to be seen. Furthermore, there was noticeably a lack of goals throughout the rest of the side which Penn will hope the signing of Jack Lambert will remedy. All in all, the gap in quality between the National League and Step 2 clubs below is ever growing and it may be that sadly Kidderminster's unlikely late run saw promotion achieved a little too early before the squad was quite ready. 

Prediction: Relegation.

Maidenhead United

In
Kevin Lokko (Farnborough)

Lewis Kinsella (Wealdstone)

Craig Ross (Woking)

Harry Parsons (Swindon Town)

Jayden Mitchell-Lawson (Ayr United)

Daniel Jinadui (Barnsley)

Outs

Ryan Upward

Dan Gyollai

Bruno Andrade

Alexis Andre Jnr

Koby Arthur

Adrian Clifton

Samson Esan

Dan Sparkes

Sam Barratt

Cole Kpekawa

Emile Acquah

Potential line up 

Squad brief: Only one win after February for Maidenhead last season saw them cling onto National League survival by the skins of their teeth. Manager Alan Devonshire has let a large portion of his squad go with a rebuild in the works. Some of the departing crowd were unfortunate to say the least - goalkeeper Dan Gyollai to name one. The Hungarian shot stopper had ACL reconstruction surgery in April and ultimately Maidenhead wouldn't have been able to risk a sizeable chunk of their budget on a player who will likely miss half of the approaching season. With number two goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jnr also leaving, Devonshire has brought in the experienced Craig Ross from Woking to be the club's new number one along with youngster Daniel Jinadu who will act as backup. The club would also have been disappointed to lose Cole Kpekawa, who moved to Bromley shortly after his contract expired. Nevertheless, the Magpies moved for a like-for-like centre back replacement in Kevin Lokko and also snapped up Lewis Kinsella to provide competition to Sam Beckwith at left back. Despite a difficult start to his Maidenhead career, Emile Acquah managed 13 goals last season and was often the focal point for the Magpie's direct play. Inevitably, the lure of the Football League saw him recently depart for Barrow leaving Devonshire with just Shawn McCoulsky and new signing Harry Parsons as the only forward options in an area the Maidenhead boss will definitely want to add to. In what has been a summer of mass exodus at the club, Sam Barratt's will perhaps hit club supporters the hardest. Although 2022/23 was not his finest, largely due to persistent injuries, it goes without saying that the 20 plus goals and many assists in the two seasons prior will be very hard to replace for the club. Jayden Mitchell-Lawson has since joined to provide competition to Ashley Nathaniel-George and the emerging Reece Smith in the wide areas.

Manager: Since finishing an impressive playing career, Alan Devonshire has carved out an almost equally as impressive managerial career at non-league level. The former West Ham and England midfielder has only managed three clubs over a 25 year managerial career highlighting his nous and longevity. Multiple promotions with Hampton and Richmond in the early noughties saw Devonshire move to manage Braintree where he achieved three top half finishes across four seasons in the National League. Upon moving to Maidenhead to become manager there for the second time in his career, Devonshire won instant promotion to the National League where he has maintained Maidenhead's status in the top tier of non-league ever since. 

Unheralded Gem: Reece Smith - A breakout 2022/23 season for the left winger saw him linked with various clubs before signing a contract extension with Maidenhead. After scoring five goals last season, expectations are that the 21-year-old could potentially be the Magpies' talisman for the battle ahead. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Harry Parsons

Overall Thoughts: 50 points will be the target as ever for Maidenhead this season. Only once during the curtailed COVID season did the club fail to hit this milestone. Last season was certainly dicey for the Magpies as they were left clinging on by the skin of their teeth after failing to win any of their last seven games. As is the same most seasons, it is the departure column that is a concern for Maidenhead although it feels as if more key players have moved on during the close season than ever before. Although not everybody's cup of tea, Emile Acquah's departure is a blow as all of the side's forward play went through him whilst Sam Barratt, despite an injury hit season, would offer genuine quality from the wide areas. It may be that Maidenhead have to work the loan market to find young players with potential like they did with Idris Odutayo last season. Up until this point, I've proudly never bet against Alan Devonshire and Maidenhead on this blog. However, this is going to be the season that I break the cardinal rule of saying 'Maidenhead will always find a way to stay up'. 

Prediction:  Relegation.

Oxford City FC

Ins
Chris Haigh (Ebbsfleet)

Tafari Moore (St Albans City)

Pierre Fonkeu (Dartford)

Marcin Brzozowski (Hartley Wintney)

Outs
Joe Iaciofano

Charlie Rowan

Klaidi Lolos 

Potential line up

Squad brief: For the first time in their 141 year history, Oxford City will be playing in the fifth tier of English football this coming season. A success at amateur levels in their early days, the club fell behind city rivals Oxford United after they turned professional after World War II. Since then, Oxford City have largely played at Step 3 and 4 before managing to establish themselves as a Step 2 club across the past ten years. For a club that normally average less than 500 fans per game each season, promotion to the National League will see Ross Jenkins' men punching above their weight for the campaign ahead. The Hoops' budget will likely be tight meaning it is unlikely that there will be many amendments to the side that faces Aldershot on the opening day from the team that won the Play Off final. However, since the season ended, top-scorer Klaidi Lolos has departed for Crawley Town although the former Torquay striker was not always first choice with 32-year-old Josh Parker often preferred. An injury disrupted campaign also saw Joe Iaciofano released despite managing 22 goals the season before. Incomings have been few and far between with Jenkins likely to use the loan market to add to his squad throughout the season. Nevertheless, Chris Haigh returns to the club from Ebbsfleet United after a successful loan spell at the end of last season and throughout the Hoops' play off run. Speaking of the 4-0 victory in the Play Off final, Jenkins has swooped for Tafari Moore - a dynamic full back who found himself on the losing side that day yet made the National League South Team of the Season. Oxford City's third signing to date is Belgian forward Pierre Fonkeu who is equally comfortable cutting in from the flanks. Fonkeu will likely compete with the likes of Lewis Coyle and Alfie Potter for a starting spot. Elsewhere, it is likely that Josh Ashby and Reece Fleet will continue to patrol the engine room behind playmaker Zak McEachran (brother of Josh) whilst Irish centre-back Canice Carroll and St Kitts & Nevis international Andre Burley will be hoping to continue a partnership that saw only 22 goals conceded in 23 games from Christmas onwards. 

Manager: Until this season, Ross Jenkins is only a name that would have been known to die-hard lower league supporters. The 32-year-old is comfortably the youngest manager in the National League after retiring from a fairly undistinguished player career aged just 28. Having moved into a coaching role with Oxford City shortly after, Jenkins' big break came in January 2022 when he impressed in caretaker charge following David Oldfield's exit from the club. Jenkins was subsequently offered the full-time position just two months later and led the club to a 5th place finish that concluded with them losing 3-0 to Dorking Wanderers in the Play Off semi finals. However, just a year later, Jenkins' team handed out a 4-0 thrashing to St Albans in the Play Off final ensuring a swift rise for club and manager. 

Unheralded Gem: Zac McEachran - Unheralded is probably the wrong word for Zac McEachran but gem certainly is not. A cultured attacking midfielder who plays off the striker and weighs in with goals and assists. His capability to perform at National League level will largely determine Oxford City's survival prospects. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Josh Parker

Overall Thoughts: Since Ross Jenkins' appointment around 18 months ago, Oxford City have gone from strength to strength. Jenkins has shown a sure touch at getting the best from players who perhaps haven't succeeded elsewhere. It is clear that the manager wishes to keep a tight group going into what will be a mammoth challenge to survive in the National League going by the lack of turnover during pre-season. Realistically to have any chance, the Hoops will need Zac McEachran to be just as influential as he was last season. Whilst I think Oxford City will certainly cause an upset here and there, it's another thing over a season managing to take 50 points from a cluster of largely well-run, established and mostly full-time football clubs. 

Prediction: Relegation. 

Southend United

Ins

None

Outs

Rhys Murphy

Jake Hyde

Steve Arnold

Shaun Hobson

Chris Wreh

Jon Benton

Henry Sandat

Tom Clifford

Potential Line Up

Squad brief: What a pre-season for Southend United! With the long-rumoured takeover by the Kimura Group not occurring, the club have been set a deadline of 23rd August to find a buyer to help pay the outstanding tax bill or else a 10 point deduction will be enforced. However, the club were recently able to pay £300,000 from their £2.5 million debts to keep their license that allows them to stay in the National League and participate in the season. With staff repeatedly not being paid on time and pre-season fixtures severely disrupted, it is credit to the Southend squad that they have patiently stood by and waited for more clarity over the situation rather than take the Kacper Lopata approach of having their contract terminated. Several members of the side have unsurprisingly left post-season with defender Shaun Hobson and goalkeeper Steve Arnold the most notable. As it stands, the Shrimpers are only allowed to register 16 players going into the new campaign. Collin Andeng-Ndi is the only goalkeeper on the club's books whilst the club have three contracted defenders in full back Gus Scott-Morriss along with centre backs Louis Lomas and Ollie Kensdale. There are a few more options in the midfield with Cav Miley, Noor Husin and Harry Taylor a resolute bunch with plenty of National League experience. Wes Fonguck and Jack Wood both offer a more attack minded option in the middle alongside Oli Coker who is fresh from a loan spell at Aveley last season. Up front, you would assume Harry Cardwell will lead the line alongside Callum Powell with Dan Mooney as an option as a wide forward or winger depending on the system that The Shrimpers line up with. That makes 13 contracted players available to be registered. You would envisage that the left sided Nathan Ralph and Jack Bridge will increase this to 15 with both likely to be initially registered on a non-contract basis considering they have featured in Southend's pre-season matches. 

Manager: As a player, Kevin Maher is a name that will be well known to supporters of lower league sides following a ten year playing spell at the club he currently manages. As a manager, Maher's credentials are less documented prior to The Shrimpers although he quietly impressed in coaching roles at several clubs including Bristol Rovers. His appointment as Southend manager in 2021 was unexpected at the time although it has proved to be a good decision with the team impressing on the pitch despite the turmoil off of it. With much uncertainty as to whether Southend would begin this league season, Maher has loyally remained as the club's manager fully cementing his reputation as a club legend.

Unheralded Gem: Jack Wood - Signed in January 2022 from Kings Langley, Wood impressed out on loan at National League South side Tonbridge Angels last season. An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal - Wood struck 8 times in 22 games and the 20-year-old is expected to be a key component of Southend's restricted squad this coming season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Harry Cardwell

Overall Thoughts: After much deliberation, it looks as if Southend United will commence their season at Roots Hall against Oldham Athletic on 5th August. To date, it appears that the club have a maximum quota of 16 registered players and are not allowed to add any more until the financial situation is resolved. On paper, Maher's strongest eleven looks able to hold their own in the division but there are so many variables to consider such as a lack of proper pre-season alongside the inevitable fatigue and injury issues that would develop across a long campaign. With that looming 23rd August deadline for the club to find a buyer to pay their long overdue tax bill, we are in the realms of guessing what will happen next. Will a buyer be found? Will Ron Martin take out another loan to prolong this never ending saga? Will Southend United incur a 10 point deduction? Trying to predict where the club will finish is a minefield but one thing that is known with certainty is that they are the least prepared out of the 24 sides about to begin this ultra competitive season. And with potential deductions and further uncertainties on the horizon too, Southend, through sheer logic, have to be one of the favourites to finish in the bottom four this season. 

Prediction: Relegation (if the club makes it to April). 

Wealdstone

Ins

Charlie Barker (Charlton)

Tahvon Campbell (Rochdale)

Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers - loan)

Luke Dreher (Ebbsfleet)

Sean Adarkwa (Arbroath FC)

Outs

Lewis Kinsella

David Sesay

Simeon Akinola

Joel Taylor

Malachi Napa

Sam Habergham

Sam Howes

Potential line up

Squad brief:  Making a mockery of their part-time status in 2022-23, Wealdstone played some scintillating football at times as they flirted with the play off positions for much of the campaign. Manager Stuart Maynard has decided to perform only minor surgery on a squad that notably improved in front of goal last season. Several of the fringe players were released to clear a budget for the inevitable mid-season incomings that have defined Wealdstone's success over the past few years. Unfortunately, the experienced Sam Habergham and promising goalkeeper Sam Howes departed leaving two large holes in the Stones' squad. Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward has since joined on-loan following a promising stint at Hungerford Town last season. Defensively, Maynard has managed to sign Charlie Barker on a permanent deal after the 20-year-old impressed in his 29 loan appearances whilst Tahvon Campbell has been added on a season-long loan deal from Rochdale. Campbell previously scored 13 times in half a season whilst at Woking and Maynard will hope he can reproduce such firepower. Sean Adarkwa, briefly at Maidstone last season, is another forward recruited after impressing on trial this summer whilst midfielder Luke Dreher, who had a short spell on-loan at Ebbsfleet United last season, has also been signed after a successful trial period. This aside, the outlook mostly looks the same at Wealdstone. Influential centre-back Jack Cook will lead the defence with the experienced Alex Dyer, Nathan Ferguson and Ashley Charles taking up two of the central midfield spots in front of him. Having shared the goals amongst them last season, Maynard will likely be challenging Micah Obiero, Corie Andrews, Olu Olomola and Tarryn Allarakhia to cement a spot in his front line. 

Manager: Stuart Maynard has made his name in the National League managerial world over the past two years after being appointed Wealdstone boss in March 2021. The Stones' gaffer was Assistant Manager to previous boss Dean Brennan, who he had previously assisted at Billericay Town and Kingstonian. Maynard impressed enough during his caretaker spell to be offered the job permanently with former Fulham and Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Matt Saunders joining as his assistant. In his first full season as manager, Maynard led the Stones to survival in the National League with 53 points whilst last season he improved this as the side came 13th with 7 points more. 

Unheralded Gem: Micah Obiero - Blessed with electric pace and a willingness to run at his defender, Micah Obiero showed real promise down the right side last season. Capable of sheer brilliance yet frustratingly inconsistent, it may be that Obiero, fresh from signing a new two year contract, fully realises his potential through the middle as he was positioned when playing for previous club Boston United. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Tahvon Campbell

Overall Thoughts: Despite retaining a large proportion of their squad from last season, Wealdstone have rather stood still in the transfer market this summer. The side have notoriously leaked goals, especially on the road, and have lost the experienced Sam Habergham in the process whilst supporters will hope Maynard can get the best from on-loan Tahvon Campbell, signed with the hope that he can hit double figures in the league this season - a feat no Stones player managed last campaign. Ultimately, Wealdstone's success will again largely come down to how well they use the loan market. Maynard and Saunders' contacts with local clubs, especially Charlton, have bore fruit in recent seasons with Deji Elerewe, Charlie Barker and Charles Claydon all strengthening the Stones midway through the season. Hopes will be high that some of the younger gems the club have been collecting like Micah Obiero, Giovanni McGregor, Dom Hutchinson and the aforementioned Barker and Claydon will add consistency to their undoubted talent. With their open playing style not translating as effectively on the road, it will be imperative for the Stones to maintain a strong home form this coming season. If everything clicks, this could be a year to remember for Maynard's men but without many players with pedigree to fall back on, they could also find inconsistencies punished more severely. 

Prediction: Lower mid-table.

Mid-table Safety (11th - 17th)

AFC Fylde

Ins
Kieran Glynn (Scarborough)

Theo Richardson (Buxton FC)

Jon Ustabasi (Chorley)

Gold Omotayo (Kings Lynn)

Owen Evans (Gloucester City)

Outs
Luke Burke

Curtis Weston

Mark Cullen

Jordan Cranston

Keenan Patten

Kyle Morrison

Jack Byrne

Nathan Delfouneso

Harvey Gregson

Potential line up

Squad brief: After three seasons away, AFC Fylde are back in the National League with the intention of making their mark again on the division. Manager Adam Murray took charge in November of last season with the club sitting outside the play offs. Nevertheless, a physical approach and a core stacked with experience saw Fylde climb the table and win promotion with 95 points. Importantly, all key first team members have been retained coming into the new season, including National League North Player of the Season Nick Haughton. The 26 goal second striker's runs in behind target man Luke Charman were a key component of Fylde's success and supporters will be glad to have tied him down to a new contract. Charman himself may possibly be in a fight for his starting spot this season as Murray swooped for Kings Lynn's 22 goal target man Gold Omotayo. Elsewhere, it is clear that creativity has been sourced in a bid to take the pressure off Haughton with the signings of Kieran Glynn and Jon Ustabasi. Glynn, a forward thinking central midfielder, and Ustabasi, a tricky right winger with an eye for goal, have both come off the back of good seasons for Scarborough Athletic and Chorley respectively in the National League North. Both will aim to compete with Danny Whitehead, Danny Philliskirk and Joe Rowley for starting spots. In defence, Fylde maintain a strong quartet of central defensive options in Harry Davis, Pierce Bird, Emeka Obi and captain Alex Whitmore. In particular, Whitmore found himself in the National League North Team of the Season striking up excellent partnerships with Obi and Bird during different times of the campaign. Connor Barrett will likely keep a firm grip of the right back spot whilst Owen Evans has been signed from Gloucester City to add competition for Luke Conlan at left back. 

Manager: Best known for his playing days at Mansfield Town, Adam Murray took charge of the club in 2014 with The Stags in danger of relegation. Murray helped guide the club out of serious danger and led them to a mid table finish the following season. However, the expected promotion challenge did not materialise afterwards and Murray left the club in November 2016. He quickly jumped back into management just a month later at Boston but left less than a year later with the club in the bottom two. Following this, Murray spent a good portion of the next five years as a part of other manager's backroom staff noticeably taking caretaker charge of Barnsley several times in 2019 and 2020. It was in 2022 that Murray returned to a full time managerial position at AFC Fylde. With the club 10 points off the league leaders, the Coasters hit a lethal run of form catapulting them into first place by February, where they engaged in a fierce battle with Kings Lynn that saw them crowned champions by two points come May. 

Unheralded Gem: Nick Haughton - 26 goals from attacking midfield signifies why the National League North Player of the Season is so key to Fylde's hopes this season. Benefitting from running in behind a powerful target man, the 28-year-old also contributed 11 assists and will aim to strike up a partnership with new signing Gold Omotayo.  

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Nick Haughton

Overall Thoughts: Like many before them who have won the National League North, Fylde enter the fifth tier of English football with a squad already equipped for this level. The likes of Chris Neal, Danny Whitehead, Alex Whitmore and Danny Philliskirk give The Coasters an experienced nucleus which should prove invaluable in steering them away from the bottom quarter of the table. Much of Fylde's Play Off ambitions rest on whether Nick Haughton, and many of the club's summer signings from the National League North, can reproduce their recent form regularly against a higher calibre of player. The signing of Gold Omotayo is also a calculated risk since the 29-year-old struggled to make an impact previously in this division at Wrexham and Yeovil. With many other clubs seemingly preparing a title onslaught this season, it may be that the top seven is a step too far for Adam Murray's men this time around, yet a consolidation season is certainly not to be sniffed at considering the outcome the last time Fylde were in this division. 

Prediction: Mid Table. 

Altrincham FC

Ins

Dior Angus (Harrogate)

Lewis Banks (Arbroath)

Joey Jones (Solihull Moors)

Sam Roscoe (Linfield)

Chris Conn-Clarke (Fleetwood)

Justin Amaluzor (Aldershot)

Justin Donawa (Solihull Moors)

George Wilson (Coalville Town)

Ethan Ross (Stockport - loan)

Outs

Ben Pringle

Harry Perritt

Zak Goodson

Brad Jackson

Egli Kaja

Ross Barrows

Joe Cooney

Harlan Rodgers-Morris

Eden Bailey

Jordan Hulme

Josh Lundstram

Ollie Byrne (loan)

Potential line up 

       

Squad brief: Value for money was certainly in the offering at Moss Lane last season with Altrincham involved in many goal fests. A 17th place finish was mildly disappointing however after many positive signs during the first two thirds of the campaign. Phil Parkinson has since released many of his fringe players although he will have been disappointed to have lost influential midfielder Josh Lundstram to Oldham. Such a hole was filled very quickly with the signing of the experienced Joey Jones - a deep-lying ball playing central midfielder. Alongside this, reinforcements have been made in a bid to strengthen one of the league's leakiest defences last season with Sam Roscoe, Lewis Banks and George Wilson all joining. Whether Parkinson employs a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-4-3 will depend on how the defence lines up although you can be sure that captain James Jones and former England C International Lewis Baines will retain their selection. One area that has been a cause for concern for Altrincham is in goal as Ollie Byrne's form dropped off towards the end of last season. Ethan Ross, who formerly spent loan spells at Aldershot and York, is back in the division again for another season to help take Byrne out of the limelight for this season. It is Altrincham's business in the forward areas that has caught the eye of the neutral somewhat though. The permanent signing of Chris Conn-Clarke after a superb loan spell last season could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer if he is able to replicate the form he showed for The Robins last autumn. Conn-Clarke may well play just behind the striker enabling 'The Two Justins' - Amaluzor and Donawa - to use their pace on the outside to stretch teams. Former Wrexham and Barrow striker Dior Angus has also signed and should provide competition to Regan Linney, although he may well be deployed in an inward left position depending on the formation Parkinson chooses to use. 

Manager: Phil Parkinson is a name that is beginning to gain traction at non-league level. The former PE teacher and Nantwich Town manager oversaw two promotions in three seasons which saw the club promoted to the National League four seasons ago. With the Robins' noticeable bursts of form in the National League over the past few years, Parkinson has occasionally been linked with moves higher up the footballing pyramid. Yet, the manager remains committed to his project at Altrincham where he is the club's first ever full time manager. With Altrincham reaching their one year anniversary as a full time club, it remains to be seen just how far Parkinson can take them. 

Unheralded Gem: Chris Conn-Clarke - An outstanding direct dribbler with an excellent right foot, Chris Conn-Clarke was one of the outstanding players during the first half of last season on loan at Altrincham. With his loan running out in January, many expected Conn-Clarke to play in the Football League this season after 9 goals for Altrincham in just over 20 games. That Altrincham have paid a fee to bring the young star back shows their intentions for the coming season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Regan Linney

Overall Thoughts: Altrincham have come into this season as many people's dark horses for a play off spot - perhaps due to completing their business early in the summer. However, for all the promising signings made, it is worth remember that the club have lost their three best players over the past year in Ryan Colclough, Toby Mullarkey and Josh Lundstram. Such a cycle seems to be repetitive at Altrincham in recent times although Parkinson's nous in the loan market certainly helps when fresh impetus is needed mid-season. However, the main problem last season for Altrincham was their frailty at conceding goals from crosses and set pieces. 82 goals against was the 4th highest in the division and although six-foot-five Sam Roscoe has been signed to help remedy this, often issues such as set piece defending go deeper and are to do with the team rather than on an individual basis. Altrincham certainly have exciting speed and trickery in their attack with the likes of Amaluzor, Donawa and Conn-Clarke supporting the strikers. Last season's impressive tally of 68 goals scored was the highest outside the play off positions and you would back Altrincham to rival them numbers again, especially with Regan Linney looking particularly potent after scoring six times following his signing in February from FC United. Yet, if the club want to achieve Phil Parkinson's aim of reaching the Football League, they need to find a way of shoring up defensively as success often comes from both boxes, not just one. 

Prediction: Mid Table.  

Dagenham & Redbridge

In
Josh Rees (Boreham Wood)

Ryan Hill (Eastleigh)

Tom Eastman (Colchester United)

Frank Vincent (Notts County)

Jake Hessenthaler (Crawley Town)

Lewis Page (Gillingham)

Charley Kendall (Lincoln City - loan)

Conor Lawless (Luton Town)

Outs

Jay Bird

Ansu Janneh

Paul McCallum

Matt Robinson

Ryley Scott

Mauro Vilhete

Yoan Zouma

Mo Sagaf

George Saunders

Angelo Balanta

Emmanuel Onariase

Potential line up

Squad brief: It was an entertaining three year cycle at times, but ultimately Darryl McMahon's time in charge of Dagenham & Redbridge will go down as a significant underachievement. Failure to make the play off positions with the budget at his disposal has seen McMahon's squad largely torn apart. The front five of Junior Morias, Josh Walker, Paul McCallum, Matt Robinson and Mo Sagaf have all left the club leaving new manager Ben Strevens with a large rebuilding project. Strevens himself has largely cleared the decks with over ten players leaving during the summer as he looks to bring in players that embody the desire and quality that 'Make A Dagger'. With centre back Manny Onariase released from his contract, Strevens has looked to add experience in the form of Tom Eastman from Colchester. Eastman, a reliable performer at The U's for many years, will slot into the middle of a back three likely to include England C International Harry Phipps and Elliott Johnson. With near enough no midfield options left, the new Daggers manager has a completely new quartet at his disposal with Jake Hessenthaler, Frank Vincent, Connor Lawless and Josh Rees adding a mixture of dynamism and experience at this level. Formerly in charge of Eastleigh, Strevens also returned to his old club to sign one of his old players Ryan Hill. A winger by trade, the Daggers 3-5-2 formation will likely see Hill operate in a wing-back role at times with Myles Weston and Josh Hare regularly holding both positions last season. The 25-year-old may have to compete with another of the club's new signings though as left-wing-back Lewis Page recently joined on a one year deal. Page's career has been ravaged with injuries to date which has prevented the technically sound defender from playing at the likes of Charlton, Exeter and Harrogate on a regular basis. If the Daggers can keep him fit however, then they certainly have a Football League calibre talent on their hands. One talent from the Football League the Daggers definitely possess however is Charley Kendall who has joined on a season long loan from Lincoln. The young striker has impressed previously at National League South level and Strevens will be hoping that he can support Inih Effiong with the club's goal burden this season.  

Manager:  Once a key part of their side historically promoted to the Football League, Ben Strevens returned to manage the Daggers in March of last season. Previously a striker with a high work ethic, Strevens' previous side Eastleigh was built in this mould and managed to make the Play Offs during his three year reign. Having left the Spitfires early in 2022, Strevens took some time out of the game and did some coaching work in the Luton Town academy before a return to National League management beckoned.

Unheralded Gem: Sydney Ibie - Relatively unknown outside of Dagenham, the six-foot-six left winger signed from Northwood last season and immediately caught the eye with his direct running. The 20-year-old is raw but produced unplayable moments in matches at times. Consistency is the next step as Ibie looks to make his mark on the goal charts this season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Inih Effiong

Overall Thoughts: With Darryl McMahon's tenure ending in a disorganised whimper, Ben Strevens is out to re-establish the Dagenham & Redbridge identity of an organised, ultra-competitive side. Early signs appear promising. Jake Hessenthaler appears to be an upgrade on anybody that the Daggers employed in front of the back four last season whilst the calming authority of Tom Eastman at centre back may well make the side less of a soft touch this campaign. Strevens will be aiming for his side to be compact and to press collectively across the pitch together - a tactic which has been evident during pre-season. With organisation a key part of Strevens' remit, expect the Daggers to be involved in games decided by the finer of margins this campaign. However, rebuilds are rarely perfected over one summer and the Daggers will be relying on good fortune with injuries to cover the shortfalls of having a small squad. At this stage, you would back the Daggers to not be a million miles away from the play off positions but I just wonder if they are a striker or creator short over a long, gruelling season. 

Prediction:  Upper mid table. 

Dorking Wanderers

In
Harrison Male (Worthing FC)

Tony Craig (Crawley Town)

Jaevon Dyer (Epsom & Ewell)

Outs

Sami El-Abd

Nicky Wheeler

Dan Lincoln

Jordan Cheadle

Adam Mekki

Alfie Egan

James Dickson

Potential line up 

Squad brief: The 2022-23 season proved to be a memorable one for Dorking as they consolidated their promotion to the National League with safety on 57 points. It wasn't always an easy ride for the side, who were very patchy across the campaign, with a difficult middle bookended by an excellent start and finish. Out of all the teams in the National League this summer, Marc White's side have been the least active in the transfer market with only three signings made. After seeing the club's retained list, the obvious position to fill was in goal after the surprising departure of Dan Lincoln. White very quickly snapped up Harrison Male from Worthing FC. The 22-year-old is a highly rated shot stopper and importantly is excellent with the ball at his feet which compliments how Dorking play out from the back. Elsewhere, Dorking have also made former Millwall centre back Tony Craig's loan permanent. The 38-year-old arrived at a time where Dorking were in relegation peril last season and his experience and professionalism proved invaluable as the side only conceded 14 goals across the final 13 matches. Elsewhere, 19-year-old winger Jaevon Dyer signed from Epsom & Ewell and will likely be one for the future. With all that said, it appears Marc White is happy to trust those who finished last season to start this one. The back three will comprise of Craig and two others who also joined midway through last season in Joe Cook, from Chesterfield, and George Francomb, from Crawley. The club have several options at wing back but the most noticeable of all is Matt Briggs, who missed most of last season with an ACL injury followed by knee problems. A fully fit Briggs would be almost like a new signing for the Wanderers. You would imagine Dan Gallagher will continue in the defensive midfield role that he adapted and excelled into midway through last season whilst Luke Moore and Josh Taylor will likely continue in central midfield. Up front, last season's top goal-scorer James McShane and Ryan Seager will likely be competing for a spot alongside returning hero Jason Prior. 34-year-old Prior initially left the club after they won promotion but returned in February last season and struck an impressive 7 goals in 14 games. 

Manager: Marc White is never short of an opinion or two making him one of the more unconventional characters in the non-league. White is the owner and chairman of the club alongside being the longest serving manager in the division. Having bankrolled the club for the past 20 years, the former player turned manager led the club to 12 promotions in 23 years from the Crawley & District league to the National League itself. Last season saw White lead the club to survival in their debut season at Step 1 despite 91 goals being conceded.

Unheralded Gem: Dan Gallagher - Dorking's inaugural season in the National League was an excellent one for Dan Gallagher who also broke into the England C side. Starting as a centre back, the 26-year-old moved into a defensive midfielder role and excelled leading to him winning Marc White's Player of the Season award. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Jason Prior

Overall Thoughts:  Dorking's fearless approach took some by surprise in the early stages of last season whilst some experienced recruitment in February, when the going got tough, helped them to get over the line. Marc White's approach to recruitment appears to be careful and considered and I envisage that he will add to his squad over the season where necessary with players who fit the profile he is after. On the surface, Dorking's squad is full of experience and all personnel buy into the passing football that White wishes to employ. In particular, the defence looks much stronger in this pre-season than the last which should go some way to avoiding the fate of being the league's leakiest team for a second season running. Second season syndrome is the obvious concern for any club potentially punching above their weight but Dorking will hope that their home form on the artificial Meadowbank pitch will aid their quest to push up the league table even further this season. 

Prediction: Lower Mid Table. 

Hartlepool United

Ins
Matthew Dolan (Newport County)

Kieran Burton (Scarborough Athletic)

Joel Dixon (Bolton Wanderers)

Kieran Wallace (Mansfield)

Pete Jameson (Harrogate)

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (Halifax)

Chris Wreh (Southend)

Emmanuel Onariase (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Anthony Mancini (Accrington Stanley)

Charlie Seaman (Doncaster Rovers - loan)

Outs
Leon Clarke

Ben Killip

Pat Boyes

Jamie Sterry

Peter Hartley

Mohammed Niang

Wes McDonald

Brendan Kiernan

Connor Jennings

Euan Murray

Nicky Featherstone

Potential line up

        

Squad brief: Only two years after managing to promote from the National League and Hartlepool United find themselves back in the fifth tier. With the league notoriously difficult to get out of, Pools supporters will have asked questions of the bad decision making behind the scenes that saw them never effectively replace Dave Challinor. Albeit, the appointment of John Askey looks to be a smart one with the former Macclesfield manager carrying a good record at National League level. As always with a relegated club, many of the failed signings from last season have departed with the likes of Brendan Kiernan, Mohammad Niang, Wes McDonald and Euan Murray moving on. Ultimately, the Pools squad is still bloated in places and it appears that Askey would also like to move on Jake Hastie, Brody Paterson and Mo Sylla, yet all still remain contracted at the time of writing. Recruitment at this stage is always vital for relegated clubs to turn a negative changing room into a positive one and Hartlepool have moved smartly in that regard. Goalkeeper Ben Killip's move to Barnsley has led to Askey bringing in two keepers of a good calibre in Joel Dixon and Pete Jameson to compete for the number one spot. Elsewhere, the club have looked to address the problems they had in defence last season by signing former Dagenham & Redbridge centre back Emmanuel Onariase. Matthew Dolan's loan from last season was also made permanent at the start of the summer whilst Kieran Wallace's versatility will prove invaluable as the former Mansfield man can switch between central midfield and left back. With Josh Umerah's future at the club uncertain, Askey has signed Emmanuel Dieseruvwe from FC Halifax after the six-foot-three striker hit 13 goals last season. Former Southend striker Chris Wreh has also been added to provide competition to the forward positions. Also, John Askey is no stranger to signing a trialist in his many years of building squads from the ground up and he didn't disappoint this summer with Anthony Mancini dropping the 'trialist' moniker to become a fully signed up part of the Hartlepool midfield.  

Manager: John Askey's accomplishments in charge of Macclesfield Town will forever live in the memory at National League level. With barely a penny to spend, Askey led the club to the National League title in 2018. With the club's financial problems worsening though, Askey moved to Shrewsbury Town at the end of that season. Yet, this rebuilding job proved too much too soon as Askey only lasted a number of months before being sacked. Soon after, Port Vale, who were in relegation trouble, hired Askey and he repaid them by steering them to safety before launching a play off challenge the following season. After leaving Vale following a difficult post-COVID season, Askey returned to Macclesfield as a mentor before taking over from Steve Watson at York where he led the Minstermen to promotion in 2021/22. However, the 58-year-old left midway through last season after disagreements with the York Chairman. It didn't take long for Askey to return to management as February 2023 saw him appointed as the new Hartlepool manager. Despite an eight game unbeaten run consisting mostly of draws, it wasn't enough to keep the club in the Football League as Hartlepool were narrowly relegated by 3 points. 

Unheralded Gem: Joel Dixon - Only 29 and with a vast array of lower league experience, Joel Dixon should provide a pair of safe hands this season. A regular for Barrow as they won the National League, Dixon consolidated by playing every match in League Two the following season. His form earned a move to League 1 Bolton where he play 23 matches in total the season before last. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Mani Dieseruvwe

Overall Thoughts: As always with teams who are relegated, a large turnover is required and that is certainly no different at Hartlepool. The influx of Scottish players signed by ex-manager Paul Hartley have largely been cleared although remnants of the previous failed regimes are still taking up squad spaces. Whilst Hartlepool have made a number of seemingly sensible signings to lay down foundations, the squad are seemingly lacking an abundance of flair and ball carriers. John Askey seems to have settled on a structured 3-5-2 formation where it appears full backs Daniel Dodds and David Ferguson will be pushed up to wing back. Callum Cooke, Kieran Wallace and Anthony Mancini will certainly be a competitive central midfield trio in this division but it remains to be seen whether any of them can relieve the goal burden that is seemingly going to be placed on Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Josh Umerah. Both strikers have previously hit double figures at this level but neither would be considered as real contenders for the golden boot trophy. Although quite well fancied by many, perhaps due to Askey's presence as manager, Hartlepool may need another year of steady recruitment to be in a position to launch a promotion push. 

Prediction: Consolidation in Mid Table.

Rochdale AFC

Ins
Harvey Gilmour (Halifax)

Kairo Mitchell (Notts County)

Cody Johnson (Stockport - loan)

Kyle Ferguson (Harrogate Town)

Moe Shubbar (Crawley Town)

Kwaku Oduroh (Derby County - loan)

Adam Clayton (Bradford)

Louie Moulden (Wolves - loan)

Michael Afuye (Avro FC)

Outs
Aidy White

Jordan Scanlon

Rhys Bennett

Toumani Diagouraga

Toby Mullarkey 

Liam Kelly

Richard O'Donnell

Abraham Odoh

Tahvon Campbell 

James Ball

Potential line up

Squad brief: Last season was nothing short of a footballing disaster for Rochdale and just two years after being relegated from League One, the Dale found themselves a non-league club. Honestly speaking, Dale took far too long to sack Jim Bentley last season following just six wins in thirty two games. Former player Jimmy McNulty has been entrusted with the difficult job of rebuilding the playing squad with personnel strong enough to compete in the National League. League two mainstays such as Abraham Odoh, Liam Kelly and Toumani Diagouraga have moved on yet McNulty has also retained several who he feels could do a good job at this level. Those such as Tyrese Sinclair, who impressed on-loan at Altrincham last season, and Devante Rodney, who managed to score 12 goals last season, will likely play a big part this campaign. However, McNulty has also recruited many new faces and the majority of them are young with potential to improve. Michael Afuye and Moe Shubbar fit into this category as pacey young wingers who have given supporters a glimpse of their talents during pre-season. McNulty has also utilised the loan market effectively by bringing in Louie Moulden, Cody Johnson and Kwaku Oduroh. Moulden - a 21-year-old goalkeeper - performed well on-loan at Solihull Moors last season whilst Johnson had an impressive loan spell in central midfield for National League North Banbury United. Adding to that, Oduroh made several appearances for Derby in cup competitions at right back. With this plethora of youth, McNulty has sensibly brought in some experience too and 34-year-old defensive midfield Adam Clayton does just that. The former Bradford man will likely be deployed at the heart of the midfield alongside another new signing in Harvey Gilmour from Halifax. Further experience of playing in the National League has also been added with former Altrincham loanee Kyle Ferguson likely to partner captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell at the back whilst striker Kairo Mitchell will likely rotate up front with veteran and all-time leading Rochdale goal-scorer Ian Henderson, evergreen at the age of 38. 

Manager: Jimmy McNulty is well known in lower-league circles for his playing career that largely saw him represent clubs in the North West of England. In particular, McNulty's eight year spell at centre back for Rochdale saw him represent the club during some of their best seasons in League One but also during their lowest of lows through two relegations. In 2022, aged 37 with his playing days beginning to wind down, McNulty stepped up as caretaker manager after the sacking of Robbie Stockdale and then later on doing the same after the club relieved Jim Bentley of his services. Despite the club's relegation, McNulty only lost two of his eight games in charge at the end of the League Two season thus persuading the Rochdale board to offer him the position of First Team manager for the club's first non-league season in 102 years.   

Unheralded Gem: Tyrese Sinclair - A difficult first season for the Dale saw Sinclair sent out on loan to Altrincham. Yet it was here that the winger found the best form of his career with five goals in eleven games and a string of performances that saw him recalled to aid Rochdale with their relegation battle. Two assists in their final two matches gave a hint as to what Dale fans may expect to see in the National League this season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Devante Rodney

Overall Thoughts: Like Hartlepool, there is always intrigue with how a recently relegated side will fare in their first season back at non-league level. Naturally, there are comparisons with Scunthorpe considering the way they fell through the division last year. However, each individual case is different and personally I believe Rochdale to be in a much healthier position compared to the Iron. The inexperience of new manager Jimmy McNulty is one of the big question marks lingering yet I believe he has recruited effectively as opposed to some previously relegated clubs who misunderstand the profile of player required for National League success. Tyrese Sinclair seems primed for a big season whilst Devante Rodney and Ian Henderson should be safe hands in front of goal at this level. Nevertheless, aside from the obvious experience of Henderson, Adam Clayton and a few others, Rochdale possess an incredibly youthful looking squad. With that in mind, there may be a few humbling nights afoot for the Dale, yet I think there is enough flair and goals up front to ensure that Rochdale will finish far clear of danger, albeit also quite far away from the top end of the table. 

Prediction: An up and down season. Lower mid-table finish. 

Solihull Moors

Ins
Kyle Morrison (AFC Fylde)

Matty Warburton (FC Halifax)

Joe Newton (Havant & Waterlooville)

Connor Hall (Chorley)

Gus Mafuta (York City)

Joss Labadie (Walsall Town)

Tommy Simkin (Stoke City - loan)

Nico Gordon (Birmingham City - loan)

Kade Craig (Shrewsbury Town)

Outs

Alex Gudger

Ben Coker

Joey Jones

Callum Whelan

Ethan Vaughan

Junior Tiensia

Reiss McNally

Andy Dallas

Matt Preston

Justin Donawa

Callum Howe

Joel Shambrook (loan)

Ryan Boot

Potential line up

Squad brief: All change this summer at Solihull after an expected promotion push never materialised last season. Still, the Moors would not have been expecting Neil Ardley's resignation in late June as pre-season preparations were in full swing. Ardley's full reasons for leaving were unknown but you would suspect it may have been to do with budget and player turnover. Chairman Darryl Eales moved quickly to appoint former Banbury manager Andy Whing and the 38-year-old will have to deal with a squad now lacking the experience of Ryan Boot, Andy Dallas, Alex Gudger, Callum Howe, Ben Coker and Callum Whelan. However, his predecessor had already brought centre back Kyle Morrison, left back Joe Newton, attacking midfielder Matty Warburton, striker Connor Hall and holding midfielder Gus Mafuta. In particular, 25-year-old Hall joins following an excellent season at Chorley where he managed 20 goals and supporters will hope he can fill the void that was never properly replaced since Andrew Dallas' departure. Whing's appointment also saw former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Ward arrive as the new Director of Football. The Moors have made four signings since with the first being experienced Joss Labadie who will likely partner Callum Maycock or Jamey Osbourne in the heart of the midfield. The aforementioned Ryan Boot's departure ensured that Solihull needed a new goalkeeper this summer and they have since signed young 18-year-old Tommy Simkin on a season long loan from Stoke City. It remains to be seen at the time of writing if Whing will go back into the market for a more experienced goalkeeper. Nevertheless, he has usefully utilised the loan market again to bring in highly rated defender Nico Gordon on another season long loan. Gordon, who has several first team appearances for Birmingham to his name, will likely partner Kyle Morrison at centre back. 

Manager: As a solid right back in his day, Andy Whing most notably turned out for Coventry City, Brighton and Oxford United during his playing career. After retirement in 2015, Whing had short spells at Kidderminster and Hereford as U23 and Assistant Manager respectively. It was in 2020 though that Whing took the job that would define his career to date as Banbury United manager. Whing unexpectedly led the club to a resounding promotion to the National League North in 2022 with four matches to spare. Even more impressively, despite having to deal with key players leaving, such as Chris Wreh and Morgan Roberts, Whing ensured Banbury survived relegation with 54 points and a 17th place finish before resigning in May. 

Unheralded Gem:  Josh Kelly - A wily forward who often plays just off a number nine - Josh Kelly arguably has all the tools to be a Football League player. Just 24, and with several double digit seasons already in the bank, Kelly will be a key man for what is going to be a largely new look Moors side this season. 

Top goal-scorer prediction: Connor Hall

Overall Thoughts: Every year there is a team that is almost impossible to predict and this year the honours go to Solihull. A new, young manager who has experienced success in the lower divisions combined with a squad that has lost key experience yet signed an intriguing mix of players leaves those trying to predict clueless. At it's best, Solihull's mercurial talents such as Josh Kelly and Joe Sbarra will have outstanding seasons under Whing's brand of football whilst the likes of Nico Gordon will be one of the breakout defenders in the division. Yet, the squad is now almost unrecognisable from the side that narrowly lost the Play Off final just over a year ago with only James Clarke, Callum Maycock and Joe Sbarra remaining. Such a dismantling draws parallels with the Torquay side that entered a slow decline following their own play off heartbreak which eventually led to last season's relegation. It would be no surprise to see Solihull in a battle at the bottom this season but there looks to be just enough quality and experience remaining at the Moors for them to begin a rebuild under Andy Whing. 

Prediction: An enigma. Mid Table.

Play off contenders (4th - 10th)

Boreham Wood

Ins
Timmy Abraham (Walsall)

Angelo Balanta (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Tom Whelan (Chesterfield)

Mo Sagaf (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea - Loan)

Kwesi Appiah (Crawley Town)

Outs
Mark Ricketts

Will Evans

Josh Rees

Danny Newton

Dennon Lewis

George Williams

Connor Stevens

David Smith

Potential line up

Squad brief: After a couple of disappointing seasons by their standards, Boreham Wood nearly found the formula to promotion last season. It was not plain sailing all the way with the team languishing in mid-table around the New Year with their home form deserting them for much of the campaign. Yet, Wood's resilience was almost unmatched in the second half of the season with the side only conceding 17 goals in their final 24 matches. A narrow Play Off Semi Final defeat to Notts County ended their season but most of Boreham Wood's long-serving players remain. Despite Will Evans exit, Luke Garrard can still employ three of Chris Bush, Jamal Fyfield, David Stephens, Femi Ilesanmi or David Agbontahoma in front of goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore. Wing back positions are well contested with Cameron Coxe and Dion Kelly-Evans battling on the right whilst Garrard decides between the more attacking Erico Sousa or the physical Femi Ilesanmi on the left. It is in midfield that Garrard has had to revitalise his team after energetic loan signings George Broadbent and Zak Brunt left for new clubs. This time, Garrard has opted for two experienced National League players in their mid 20s with Tom Whelan and Mo Sagaf tasked with adding goals and creativity from midfield. In attack, Danny Newton has departed after making little impact last season which left Garrard with only Lee Ndlovu and Tyrone Marsh as his forward options. The signing of Timmy Abraham raised some eyebrows with the energetic 22-year-old's goal record leaving a lot to be desired. However, the signing of Kwesi Appiah appears to be cannier with the experienced striker well-versed in chipping in with significant goal contributions in League Two over the years. There was also a return five years after departing for Angelo Balanta despite the former Play Off finalist having had injury problems in recent seasons although Garrard may well have brought him in to be a difference maker in them tight key moments that Wood have previously just fallen short in. 

Manager: After a long playing career in non-league football that culminated in 2015, Luke Garrard became manager of his final club - Boreham Wood. Garrard had been player/assistant to Ian Allinson at the club since 2013 and upon accepting the position became the youngest manager in all of England's top five divisions. Garrard has experienced success with the club over the past eight seasons with the play offs being reached on three occasions. In particular, the 2017/18 season saw Boreham Wood reach the play off final where they lost narrowly to Tranmere Rovers. Having signed a three year contract last summer, Garrard will be hoping to go a little further this coming campaign than last season's narrow defeat in the Play Off semi finals.

Unheralded Gem: Kwesi Appiah - As a vastly experienced Football League striker, Kwesi Appiah joins Tyrone Marsh as a wily operator who will likely chip in with around 10 goals a season. The 32-year-old will most likely play alongside Lee Ndlovu and the dynamic between them, on paper, looks like it could well be a handful for defences this coming season. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Lee Ndlovu

Overall Thoughts: Boreham Wood are a rare case of continuity in this division having had the same manager for their eight seasons in the National League. Such stability breeds patterns and in Wood's case, their trends for success and failure are evident. Noticeably the side tend to finish in the play off positions when they score far in excess of their usual 50 goals a season (last season being an outlier) whereas it is very rare, regardless of form, for them to concede above 50 goals. Such statistics would suggest that if Boreham Wood can get their attacking patterns right, their rock solid defence will near enough guarantee that victories follow. With former loanees Zak Brunt and George Broadbent in particular moving on to new clubs, Tom Whelan and Mo Sagaf are both capable of recreating their energy and guile but will perhaps need to find a consistency that they have not yet managed in their careers to date. Garrard's striker recruitment is sometimes hit and miss but Lee Ndlovu proved a handful and the signing of Kwesi Appiah to support him looks a smart one. In what looks to be an ultra-competitive season, back Boreham Wood's solidity to act as their foundation for a top seven finish again. 

Prediction: Narrowly sealing a Play Off position.

Bromley

In

Sam Woods (Barnet)

Cole Kpekawa (Maidenhead)

Josh Passley (Havant & Waterlooville)

Grant Smith (Yeovil)

Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea - loan)

Chin Okoli (Millwall - loan)

Tate Campbell (Birmingham City - loan)

Outs
Cameron Green

Charlie Nicholas

Finlay Lovatt

Tunji Obembe

Kellen Fisher

Omar Sowunmi 

Reice Charles-Cook

Harry Forster

David Smith

Potential line up

                    

Squad brief: Andy Woodman enters his fourth summer as Bromley boss with the aim of once again reaching the Football League. Last season saw the Lillywhites squeeze into 7th place before narrowly losing out in the Play Off semi finals after extra time to Chesterfield. As per usual, Woodman was heavily reliant on loan signings to give his squad the extra impetus during the run in. Ryan Stirk and Deji Elerewe are two impressive performers in particular who the manager will have to replace going into the new season. Alongside this, a new goalkeeper has been required following Reice Charles-Cook's decision to turn down a new deal. Being a former goalkeeper himself, Woodman tends to get recruitment right in this area and his signing of Grant Smith from relegated Yeovil looks to tick all of the boxes. Three regulars from the Bromley back five have also departed in Harry Forster, Kellen Fisher and Omar Sowunmi. Forster's departure is probably not entirely unexpected as former Millwall youth player Besart Topalloj made the left wing back spot his own after signing permanently in January. However, the departures of 19-year-old breakthrough star Fisher to Norwich City and defensive giant Sowunmi are a blow. The experienced Josh Passley will likely replace Fisher in the right wing back role after signing whilst former Maidenhead man Cole Kpekawa should take Sowunmi's spot in the central defence alongside Byron Webster and Callum Reynolds. Woodman has also already started on trying to find the next outstanding youngster with Millwall's U21 captain Chin Okoli and Birmingham City midfielder Tate Campbell joining on loan and adding depth to the spine of the team. To date, the Lillywhites have left their forward ranks untouched, and probably for good reason, with Michael Cheek once again likely to be in the race for the Golden Boot and Adam Marriott along with Louis Dennis supporting him. 

Manager: Andy Woodman's spell as Bromley manager since 2021 has seen the club consistently competing to finish in the top seven. As a goalkeeper, Woodman's playing career saw him represent numerous sides in the Football League with his stint at Northampton Town perhaps the most memorable. After retiring, he spent a lot of time following Alan Pardew from club to club as goalkeeper coach before embarking on a managerial role himself at Whitehawk in 2017. Woodman saved the club from relegation and left shortly afterwards before becoming the Head of Goalkeeping at Arsenal - a role in which he held until Bromley came calling. Woodman's first full season in charge of the club saw them narrowly miss out on the play offs but acquire silverware through an FA Trophy final triumph over Wrexham. Last season saw a much anticipated top seven finish before the club was narrowly knocked out of the Play Off semi-finals after extra time to Chesterfield. 

Unheralded Gem: Louis Dennis - A player who is not spoken about anywhere near enough at National League level. Blessed with great ball carrying ability and a great shot, Dennis' key statistics do not match his undoubted talent, yet a change of role half-way through last season saw him hit 9 goals - his best return for five seasons. Now seemingly playing up top with Michael Cheek, a double digit scoring season could be on the horizon. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Michael Cheek

Overall Thoughts: A bit like Boreham Wood, you tend to know what you're going to get with Bromley. Three seasons under Andy Woodman have brought 69, 67 and 71 points with 53 goals conceded in each of the campaigns. On all three occasions, The Lillywhites' battle for the play off positions went to the wire where they succeeded on two occasions but missed out once. It will be interesting to see how Bromley's defensive statistics compare this season as the majority of their departures have been from the back line. Grant Smith's underlying numbers suggest he is an excellent alternative to Reice Charles-Cook in goal whereas the exciting Kellen Fisher will be a miss at right wing back with replacement Josh Passley previously solid but not spectacular at National League level. Omar Sowunmi's departure also looks to be a blow with replacement Cole Kpekawa less experienced and coming off the back of an injury. However, I would suggest that Woodman's side will mostly miss Ryan Stirk who shone in midfield whilst on loan for the final few months. It is here that Bromley often require a bit of spark with Billy Bingham and James Vennings a similar type of deep lying ball player. Woodman will undoubtedly give chances to youth and uncover a gem or two throughout the season; nevertheless it will likely be a tight call again as to whether they squeeze into the top seven or not. 

Prediction: Narrowly missing out on the play offs.  

Eastleigh

Ins
Jake Taylor (Stevenage)

Paul McCallum (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Enzio Boldewijn (Sutton United)

Ryan Clampin (Colchester United)

Tommy Scott (Hamworthy)

Lee Hodson (Kilmarnock)

Solomon Nwabuokei (Barrow)

Aidan Barlow (Doncaster Rovers)

Ludwig Francillette (Crawley Town)

Scott Quigley (Stockport County)

Chris Maguire (Ayr United)

Outs
Michael Kelly

Ousseynou Cisse

Jake Scrimshaw

Jake Hesketh

Gerry McDonagh

Tristan Abrahams

Ryan Hill

Vincent Harper

Ross Flitney

Brendan Wilson

Christian Maghoma

Tom Bragg

Potential line up

Squad brief: All change at Eastleigh this summer following the return of Stewart Donald as club chairman following a short stint at Sunderland as one of the shareholders. As a result, a side that was on the verge of the play off positions, before fixture congestion caught up to them, has been dismantled. First team regulars such as Christian Maghoma, Ryan Hill and Ousseynou Cisse have departed and found moves to fellow National League sides. The club certainly wouldn't have wanted to lose star wing back Vincent Harper but a move to a club in the Football League was inevitable and the 22-year-old is now at Exeter City. Eastleigh's approach has very much been in the realm of bringing in experienced operators who have largely played at a higher level. Following Maghoma's departure, six-foot-four Ludwig Francillette, formerly of Crawley, will likely partner captain Aaron Martin at the back whilst ex-Colchester left back Ryan Clampin will fill that void opposite young right back Oscar Rutherford. A new central midfield combination appears to be in the workings with veteran former Wales international Jake Taylor joining from Stevenage. He will most likely be partnered by the dynamic Solomon Nwabuokei, who has previously impressed at National League level with Woking. The Spitfires front four will also look mostly unfamiliar from last season although the impressive Charlie Carter will be fighting to maintain his place at the tip of the midfield following ten goals last season and the February Player of the Month award. Either side of Carter will most likely be two from former Manchester United academy player Aidan Barlow, unpredictable dutch winger Enzio Boldewijn or veteran Chris Maguire, who has scored and created at a range of clubs throughout his 17 year career. Up front, Eastleigh have plumped for two tall experienced proven goal-scorers in Paul McCallum and Scott Quigley and you would envisage that at times the two will be paired together. Finally, young goalkeeper Tommy Scott has been signed as backup to the excellent Joe McConnell, who is fresh from appearing for Boreham Wood in the play offs following at emergency loan at the end of last season. 

Manager: Lee Bradbury is best known for his time at Bournemouth as a player. Following Eddie Howe's first departure from the club back in 2011, Bradbury stepped into the managerial hotseat and guided the Cherries into the play offs where they lost in the semi finals. The following season was a chastening experience for the manager who couldn't keep the club's upward trajectory going. Following this, Bradbury dropped down the divisions to manage Havant and Waterlooville where he led the club to multiple promotions culminating in a season in the National League. Relegation followed however also resulting in the end of the manager's 7 year stint in charge. Bradbury's profile had been lower in recent years following an unsuccessful stint in charge of Eastbourne Borough. However, unexpectedly challenging for a play off position last season with Eastleigh has provided him with a route back into management. 

Unheralded Gem: Oscar Rutherford - Only 19-years-old, Oscar Rutherford broke into the Eastleigh first team midway through last season and soon made an impact from right back and higher up in right midfield. Noticeably very strong for his age and not afraid to venture forward, the Spitfires will do well to hold onto him until the season has concluded. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Paul McCallum

Overall Thoughts: It has been an exciting summer for Eastleigh fans with many players from Football League clubs arriving. On paper, the squad is stronger and in a prime position to compete for the upper places in the division. One of my reservations surrounding Eastleigh though is the style employed by Lee Bradbury compared to the players he has bought. The Eastleigh manager is known more for a defensive brand of football whereas there will now be an expectation for the Spitfires to be controlling games rather than chasing out of possession. Paul McCallum, Scott Quigley and Chris Maguire are certainly not going to press opposition backlines so it will be interesting to see if Bradbury looks to be more aggressive with his defensive line or there may be a lack of synergy between players and tactics. With this in mind, it would not surprise me if Stewart Donald wielded the axe early should results be patchy early on. However, it can not be denied that the physical, aerial approach that Eastleigh are likely to employ could well overwhelm several teams. For this reason, with a new manager at the helm, I think Eastleigh are still in a good place to achieve a play off position but perhaps not via the route they will be expecting at this stage. 

Prediction: Play Offs. 

Ebbsfleet United

In
Jack Wakely (Wycombe Wanderers)

Ousseynou Cisse (Eastleigh)

Hayden White (Walsall)

David Amoo (Crewe)

Matthias Fanimo (FC Koper)

Nathan Odokonyero (Bognor Regis)

Outs

Alex Finney

Sido Jombati

Kieran Monlouis

Elliott Romain

Christian N'Guessan

Jack Paxman

Chris Haigh

Potential line up

Squad brief: After the heartbreak of being seconds away from returning to the National League in the summer of 2022, Ebbsfleet ensured they left nothing to chance last season as they stormed to an historic promotion 20 points clear of their nearest rivals. Unsurprisingly, manager Dennis Kutrieb concluded that his side does not require much amending although the boss - fresh from a contract extension - has strengthened in key areas ahead of the new campaign. The major hole that required filling was in the centre of the pitch after influential holding midfield Christian N'Guessan secured a move to Football League Sutton United. Kutrieb has moved for a player of very similar skillset with Ousseynou Cisse joining from Eastleigh. Elsewhere, young six-foot-four centre back Jack Wakely's signing will provide competition to captain Chris Solly and Joe Martin whilst the club achieved somewhat of a coup by acquiring the signature of Hayden White. The former Walsall defender will likely slot into the right of the back three due to being equally comfortable moving into the wide areas as he is in the centre. With Kutrieb's approach of often playing attack minded players at wing back, the signing of David Amoo looks to fit this brief and the experienced 32-year-old will likely compete with fellow new signing Matthias Fanimo for a starting berth on the right. Up front, the club retain National League South top goalscorer Dominic Poleon whilst 16 goal man Rakesh Bingham will hope to be back by late Autumn following achilles surgery in April. Therefore, with a spot next to the prolific Poleon available at the start of the season, Kutrieb has signed exciting striker Nathan Odokonyero. The former Bognor Regis man scored 25 goals in the Isthmian Premier Division last season and has long been touted for a move up the divisions.  

Manager: Dennis Kutrieb was not the name expected when he took charge of Ebbsfleet at the beginning of the 2020/21 season. The 43-year-old German impressed in the lower regions of German football by first taking Berlin league side VSG Altglienicke to the fourth tier before managing Tennis Borussia Berlin, who he once played for, to a Berlin Cup final and second place in the Berlin League. The 2019/20 season saw the club top of the German fifth tier before the season was stopped due to COVID. Nevertheless, this meant a third successive promotion for Kutrieb with his side scoring 61 goals and conceding just 17. With attention starting to be gathered abroad, Kutrieb accepted the Ebbsfleet job and promptly took the club to a Play Off final before gaining promotion to the National League last season. 

Unheralded Gem: Chris Solly - As a regular Championship and League One full back at Charlton, it was an enormous coup for Ebbsfleet to sign Chris Solly in 2020. His role has evolved over three seasons to the point where he now often plays in the centre of a back three where the club captain is a key cog in Ebbsfleet's building from the back style. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Dominic Poleon

Overall Thoughts: Without question, many lower league supporters are intrigued to see how the all-conquering Ebbsfleet side, with 103 points and 110 goals last season, will step up to the National League. With full backs playing on the sides of the back three and wide forwards playing in the wing back roles, Ebbsfleet's approach is quite simply to dominate and overwhelm with threats and very good footballers in all positions. Dominic Poleon hit 36 goals in what was an outstanding campaign but there rightfully should still be a small question mark as to whether this was an anomaly given his previous scoring record at National League level and higher. The same goes for Rakesh Bingham who has also struggled for goals elsewhere. Perhaps this is testament to Kutrieb and the manner in which he gives his attacking talents the best opportunities to flourish. With White, Cisse and Amoo strengthening key positions and Odokonyero as an exciting wildcard up front, there is much to be optimistic about this season. However, it may be that better sides exploit the defensive side of Ebbsfleet's game such is the way sometimes when stepping up a level. There also has to be the question asked of whether Dennis Kutrieb will still be Ebbsfleet manager at the end of the season as you imagine there will be interest when managerial vacancies arise. For these reasons, I think Ebbsfleet will just fall short of the top seven but I expect vast entertainment along the way. 

Prediction:  Upper Mid Table

Gateshead FC

In
Stephen Wearne (Unattached)

Regan Booty (Maidstone)

Callum Whelan (Solihull Moors)

Ed Francis (Notts County)

Jordan Hunter (South Shields)

Aidan Rutledge (Birtley Town)

Archie Mair (Norwich City - Loan)

Billy Chadwick (Stockport - Loan)

Luke Hannant (Colchester United)

Outs

Harrison Clark

Kyle Errington

Dan Jarvis

Lewis Leach

Owen Bailey

Dan Ward

James Montgomery

Lewis Knight (Loan)

Aaron Martin

Lirak Hasani (Loan)

Potential line up 

                      

Squad brief: A thoroughly entertaining return for Gateshead to The National League was marked with an FA Trophy final appearance, a 14th place finish and 67 goals scored domestically. After a start that yielded less points than perhaps deserved, the Heed's form during the second half of the season was outstanding as they managed 40 points from the final 23 games. Mike Williamson will have to cope without some of his outstanding loan signings this coming season, such as Kamil Conteh and Ethan Pye whilst permanent residents Owen Bailey and Dan Ward both achieved moves to Doncaster and Hartlepool respectively. The manager will also be disappointed to have lost goalkeeper James Montgomery but has arguably improved in that area with the signing of Notts County's Play Off Final hero Archie Mair. Excellent at saving penalties - as showed for The Magpies last season -  22-year-old Mair is a fine shot stopper and is also adept with the ball at his feet which will suit Williamson's progressive style no end. Defensively, there will not be many changes although the departing Pye will likely be replaced by Connor Pani who impressed during last season's run in following a couple of spells on loan at National League North sides. However, with Gateshead losing several of their midfield ball players, this is the area in which Williamson has strengthened and impressively their business was conducted early with Regan Booty, Callum Whelan and Ed Francis signing. All three are known across the division as being technically sound and should fit into the way Williamson wishes to play considering the latter two both impressed on loan at the club last season. In attack, mid-season signing Marcus Dinanga should continue to lead the line although keep an eye out for Aidan Rutledge. The 21-year-old scored a stunning 61 goals for Northern League Division One side Birtley Town last season and has already found the net on numerous occasions during pre-season. The Heed have also signed striker Billy Chadwick on a season long loan from Stockport after the 23-year-old hit 11 goals in just 20 games when on-loan at Boston United last season. In the wide forward areas, Adam Campbell will likely roam either side of the main striker alongside another loan signing turned permanent in Stephen Wearne. Also, just prior to the season beginning, the club announced that attacking midfielder Luke Hannant had returned after forging a successful career in the Football League for several years. The creator, who played for the club between 2016 and 2018, will likely compete with Greg Olley and Adam Campbell for a starting spot thus providing Gateshead with excellent depth in the attacking areas. 

Manager: Mike Williamson is the unlikely name who has led Gateshead since their previous demotion from the National League. It was back in 2019 when the Heed were suspended and relegated from the top tier of non-league football due to financial difficulties. Williamson set about steadying the ship and registered an impressive 7th place finish in their first season back in the National League North. The subsequent play off campaign ended early but proved to be a benchmark for Williamson to build from. Following the uncompleted COVID season, Gateshead shocked many more fancied sides in 2021/22 by romping to promotion to gain the first league title of the Williamson reign. Last season saw a flirtation with relegation but fantastic form during the final third of the campaign saw Gateshead pull away and narrowly miss out on silverware following defeat in the FA Trophy final to FC Halifax. 

Unheralded Gem: Greg Olley - The one player to make this segment two years in a row. Olley's 28 assists in the National League North two seasons back highlighted just how effective the midfielder was at splitting defences with his passes into the final third. Still seemingly floating a little under the radar, the midfielder backed this up in his debut National League season with one of the highest chances created ratios in the division. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Marcus Dinanga

Overall Thoughts: Ultimately, Gateshead couldn't have had a worse start to last season if they had tried. The loss of Macauley Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott's goals after promotion would have acted as a death knell for most sides. Not to mention, the Heed were ravaged with injuries and recruited a group of forwards probably more suited to the level they had just come from rather than the National League. With the injury situation easing and some sensible recruitment during the new year, Gateshead began to purr with the likes of Marcus Dinanga, supported by Stephen Wearne, Adam Campbell and Callum Whelan, cashing in on the quick build up play with a glut of goals - 39 since the turn of the year to be precise. Essentially, the Heed have made some of last season's successful loans permanent and kept their star man Greg Olley; yet most importantly they have not lost manager Mike Williamson to any other clubs. With Notts County promoted, Williamson's Gateshead side arguably play the most attractive football in the division but importantly the end product to this style has been incredibly high when Williamson has had the right personnel in place. With a National League calibre squad now in place, competition for places and a lengthy contact book in the North East, I can only see Gateshead featuring strongly in the right half of the league this season with outstanding home form. In fact, I will go as far as saying that I will be very surprised if they do not make the top seven.

Prediction:  Play Offs (if they keep hold of Williamson)

Oldham Athletic

Ins
Josh Lundstram (Altrincham)

Kurt Willoughby (Chester)

Dan Ward (Gateshead)

Shaun Hobson (Southend)

Charlie Raglan (Cheltenham Town)

Outs
Jordan Clarke

Vani Da Silva

Zaine Francis-Angol

Joe Edwards

Oliver Kilner

Lois Maynard

Chris Porter

Jack Stobbs

Trey Turner

Jayson Leutwiler

Jordan Windass - loan

Josef Yarney

Luke Burgess

Potential line up

Squad brief: Oldham supporters come into this season with real optimism following 40 points from their second lot of 23 games last season. As predicted last summer, a slow start would cost Oldham's bloated squad and David Unsworth has moved this summer to release many of those who made little impact last season such as Chris Porter, Zaine Francis-Angol, Lois Maynard and Jack Stobbs. Unsworth also made some smart additions midway through the campaign to starve off the threat of relegation with midfielders Mark Shelton and Ellis Chapman, winger Devarn Green, striker Joe Nuttall and defender Josef Yarney joining. Commanding defender Yarney has since left after signing for Tranmere Rovers but Unsworth was quick to strengthen the central defensive area with Shaun Hobson signing following an excellent season for Southend United whilst Charlie Raglan has dropped two divisions from Cheltenham Town to relocate in the North West. Also, Unsworth moved quickly this summer to secure former Altrincham midfielder Josh Lundstram as a Latics player. Lundstram's energy was apparent as he played every game for Altrincham last season and was named as Supporters, Club and Manager's Player of the Season. The 24-year-old will most likely partner either of the more defensively minded Mark Shelton or Nathan Sheron. With Devarn Green making the right midfield position his own, it appears that Dan Ward, signed from Gateshead will take up a role as an inside left midfielder allowing Mark Kitching at left back to overlap him on a regular basis. Unsworth has retained the majority of his strikers over the summer with Alex Reid, Mike Fondop, Joe Nuttall and Hallam Hope all hoping to be a part of the front two this season. The Latics have still looked to add further though with the nippy Kurt Willoughby signing after a 20 goal season for Chester in the National League North. 

Manager: Following an esteemed player career largely as a no-nonsense defender for Everton, David Unsworth has been coaching for the last thirteen years or so. After retiring, Unsworth's career has largely been as a coach with a couple of temporary manager stints thrown in. Initially joining Preston as a development coach in 2010, Unsworth had two caretaker opportunities to manage the first team for seven matches combined before leaving for Sheffield United in 2012. In 2014, Unsworth was back at Everton and soon found himself as the club's U21 manager. Two more Caretaker Manager roles followed but after eight years Unsworth left to pursue his own ambitions to become a first-team manager. Following John Sheridan's sacking last season, Unsworth became Oldham Athletic manager in September and guided the club to a respectable 12th place finish in his debut managerial campaign.

Unheralded Gem: Shaun Hobson - With an excellent season for Southend United in the bank, it is no surprise that Shaun Hobson was snapped up by one of the leading challengers in the division. A tall, commanding centre back who ranked highly for interceptions last season, the 25-year -old will likely attract interest from the Football League if Oldham do not achieve their goal of promotion. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Joe Nuttall

Overall Thoughts:  After ending last season so well and trimming the fat from their squad, Oldham are many people's picks to win the National League this season. The signings of Shaun Hobson and Charlie Raglan in particular should fill any gap left by Josef Yarney's departure at centre back. However, with Hobson currently filling in at right back, a new signing there is essential to allow the former Southend man to play in his most natural position. There are also questions over whether Dan Ward will fit into Oldham's relatively rigid 4-4-2 after being at his best drifting off the wing and into the centre when playing in Gateshead's flexible shape. All things considered, I think Oldham perhaps need to carry out a tad more surgery on their squad to be real title contenders. In my opinion, the club currently possess a group of strikers more befitting a mid-table team than promotion pushers. Mike Fondop is an effective option from the bench but Alex Reid and Joe Nuttall historically do not often hit above ten goals a season. Kurt Willoughby may be the answer after a good season for Chester but his previous National League performances do not convince me that he will trouble the top end of the scoring charts. In the tight moments, it could be that this lack of consistent goal-scorer is the difference between the real heavyweights of the division and Unsworth's side. 

Prediction: Play Offs. 

Edit 03/08/23: So of course, after publication Oldham go and pull off the signing of James Norwood. This is a huge game changer as I commented above that a consistent goal-scorer is the difference between the top three sides and Oldham. Personally, I'm still not sure about the title but this puts the club right in the equation now.  

York City

Ins
David Stockdale (Sheffield Wednesday)

Cedric Main (Blyth Spartans)

Quevin Castro (West Brom)

Zanda Siziba (Yeovil)

Levi Andoh (Hereford)

Kevin Joshua (Peterhead FC)

Finlay Barnes (Leiston)

Thierry Latty-Fairweather (Burton)

Tyler Cordner (Aldershot)

Callum Howe (Solihull Moors)

Callum Harriott (Yeovil Town)

Dipo Akinyemi (Ayr United)

Alex Woodyard (Lincoln City)

Outs
AJ Greaves

Fraser Kerr

Luke James

Manny Duku

Nathan Thomas

Max Kouogun 

Alex Whittle

Sam Sanders (Loan)

Ryan Whitley (Loan)

Potential line up

Squad brief: Ask many just over a month ago about York City and the majority would have predicted a season of struggle. However, in late June, the Uggla family - reported billionaires from Canada - purchased a controlling 51% share of York City under the name 394 Sports Ltd. Matt Uggla, son of successful businessman Lance, is known to supporters in the division after his unsuccessful attempt at taking control of Yeovil Town last season. The 29-year-old's confirmation as the new figurehead at the top of the club immediately saw a change to York's transfer dealings with targets instantly becoming more ambitious. Nevertheless, prior to Uggla's involvement, goalkeeper David Stockdale had been signed as a player and also appointed as the club's Head of Recruitment. Together with Uggla and manager Michael Morton, the trio have decided to recruit for the future as well as the present with the signings of Levi Andoh, Kevin Joshua and Finlay Barnes all from clubs at a lower level. However, the club's first team has also been the focus for improvement following the narrow escape from relegation last season. In particular the spine has been targeted with York paying fees to acquire two of the best centre backs from the division in Tyler Cordner and Callum Howe. Alongside this, AFC Wimbledon captain Alex Woodyard has been tempted to the project where he will likely sit and control games from central midfield alongside Olly Dyson -  last season's Clubman of the Year. The club have also looked to acquire flair players with potential in Zanda Siziba, Quevin Castro and Cedric Main. In particular, the 19-year-old Siziba links up with Uggla for a second time after he recommended him to Yeovil Town at the back end of last season. Another player who will be reunited with Uggla is Callum Harriott. The winger has spent most of his career to-date in the Football League and could be a standout in the division if played regularly. It was up to Lenell John-Lewis and the departed Shaq Forde to contribute most of the team's goals last season but York have a new frontman now as Dipo Akinyemi joins from Scottish Championship side Ayr United. The former Welling United man has scored around 40 goals in the past two seasons and supporters will hope that this form and goalscoring prowess translates at National League level.

Manager: York City manager Michael Morton certainly hasn't taken the traditional route into football management. Starting as a coach with Leeds United in his early 20s, Morton soon moved to Manchester City where he spent the next seven years with a duel role as an academy coach and talent identifier. During this time, Morton also spent time as Head of I2I Academy where he helped to produce multiple professional footballers. In 2017, Morton had a short stint in charge of Tadcaster Albion before returning to Leeds as their Youth Development Phase Lead Coach for four years. David Webb's appointment as York manager in December 2022 saw Morton recruited as his Assistant Manager. Following Webb's short-lived tenure, Morton became the club's Caretaker Manager in February where he helped to keep the club in the National League thus earning an opportunity as the permanent manager for this coming campaign.

Unheralded Gem: Callum Harriott - With an impressive C.V. of Championship football behind him, Callum Harriott looks to be an excellent signing on paper. Yet, there is always a concern that players who plummet down the leagues are a busted flush but Harriott is still only 29 and the early vibe is that York will supply him with regular football that he has missed in recent years. Historically, the winger's numbers are above average when a regular first-team contributor and the Minstermen will hope that is the case this season.

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Dipo Akinyemi

Overall Thoughts: There are a lot of unknown variables with York City this season. Without wanting to overfocus on the owner, Matt Uggla has made a splash on social media in recent months and questions have to be asked of how he will handle the ups and downs of what is a marathon and not a sprint. I think there will be some sticky moments for York and I imagine that the squad will continue to be strengthened throughout the season although it remains to be seen whether this would lead to a lack of cohesion on the pitch. Talking of on the pitch, York should certainly be able to control games now with a spine of Stockdale, Cordner, Howe, Woodyard and Dyson. It is in the creative areas where there is some uncertainty with the likes of  Castro and Kouhyar required to perform game in, game out now as opposed to the fleeting consistency that has plagued their careers to date. All in all, this season should signal a much improved one on the pitch for the Minsterman but all supporters in this division know full well that one summer of spending does not simply lead to instant promotion. 

Prediction: A learning curve. Narrowly missing out on the Play Offs. 

Title chasers (1st - 3rd)

Barnet

Ins

Adebola Oluwo (Chelmsford City)

Sam Barratt (Maidenhead)

Ben Coker (Solihull Moors)

Callum Stead (Brackley Town)

Zak Brunt (Sheffield United)

Reece Hall-Johnson (Wrexham)

Jordan Gillmore (Millwall)

Finley Potter (Sheffield United - Loan)

Outs
Daniel Powell

Jamar Loza

James Callan

Kian Flanagan

Rob Hall

Michael Phillips

Sam Woods

Ryan De Havilland 

Potential line up: 

Squad brief: After toying with relegation for several seasons, Dean Brennan's first full season in charge was a big step in the right direction for Barnet. For the first time in many years, the club are not undergoing an enormous turnover during the close season. Brennan has trimmed several of his fringe players and although he will be disappointed to lose influential midfielder Ryan De Havilland to Peterborough, he has wisely added seven new outfielders to give his squad a real look of depth about it. Although defensively shambolic at times during the first half of the season, the team tightened up in the new year with a more sensible 27 goals conceded from their final 23 matches. This was largely down to the improved defensive personnel that were recruited on-loan after Christmas, such as Finley Potter and Emmanuel Fernandez. 19-year-old Potter has returned on a season long loan along with highly rated centre back Adebola Oluwo from Chelmsford and both will be expected to slot into a back three either side of Danny Collinge. Brennan has also looked to enhance his wing-back options with Reece Hall-Johnson expected to provide stern competition for Ben Wynter on the right whilst the experienced Ben Coker joins from Solihull to rival the younger Sam Beard on the left. As previously mentioned, the loss of De Havilland in the central area had left a large hole but the club moved quickly to sign Zak Brunt - one of the division's best performers last season whilst on-loan at Boreham Wood. Brunt's industry and ease on the ball will be key for Barnet although he will hope to add more goals to his game this season. Speaking of goals, Nicke Kabamba hit 19 last season, mostly as the lone striker, and the club have chosen to add more depth to their forward areas with the signing of Callum Stead from Brackley Town. The 23-year-old scored 13 times last season but also won all of the club's end of season awards as they narrowly lost in the National League North Play Off final. Brennan has also added the prolific attacking midfielder Sam Barratt to his ranks with the former Maidenhead man likely to play in one of the two positions behind the lone striker. 

Manager(s): After initially managing the club alongside Harry Kewell, Dean Brennan was entrusted as the sole main man after Kewell's sacking in September 2021. The former Wealdstone manager made his name initially as manager of Hemel Hempstead following promotion to the National League South. A short stint in the limelight as Billericay Town manager under controversial chairman Glenn Tamplin followed before another brief experience as manager of Kingstonian left Brennan's career at a crossroads. Nevertheless, it was Wealdstone who gave him an opportunity which he repaid by leading them to promotion to the National League. Brennan eventually resigned as Wealdstone manager following initial rumours that he was about to become the new Barnet manager. He failed to land the job then, yet his spell in charge has ultimately been a success to date after making the play offs in his first full season in charge. 

Unheralded Gem: Zak Brunt - Following the departure of Ryan de Havilland, it was important for Barnet to find a quality replacement. In Zak Brunt, they have signed another young, incisive midfielder. In 22/23, Brunt was one of Boreham Wood's stand out players and was registered as playing the most through balls in the division last season.

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Nicke Kabamba

Overall Thoughts:  Dean Brennan has utilised the transfer market expertly since taking sole control of Barnet to the point where the team now appears to have two strong players for every position. The side's form dipped slightly towards the back end of last season due to a combination of fatigue and change of formation to accommodate on-loan striker Harry Smith alongside Nicke Kabamba. Such a move took a midfielder from Barnet's shape and also seemed to adversely affect Kabamba with only three of the striker's nineteen goals coming in the final three months of the season. However, it looks as if Barnet are back to the shape that previously had served them well with two advanced attacking midfielders in support of Kabamba in the guise of Harry Pritchard and Idris Kanu. Still only 23, Kanu has started to fulfil the promise he showed at Aldershot as a teenager and I am predicting he could be a catalyst for Barnet to push on this season. Once again, Barnet look as if they are set up to be high scorers and the defensive recruitment gives them a much more solid look on paper. The Bees' squad looks as complete as any other in the division and, providing they have learnt to tighten up at times, there is no reason why they shouldn't be in the mix for their fourth National League title. 

Prediction: Top Three. 

Chesterfield

Ins
Bailey Hobson (Alfreton Town)

Tom Naylor (Wigan)

Will Grigg (MK Dons)

Harry Tyrer (Everton - loan)

Outs
Jack Clarke

Emmanuel Oyeleke

Ross Fitzsimons

Michael Gyasi

Potential line up

Squad brief: Arguably, Chesterfield would already be a Football League club again if it were not for the unprecedented standards set by Wrexham and Notts County last season. As it was the Spireites almost upset County in the Play Off Final but a penalty shoot out defeat gives them another season to fine tune their squad even further for another title assault. Injury prone Emmanuel Oyeleke and Jack Clarke have been moved on as has winger Michael Gyasi. The most notable departure however is the release of goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons who only weeks before made a noticeable error in the Play Off Final against Notts County. The Spireites have arguably upgraded though with the season long loan signing of Harry Tyrer from Everton after the 20-year-old impressed between the sticks at Chester last season. Elsewhere, Paul Cook has chosen to add more experience to his midfield to complement his options of Darren Oldaker, Ollie Banks and Mike Jones. The manager has selected a player he has managed before in Tom Naylor and on the surface the 32-year-old looks to be an excellent addition to that area with the midfielder a regular for Portsmouth and Wigan in League One across recent seasons. It could be said that one of Chesterfield's most important signings arrived in the middle of the last season when Ryan Colclough joined from Altrincham in January. The left winger gave Cook's side an extra impetus during the final months of the campaign as the three pronged attacking midfield of Colclough, Armando Dobra and Liam Mandeville was a handful for any opposition. To add competition, 20-year-old Bailey Hobson has been signed from Alfreton Town after attracting Football League interest with his attacking performances in the National League North earning him a contingency spot in the England C squad last season. Finally, after going through several strikers last season in the form of Joe Quigley, Akwasi Asante, Paul McCallum and Andrew Dallas, Chesterfield made the marquee signing of Will Grigg. Despite a few barren years in League One for the 32-year-old, historically Grigg has scored a lot of goals at that level and hopes will be that he can replicate other strikers who have dropped down from a higher level in recent seasons. 

Manager: Paul Cook is a well known name of those who follow lower league football. Originally making his managerial name in Ireland, it was at Chesterfield where he became better known to English football fans after leading the Spireites to the League 2 title and League 1 play offs. Cook followed this up by taking underachieving Portsmouth to the League 2 title and then helped Wigan to the League 1 title and the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Wigan were well established as a Championship side by the time a 12 point deduction saw them relegated. Cook then moved to Ipswich Town where he encountered the first failure of his career with the side adrift of the play off positions when he was sacked. Surprisingly, Cook chose to drop two divisions in 2022 to take charge of Chesterfield again where a penalty shoot out loss in the Play Off final last season denied him a 4th promotion. 

Unheralded Gem: Harry Tyrer - An upgrade on Ross Fitzsimons; Tyrer starred for Chester in the National League North on loan last season following several years of Premier League 2 football for Everton. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and an exceptional shot stopper, Tyrer has been tipped to play in the Premier League one day for Everton and a good season at Chesterfield will do them prospects no harm at all. 

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Will Grigg

Overall Thoughts: As they finished 3rd last season and have retained the best players within their squad, it makes sense that many have Chesterfield as their pre-season favourites - as do I. The squad is strong and more importantly built in Paul Cook's mould where he can put out his favourited 4-2-3-1 with no square pegs in round holes. In Armando Dobra, the Spireites have one of the best creative attacking outlets in the division and they will hope an injury free season will bring double figures in goals and assists from him. There is some concern with Chesterfield perhaps being a striker light at the moment with inconsistent Joe Quigley as the current backup for Will Grigg. However, after listening to Paul Cook's interviews, it appears the Chesterfield boss has a decent proportion of budget left and is patiently waiting for the right forward to become available rather than panic buying. Considering Cook recruited McCallum and Dallas midway through last season, it would render sense that a familiar approach will be taken as needed this time. Chesterfield will certainly be the ones to beat this season and although there are some strong challengers on the horizon, you would back Paul Cook's side to go one better this season than the last. 

Prediction: Champions. 

Woking FC

Ins
Dennon Lewis (Boreham Wood)

Matt Robinson (Dagenham & Redbridge)

Charlie Wakefield (Yeovil)

Robbie Willmott (Newport County)

Sam Habergham (Wealdstone)

Greg Taylor (Cambridge)

Emmanuel Oyeleke (Chesterfield)

Tunji Akinola (Partick Thistle)

Nana Boateng (Millwall - loan)

Joe Day (Newport County - loan)

Outs
Joe McNerney

Tyreke Johnson

Craig Ross

Kacper Lopata

James Daly

Kyran Lofthouse

Potential line up

Squad brief: After an outstanding league campaign which saw 82 points garnered, Woking have ensured that they leave no stone unturned this summer in a bid to achieve a first ever promotion to the Football League. Manager Darren Sarll has looked to reinvigorate his squad for another long season and has let several go including defender Joe McNerney, goalkeeper Craig Ross and wing backs Kyran Lofthouse and Tyrique Johnson. The Cards will be disappointed to lose James Daly however as the impressive wide man secured a move to Harrogate Town in League Two. Nevertheless, Sarll has ensured his squad is absolutely stacked with talent with comfortably two players per position after their summer dealings. Will Jaaskelainen impressed in goal during the final three months but Sarll has moved for experienced Newport goalkeeper Joe Day on a season long loan to ensure real competition for the number one spot. The club have also added further knowhow into their defence with former National League winner Sam Habergham joining to rival Josh Casey at left back whilst Cambridge club captain Greg Taylor gives Woking one of the most experienced central defences in the league alongside Scott Cuthbert and Luke Wilkinson. Screening the backline is normally Rohan Ince's job and whilst the influential central midfielder is likely to continue this role, the signing of Emmanuel Oyeleke from Chesterfield adds an alternative option for the Cards. The former Chesterfield man has struggled with injuries in recent times but is a proven quality operator when fit. Alongside this, Sarll has added former Dagenham & Redbridge captain Matt Robinson who will most likely play alongside Jim Kellerman and Ince in a midfield three. Nevertheless, it is in the wide areas that Woking have tremendous options. Ricky Korboa, Rhys Browne and Reece Grego-Cox were already three excellent options for the wings, yet Sarll has chosen to add Dennon Lewis, Robbie Wilmott, Charlie Wakefield and Nana Boateng to give the Cards the luxury of no fewer than seven quality wide options. In particular, it will interesting to see if Sarll can resurrect Wakefield's best form following their time together at Yeovil whilst young Millwall loanee Boateng could be one of the league's standout players if he can find the consistency to start week in, week out. Many of these wide players can deputise up front also which will be useful when Sarll needs to rotate 35-year-old marksman Padraig Amond. 

Manager: At only 23-years-old, Darren Sarll's short non-league playing career was cut short in 2006 when the route into youth coaching presented itself. With many years of experience gained, Sarll stepped up to manage Stevenage after they disposed of Teddy Sheringham. An inconsistent spell saw the club lurch in and out of form during his two years in charge. Nevertheless, this was enough to see Yeovil Town appoint him as manager in 2019 following their relegation to the National League. Sarll impressed during his time at the Glovers and managed to take them into the play offs during his first season despite difficulties with the club's ownership behind the scenes. With key assets sold, Sarll was able to stabilise the following seasons until moving to Woking in March 2022. Last season saw the now 40-year-old take Woking to a 4th place finish before they were defeated in the quarter finals of the play offs by Bromley. 

Unheralded Gem: Reece Grego-Cox - A scintillating start to last season saw Grego-Cox notch nine goals in the opening sixteen matches. Sadly, a bad injury curtailed his season early but the 26-year-old is now fit again and could well notch double figures this season if he can beat off the fierce competition that Woking possess in the wide areas.

Top Goal-scorer Prediction: Rhys Browne

Overall Thoughts: Although he's only been at the club for sixteen months, Darren Sarll has completely changed expectations at the club with his outstanding transfer dealings last summer improving Woking in all aspects. With the foundations in place, Sarll has now looked to add depth this summer in readiness for another promotion assault this season. Furthermore, the ages within the squad are perfect for a title challenge - veteran experience at the heart of the defence, those in their mid 20s stationed out wide alongside a group of central midfielders all at a stereotypical peak age. The only element that potentially goes against Sarll's men is that lack of a striker who will score 20-25 goals, although expect Woking to share them out throughout the variety of options in their front three. With match winners and gritty battlers everywhere you look, and an ultra-experienced spine of Day, Cuthbert, Taylor, Ince, Robinson, Kellerman and Amond, I expect Woking to go very, very close this season to the point where I almost predicted them to win the league. Do not be surprised if they do. 

Prediction:  Runners Up. 

The one that everybody gets wrong

1) Chesterfield FC

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2) Woking FC

3) Barnet FC  

4) Oldham Athletic 

5) Gateshead FC

6) Eastleigh FC  

7) Boreham Wood FC   

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8) York City

9) Bromley FC 

10) Ebbsfleet United 

11) Dagenham & Redbridge 

12) Hartlepool United  

13) AFC Fylde 

14) Altrincham FC 

15) Solihull Moors

16) Rochdale AFC 

17) Dorking Wanderers 

18) Wealdstone FC  

19) Aldershot Town    

20) FC Halifax Town

--------------------------

21) Maidenhead United

22) Kidderminster Harriers 

23) Oxford City 

24) Southend United

Further predictions

Managers to depart

Michael Morton (York City)

Chris Millington (FC Halifax Town)

David Unsworth (Oldham Athletic)

John Askey (Hartlepool United)

Kevin Maher (Southend United)

Lee Bradbury (Eastleigh FC)

Russell Penn (Kidderminster FC)

Dennis Kutrieb (Ebbsfleet FC)

Andy Whing (Solihull Moors)

National League Top Goalscorers

1st: Will Grigg (Chesterfield)

2nd: Michael Cheek (Bromley)

3rd: Marcus Dinanga (Gateshead)

Edit: The signing of James Norwood after publication has thrown a spanner in the works here. I'm not going to change my top 3 but just for clarity, Norwood would most likely have featured if he had signed a day earlier! 

Play Off Winner

Barnet FC