The Vanarama National League Preview: 2023-24
The ultimate Vanarama National League Season Preview for the 2023-24 campaign, breaking down last season, every manager, summer, squad, the key men and my 2023-24 1-24 predictions
Is it this time of year already?
With a Vanarama National League campaign to remember, a summer spent watching England’s U21’s and Women’s team in major competitions a summer keeping tabs on all 24 National League clubs for the 2023-24 campaign, it feels like football hasn’t stopped – not that I’m complaining. It’s been fantastic.
Last season was incredible. We watched Wrexham and Notts County go neck-and-neck in the most incredible title race seen at this level and a play-off campaign that saw 6th and 7th take 2nd and 3rd into extra-time before a remarkable final that finished with a penalty shoot-out and a finale to the Cedwyn Scott story.
The relegation scrap was tremendous too. While Maidstone United fell by the wayside and Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United succumbed despite takeovers (or takeover attempts), Gateshead, Dorking Wanderers and Torquay United set the place alight with winning runs. The latter couldn’t quite reach the safe haven of 50 points and ultimately succumbed, but not without forcing others above them to get twitchy.
Can we expect the same level of drama this season? Hell yes! Okay, I’m not expecting the top two to shoot that far clear or even 50 points to be required for survival, but that doesn’t mean this year will be drama-less. There are few clear candidates to be relegated and a number of clubs splashing the cash in a bid to step into the EFL, sensing an opportunity with Stockport County, Wrexham and Notts County no longer around.
We welcome Hartlepool United back after a couple of years in the EFL while Rochdale face non-league football for the first time. Oxford City are another first-timer at this level having made the top tier of non-league football via the play-offs while more familiar faces in Ebbsfleet United, AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers look to establish themselves at this level once more.
Elsewhere, Chesterfield will be hoping to go one better and Woking, Barnet, Bromley and Boreham Wood won’t be giving up their play-off spots without a fight. Dorking Wanderers have taken the decision to go to a hybrid model in order to progress while part-timers Wealdstone and Maidenhead United will be looking to bloody noses once more.
And below, you’ll find around seventeen thousand words breaking down all 24 football clubs due to participate in this season’s National League, looking at:
How last season went
The manager
The summer
The squad
The key men
And.... where each team will finish and why
And if you like what you read below, I can guarantee there will be more of this via @nlmusings on Twitter and this brand new Substack site, which you can subscribe to below. For a taste of my previous work, click here.
Right, here goes.
AFC Fylde
How did last season go?
It started as most expected – controversially as James Rowe resigned following a charge of sexual assault. Andy Taylor briefly took the reins and settled things down but they were mid-table when Adam Murray stepped in. Fylde won 13 of 16 matches to propel themselves to title contention as others stumbled. The Coasters were defying their name as they went neck and neck with King’s Lynn Town, who themselves had been rocked by a managerial departure. Fylde dipped over Easter Weekend but returned strong to secure the title. Fylde secured 68 points from Murray’s 31 matches in charge.
The Manager
Adam Murray has gone on quite the journey to AFC Fylde. An England U20 international that made his name in the lower leagues. He had two managerial stints before moving back up the ladder in various coaching roles, becoming a favourite of Valerian Ismail along the way. Murray is big on fitness and sports science and he has acknowledged that experiences as a coach have shaped a philosophy of wanting his teams to be fit, press high yet be exciting in possession. Fylde aren’t universally adored due to their owner but Murray enjoys this aspect, using it as a tool to unite people and prove people wrong.
The Summer
Fylde’s summer has been about stability and quality over quantity as they embark up another National League adventure. Several members of a fairly bloated squad have departed, giving Adam Murray a younger, more cohesive squad to work with during pre-season and their new signings fit a similar profile, Theo Richardson, Owen Evans, Jon Ustabasi and Gold Omotayo stepping up a level and hoping to cement themselves as top level non-league performers. Murray has cut a relaxed figure and seems confident in his and the club’s approach.
The Squad
I didn’t watch Fylde last season, so my judgement comes from the point of view of names on paper. What strikes me most is how clearly this group fits several formations without the need for square pegs in round holes and how so many of their players are of a good age profile – young or of a prime age with plenty of games under their belt. The group appear to fit Murray’s preferred style, perhaps shown by their results under his stewardship last term. It’s not a group that needs major surgery during season one, giving Murray and Chris Beech the chance to build progressively.
The Key Men
It was a surprise to many that Nick Haughton remained this summer amid links elsewhere. The 28-year-old appears settled in the North West and 26 goals in each of his last two seasons further evidences that. The Coasters can’t just rely on Haughton, however, and the addition of Gold Omotayo, who has matured at King’s Lynn Town, could be vital. Elsewhere, a spine of Chris Neal, Alex Whitmore and Danny Philliskirk is solid and ensures Fylde are led and organised on the field as well as they are off it.
2023-24 Prediction: 10th
I’m feeling positive about Fylde. I get the impression that there is joined up thinking across those in charge of the various footballing departments. The squad is settled after a barnstorming second half of last season and much of their recruitment was done early doors, allowing Adam Murray to integrate a few new bodies to an already strong group. They have a clear way of playing, a strong spine, some genuine stardust and the resources to improve further should they need to. A top half finish is a realistic aim.
Aldershot Town
How did last season go?
Financial restraints meant that while the club had aspirations of improving their position, survival remained the priority and it was achieved - but in a manner the club will hope to avoid this term. Three managers and 37 players were used to get over the line with a number of different systems selected along the way. Mark Molesley was first up but his style was seen as too cautious during a tough start. Ross McNeilly followed, bringing a positive energy and he had the side in a decent position but nerves took over as others started winning matches below them. Tommy Widdrington was poached from King’s Lynn Town to steer the club over the line and survival was achieved comfortably thanks to the confidence and structure he brought.
The Manager
I’ve come across Tommy Widdrington on two occasions now – the season he oversaw King’s Lynn Town’s almost inevitable relegation and the final few games of last season. Widdrington is a manager that has supreme confidence in himself and his own ability to recruit footballers and create a winning football team. To his credit, he oversaw positive change with The Linnets and his job last season was a successful one. He now takes on the challenge that Danny Searle and Mark Molesley haven’t quite been able to, or been given time to, get on top of – improving Aldershot’s status and league position on a limited budget.
The Summer
Predictably, Widdrington has returned to what he knows in order to get off to a positive start. His friend Hugo Langton has joined the coaching team. His son Theo joins him from King’s Lynn, as do Aaron Jones and Zain Walker. The former and latter of that trio will know Jordi Van Stappershoef, who all played for Bristol Rovers while Widdrington was there. Recruitment has extended beyond the confines of Tommy’s contact book, EFL stars Cian Harries, Coby Rowe, Stuart O’Keefe and Kwame Thomas dropping a level while Christian Maghoma is something of a coup following a good year at Eastleigh. There have been notable departures, however, with Tyler Cordner, Justin Amaluzor, Corey Jordan and Joe Partington amongst those to depart.
The Squad
Widdrington is pretty loyal to those he brings in and we can expect to see most of his new signings make an impact for what will be a small squad on a stretched budget. It’s generally easy to see how the side fits into Widdrington’s preferred three-at-the-back system, particularly from a structural and defensive point of view. Widdrington has decided to bring in a number of forwards with the budget available to him and it looks as if he is banking on players such as Ryan Glover and Tyler Frost to continue being versatile across midfield. Much of the squad, especially the new signings, come with baggage they are hoping to get over with regular football.
The Key Men
With so many new bodies in the building, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly who the key men will be – especially in forward areas where only Ryan Glover and Tommy Willard have been with the club longer than six months. Jordi Van Stappershoef will have his work cut out in net. Coby Rowe proved a reliable performer for Sutton United in League Two and could be tasked with stepping into a defensive leader in Hampshire. Stuart O’Keefe will be tasked with leading the side as the elder statesman and somebody with so much higher level experience.
2023-24 Prediction: 22nd
At the end of last season, I felt positive about Widdrington and Aldershot and this may be a selection I regret come the end of the season. However, with budgetary constraints and the rest of the division continuing to get stronger, The Shots are always going to find it tough. Pre-season has been hampered by injuries, not a huge surprise given a number of their new signings have had struggles with injuries in the past. I’m expecting more arrivals but have come to the conclusion this is likely to be a tough year in Hampshire, and another managerial change also wouldn’t be a major surprise.
Altrincham
How did last season go?
It took until matchday ten for Altrincham to win their first game of the season yet the ideology and performances that have made them something of a second favourite for National League followers were always there. That first victory saw things click into gear. In the first half of the season, the final flourishes often came via the quality of Chris Conn-Clarke and Ryan Colclough, two of the most exciting performers in the National League. They both left during a mass exodus in January that included vice-captain Toby Mullarkey and Parkinson was left relying on the loan market to see them through. The ship was steadied, tactically flexibility was shown and a comfortable mid-table finish followed.
The Manager
It’s hard not to feel positive about Phil Parkinson. He took over Altrincham as they were relegated to the Northern Premier League and has since won two promotions, secured survival in the National League as a part-time outfit, navigated COVID, the move to full-time football and loss of so many leaders while playing a bold, expressive style of play and showing enough flexibility to ensure his team get results when they need them. Of course, Parkinson is ably supported by assistant Neil Sorvel and others above him that have helped the club progress off the field as much as on it. A managerial triumph.
The Summer
Another summer of change for Altrincham as they continue their journey as a full-time football club. They’ve appointed their first ever CEO, found a new academy home, broke their record for early bird season ticket sales and most importantly – manager Phil Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel have signed new three-year deals. The club have clearly learned from last summer too, not just recruiting quickly but recruiting players that should have less issues stepping into the first XI rather than expecting a lot of unproven talent to do so immediately. They’ve even spent a club record fee and were more than ready ahead of pre-season.
The Squad
By the end of last season, Alty had some clear deficiencies in their squad and most were papered over by short-term deals amid the loss of key players in January. Planning was clearly ongoing because recruitment has felt very targeted. Only Josh Lundstram and Jordan Hulme are departing as regulars, meaning the spine of newly-appointed captain James Jones, his vice-captain Isaac Marriott and Elliot Osborne remains in tact. Dior Angus and Regan Linney look the right types to lead the line and the return of Chris Conn-Clarke and addition of Justin Amaluzor looks fun on paper.
The Key Men
I can’t not go big on Chris Conn-Clarke. He had a tough time of things in Ireland but was a sensation for Alty, his confidence, striking ability and flair matched by strong numbers in the final third. Isaac Marriott does the dirty work in midfield and the team is much better balanced for his involvement. Elliot Osborne showed his qualities after stepping back into the side and Parkinson may put a lot of faith in him again this year to knit together the midfield and attacking units. I suspect Dior Angus will have a big role filling the striking role that hasn’t come easy to many at Alty since promotion.
2023-24 Prediction: 12th
Many are going big on Alty this summer and it’s completely understandable given the quality of football they play, the management team and how settled they have become off the pitch. I think the club have taken the right approach to recruitment and the squad looks strong on paper. I’m expecting them to be a little tighter defensively – something they desperately need to improve on if they are to move up the league table – and they will always be good for a few goals. A top half finish is in their sights. Can they go even better? They may need a little bit more.
Barnet
How did last season go?
After two abysmal years, during which the club would have been relegated had the infamous COVID vote not intervened, 2022-23 was a breath of fresh air for Barnet and its supporters. Dean Brennan got almost everything right. There was a huge squad churn over the summer with new squad leaders & more reliability sought and delivered, as proven by a season that saw the Bees finish 5th and in the play-offs. Most importantly, for the first time since the departure of Darren Currie, Barnet appeared to have direction and fans actually liked the team they were paying to watch every week. Defeat against local rivals Boreham Wood in the play-offs was frustrating but a first full season in charge, Brennan can look back positively.
The Manager
One of the hardest working managers in the league. Brennan takes a lot upon himself, old-school for a full-time manager in how he leads recruitment, deals directly with his chairman, coaches and manages his football team. The most impressive aspect of his reign to date has been his flexibility, unafraid to change things up for the benefit of the team and its structure, helped by the recruitment of players that don’t kick up much of a fuss and get on with the job. Brennan can be prickly and perhaps crosses a line at times, as Aymen Azaze found out, and I’m interested to see how this group of players fare with his demands long-term. However, the feeling is certainly positive right now and enough change to keep things fresh.
The Summer
A far more positive one with less work to do for Dean Brennan. Other than losing Ryan De Havilland, who was always destined to step up the levels after a breakthrough year, Barnet have been able to retain key men and release deadwood, giving Brennan the chance to build on his squad. The new deal for goalkeeper Laurie Walker was also a statement of their intention. Recruitment has been a mixed bag, two exciting young talents from the level below, three players with a lot of National League experience and recruitment of two of Sheffield United’s finest to bloat out a squad he will hope to trust even more this year. Hopefully they don’t decide to walk off the pitch in a league game if upset with the referee, mind.
The Squad
Dean Brennan has packed his squad with two options for every position as he bids to improve upon Barnet’s league position this year. It’s difficult to gauge exactly how Brennan expects his team to line up, preferring a 4-3-3 but flexible enough to understand when other formations are required given available personnel – he played a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 for much of last season. Crucially, he has been able to replace Ryan De Havilland with Zak Brunt and there is competition for Nicke Kabamba in Callum Stead. Much of last season’s squad remains intact so Brennan will be hopeful the new lads can have the desired impact.
The Key Men
Big Laurie Walker. A top quality goalkeeper and a force of personality that not only ensures he’s a solid number one but also a player fans have truly got behind. At the other end of the pitch, Nicke Kabamba will be relied upon for another big season after 19 goals last term. Idris Kanu is often nearby and his pace and unpredictability make him a real weapon in this side. Harry Pritchard took the Player of the Year gong after hitting double figures from midfield and in defence, Brennan will hope Danny Collinge can build upon an excellent first campaign.
2023-24 Prediction: 9th
Things are still positive at Barnet and Brennan isn’t about to let his foot off the gas as far as their promotion ambitions are concerned. Will they make the play-offs in consecutive years? It’s not out of the question and they should be there or thereabouts. Two things put me off backing it. Firstly, they massively overachieved against their data last year and need to show something a little different this year. Secondly, the recruitment. It’s left me with as many questions as answers and I haven’t quite been able to convince myself it’s enough to undeniably improve the XI.
Boreham Wood
How did last season go?
In many ways, it was very Boreham Wood under Luke Garrard. Fewest goals conceded in the National League. Two or more goals conceded on just nine occasions and three or more just once – at Wrexham. But a lack of ruthlessness at both ends led to 12 1-1 draws and a run of 19 matches without a clean sheet, leaving them in mid-table by the end of January. Key recruitment helped Garrard turn things in the favour of his side, earning 12 clean sheets in their final 22 matches and a place in the play-offs where they beat local rivals Barnet and came so close to stunning Notts County.
The Manager
Luke Garrard is as honest as they come. His post-match interviews often tell the full story of the match, happy to concede when his side weren’t at the races and his frustrations at times. He’s also an emotional character too, clearly passionate about the club and his job. He holds himself to high standards and expects the same from his coaching staff and players, more than happy to let people know when they aren’t pulling their weight, aligning with Danny Hunter who is open in this regard as well. High standards have helped Boreham Wood overachieve, reaching the play-offs on three occasions and the 5th round of the FA Cup during his eight years in charge, impressive considering he took the role before his 30th birthday.
The Summer
One thing I always enjoy about Boreham Wood is their commitment to only announcing the free agents they have signed on July 1st, when they are officially out of contract, despite everything being sorted ahead of time. Tom Whelan and Mo Sagaf feel very Boreham Wood signings and their reliability could be crucial while additions have been made to the attack, including the return of Angelo Balanta. Elsewhere, amid friendlies against local London giants and their summer community programmes, the club have extended the deal of 21-year-old David Agbontohoma and also agreed to trial playing their midweek fixtures on a Wednesday night to attract more fans.
The Squad
As ever with Luke Garrard, the summer has seen minimal change as he looks to gradually build upon a group he has plenty of belief in. What he struggled with last year was the lack of ruthlessness within his squad and he will hope that players such as Mo Sagaf, Angelo Balanta, Timmy Abraham and Kwesi Appiah add to what Lee Ndlovu and Tyrone Marsh provided last year – making the most of opportunities and transitions as they arrive for a side that defend so diligently. Expect Boreham Wood to line up in the same 3-5-2 they have played for a number of years, marshalled by the same experienced spine, minus Mark Ricketts who finally departed this summer.
The Key Men
When your preference is to be solid and concede few goals, having a spine of Nathan Ashmore, Jamal Fyfield and Jack Payne helps. The former is a giant of a keeper with huge hands and excellent reflexes. Fyfield is a powerful defender who defends his box brilliantly. Payne is a composed head in midfield, often making the right decisions with the ball and clever enough to organise around him. Elsewhere, it’s up for others to step up. Lee Ndlovu took the baton last year in attack, reaching double figures and his athleticism and willingness to get in the box will be crucial again.
2023-24 Prediction: 5th
I wasn’t expecting to place Boreham Wood this high, if I’m honest. When I think back to what cost Boreham Wood for much of last season, it was availability and goals. I believe the first issue has been resolved, David Agbontohoma and Chris Bush barely missing a game after arriving last year while Jack Payne proved ever-reliable. Tom Whelan and Mo Sagaf are also reliable and disciplined figures that should fit a Garrard side. The final challenge is goals. While I’m not sold on Balanta (injuries) and Abraham (inconsistency) being consistent figures, Appiah should be fine at this level and should provide competition for Ndlovu and Marsh. I’ve talked myself into Boreham Wood reaching the play-offs for a second consecutive campaign.
Bromley
How did last season go?
As noted in my work last season, I was unsure about Bromley for the first half of last season. Michael Cheek wasn’t firing, they were struggling for consistent form and selection and it felt like there was a malaise after their struggles towards the end of the 2021-22 campaign when they missed out on the play-offs. What was followed was a remarkable run of 4 defeats in 23 matches to secure a 7th place finish. The return of Reice Charles-Cook, Cheek firing again, a new-look defence and emergence of exciting young talent leading to a tremendous run. They beat 4th place Woking in the eliminator and so nearly got the better of Chesterfield until a leggy, ten-man side succumbed in extra time.
The Manager
Andy Woodman isn’t your typical football manager on the face of it. He’s a joker and a scoundrel. Yet behind that is a fierce determination to prove people wrong – my mind casts back to his conversation on NL Full Time when he referenced how people were talking up James Rowe for his work at Chesterfield but not him when his record was just as strong. He has cultivated an identity that matches his personality at Bromley, his side working hard to get to where they get and the squad full of individuals who need a bit of love and attention to get them moving in the right direction. Woodman’s willingness to give people of any age an opportunity to prove themselves is a net positive, as shown with his faith in Fisher and Charles-Cook last season.
The Summer
It’s been a quiet summer at Bromley, which should be seen as a positive. The key players that departed were expected rather than stunning and replacements have already been sourced in various positions, suggesting the club were comfortable with their situation and allowing Woodman to get on with the task of getting his side ready for the new season. Grant Smith and Teddy Sharman-Lowe arrive on the back of good years, Josh Passley stood out in the division below while Cole Kpekawa was excellent at Maidenhead until injury. There will be more to come and Bromley aren’t a club to rush their deals over the line, as shown last season when they had no goalkeeper until a couple of days before the start of the season.
The Squad
The squad is shaping up well. Grant Smith and Sharman-Lowe are capable replacements for Reice Charles-Cook, Cole Kpekawa should replace the presence Omar Sowumni provided at the back last season and Josh Passley will provide quality down the right-hand side where Harry Forster and Kellen Fisher shared game time last year. Though four of their first five signings are in their mid-to-late 20’s, suggesting Woodman is looking to reduce the age of his squad and find more ready-made replacements, the rest of the squad still sits either side of their prime years, several members of the spine in their 30’s and supplemented by a talented group of young players looking to break through and give the side some zip and energy.
The Key Men
It’s hard to look past Michael Cheek, who has long been one of the finest strikers in the National League, physical enough to lead the line and always good for double figures. Corey Whitely is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in the division on his day and very creative. Callum Reynolds took the baton from Byron Webster as defensive leader as last season continued and should be in for a big season. And Grant Smith had a tremendous campaign for Yeovil Town and looks a great addition for Bromley.
2023-24 Prediction: 7th
It’s been a tricky call predicting who will finish in the top seven. I’m positive on Bromley. I like Woodman. I like much of the squad. They have a goalscorer. They should be decent defensively. I’m still cautious about improvement on last season. Four of their back six departed this summer and Ryan Stirk in midfield. Cole Kpekawa was unavailable for half of last season and Chin Okoli is embarking on a first major loan. We also don’t know who is being signed to improve the midfield and attack. Bromley will be competitive again and their success will come down to the finer margins. I’m going to back them to get things right and match last season’s finish.
Chesterfield
How did last season go?
The discourse around Chesterfield last season was an interesting one. Ultimately, they hoped for promotion and fell short, but they only fell short to the best two teams this league has ever seen and after a play-off final in which they could scarcely have done more. Paul Cook oversaw a huge overhaul in playing staff last season and it was one that continued during the campaign too. To oversee that and finish up in 3rd with 1.83 points-per-game is a strong effort, a haul only five short of Wrexham’s in their first year under new ownership. It may not have had the perfect ending but last season was a positive one that sets the up nicely for year two under Cook.
The Manager
There probably isn’t another club that could have coaxed Paul Cook to the National League. A three-time EFL promotion winner in the last decade and a manager whose stock was on the rise after a thankless task in the Championship with Wigan Athletic until an ill-fated stint at Ipswich Town. Cook is honest, perhaps brutally so at times, and that includes a willingness to pull supporters up on their behaviour if he feels it is necessary at times, such is his will to pull everybody in the same direction. On the pitch, Cook has a very clear idea of what he expects, namely a possession-heavy, energetic 4-2-3-1 that puts bums on seats but contains strong characters to lead things on and off the pitch.
The Summer
There has been a lot of talk around Chesterfield this summer, their chances ahead of the new season and the quality of player they are due to sign, yet little noise from within the club. The impression I’ve got is that the club are happy to let their football do the talking. They had their noisy summer last year and it’s all about gradual improvement this time around, controlling what they can control with the necessary structures already in place across the club. The big signings arrived in the form of Will Grigg and Tom Naylor, both in their 30’s on three-year deals, but otherwise, youth has been the name of the game with Harry Tyrer, Bailey Hobson and Harley Curtis looking to make a name for themselves.
The Squad
One of the strongest in the division. Paul Cook took an axe to the squad he inherited, ripping it apart to build something new and while some have fallen by the wayside, many remain to build upon a fantastic first campaign. The squad clearly fits the 4-2-3-1 Cook is wedded to with a goalkeeper far more at ease with his feet, a powerful, dominant spine, some of the most naturally gifted midfielders and forwards in the division and in Will Grigg, he will hope the striker that he was crying out for last season to finish off whatever comes into the opposition area.
The Key Men
It feels as though the signings of Will Grigg and Tom Naylor could be crucial to Chesterfield’s season. In Naylor, Cook should have reliability in his midfield, the 32-year-old starting 30+ matches in six of his last eight seasons and playing League One or Championship football in each of those. Grigg, meanwhile, has had some indifferent years since his ill-fated move to Sunderland but has previous scoring 19+ goals at League One level and the expectation is that he will repeat that at National League level with the chances Chesterfield create. That means the onus will again be on Jeff King, who managed just shy of 20 goal contributions from right-back, and Liam Mandeville, who won Player of the Year, to step up again, as well as Ryan Colclough, who made a huge impact after joining in January. With a young goalkeeper behind them, Ash Palmer and Jamie Grimes will need big seasons at centre-half.
2023-24 Prediction: 1st
I was big on Chesterfield come the end of last season and I’m sticking to my guns by backing them for the title. For my money, they’ve got the strongest squad in the league. The spine is solid, experienced and will organise various units. They’ve got the striker they have been crying out for and a more settled attacking unit all round, full of quality and athleticism. Paul Cook and his team have spent a year coaching exactly what he wants from his side and that should pay off with more consistency this time around.
Dagenham and Redbridge
How did last season go?
The end of the Daryl McMahon era. It was another frustrating campaign for McMahon and the Daggers, a lack of consistent form and selection leading to growing angst amongst a fanbase that had been relatively patient but ultimately united in the belief that change was needed. McMahon’s attempts to find balance with a small squad fell short and his departure paved the way for Ben Strevens to return. The play-offs were still an unlikely possibility at that stage but the same inconsistencies rose their head and the new gaffer instead focused on looking ahead to a summer rebuild.
The Manager
Ben Strevens comes across as a quiet leader, one who leads through his actions and work ethic rather than being a huge personality. Strevens was part of successful non-league and EFL sides as a player, his role as a hard working forward and key part of a cohesive unit important and it feels as though he is searching for those qualities as a manager, opting for a up-and-coming group to support an experienced spine and lead on and off the pitch. He did a positive job at Eastleigh, reducing the budget and improving their home form, something he will need to also do in his new role.
The Summer
With things off the pitch relatively settled in terms of the club structure and ownership, this summer has been about changes on the pitch as Strevens looks to create a new culture - a lot has changed. The outgoing list has been most interesting. Captain Angelo Balanta and vice-captain Matt Robinson depart along with Paul McCallum, Mauro Vilhete, Mo Sagaf, George Saunders and Manny Onariase, following other key performers Junior Morias and Josh Walker out of the door. And assistant manager David Jupp has departed too. Elliot Justham has been presented as the new captain and he will feel safe in the knowledge a number of experienced EFL and National League performers are joining him in the dressing room.
The Squad
As with recent seasons, The Daggers are operating with a relatively small squad. It’s nothing new to Strevens, who operated on a similar basis at Eastleigh, preferring a quality of character and unity over quantity. It’s an experienced group on the whole, most of the players over the age of 24 with the exception of a couple and there are plenty of EFL and non-league matches between them. That includes the new blood with Tom Eastman, Josh Rees and Jake Hessenthaler more than fitting that bill. Only four of their most used seven players remain after Sam Ling signed a new deal so Strevens will be hoping his new-look squad are reliable.
The Key Men
Dagenham and Redbridge fans are big on Elliot Justham being the finest goalkeeper in the National League and his role will be even bigger this term after being named captain, a testament to his years of service and high-quality performances. Last season’s midfield has been torn apart so the onus will be on Josh Rees and Jake Hessenthaler to step up and provide quality, energy and experience in that area of the pitch, linking the midfield to Inih Effiong, the powerful striker whose goalscoring record was only bettered by promoted pair Macaulay Langstaff and Paul Mullin last term.
2023-24 Prediction: 13th
None of the decisions this summer have changed my mind in terms of how I see Ben Strevens’ first season as Dagenham and Redbridge manager panning out. I do see them being inconsistent but a different kind of inconsistent to what they are used to. Over the last couple of years, the Daggers could win 4-1 then lose 4-0 the next week, or they would win six of eight before winning one of the next ten. This year, I think they’re more likely to focus on being competitive each week and harder to beat, which will lead to games being played on finer margins. I think a mid-table finish is most likely as Strevens attempts to change the identity of the team, hoping for a top seven push but predominantly looking to set themselves up for a stronger challenge the year after.
Dorking Wanderers
How did last season go?
As dramatised by the excellent Bunch of Amateurs, Dorking Wanderers endured a topsy-turvy campaign during which they learned a lot of lessons but got over the line without too much fuss in the finish. They attacked the division in true Wanderers fashion early doors, stunning Notts County as they picked up results while scoring as many as they conceded. However, they couldn’t continue to score goals at the rate they were conceding them and dropped down the table into the relegation fight. Experienced heads such as George Francomb, Tony Craig and fan favourite Jason Prior were sought, the style became a little more attritional and home form was key as Marc White galvanised his troops for a successful battle against the drop.
The Manager
Businessman. Owner. Manager. Motivator. Referee rater. Marc White wears many caps – quite literally – and is certainly one of a kind in football. White is an outlier, a jovial, piss-taking type who loves to tell a good story and isn’t shy of opening Wanderers up to the world rather than keep his secrets behind closed doors. And yet, there is a determination to be the best and succeed in everything he does, as outlined by his brutal honesty, dressing room rants and touchline antics, ready to leave no stone unturned in his bid for glory. He embodies the mantra of work hard, play hard and his characteristics are embodied by a coaching and playing staff who bond well but know when it’s time to switch on, work and get the job done whatever the cost.
The Summer
It’s been another busy summer for Dorking Wanderers as they prepare for a second season of National League football. Anybody who listened to Marc White’s interviews last season will know all about the learning curve he went on to understand the benefits of full-time football in comparison to part-time so it was to the surprise of few that they have moved to a hybrid set-up this year. It has resulted in changes with certain players and coaching staff moving on, most notably Mark Beard being replaced by Ross McNeilly as Head Coach. The other major news is that they are accepting investment from supporters to own shares in the club as they look to earn promotion to the EFL within the next five years. As ever, it’s an exciting time to be a Dorking fan.
The Squad
While a number of players have moved on, incomings have been sparse with White completing most of his summer shopping before the end of last season as brought in Francomb, Joe Cook, Aaron Kuhl and Prior. The only additions this summer have been Tony Craig, who made his loan deal permanent, and highly-rated young goalkeeper Harrison Male from Worthing. Matt Briggs and Alfie Rutherford are on the recovery from long-term injuries too so while the ‘in’ column looks bare, there has certainly been plenty of change over the last six months to freshen up a dressing room White had concerns about at times last year. It’s a dressing room full of experience with a dash of up-and-coming talent.
The Key Men
Given the roles they played at the back end of last season, it’s hard to not to look towards the roles of Tony Craig and Jason Prior as on-pitch leaders and organisers at either end of the pitch, never afraid of a battle and important in both boxes. It could be a big season for the versatile Dan Gallagher if he can continue in the same defensive midfield role he thrived in towards the back end of the season as opposed to being ferried around the pitch to cover others. James McShane had an excellent first season at National League level and his quality will be relied upon as others get up to speed.
2023-24 Prediction: 19th
Full disclosure, I wasn’t sure where to place Dorking this season and after deciding on the rest of the division, I had a spot left in 19th. It felt as good a place as any. Here’s the thing – Dorking aren’t getting relegated this season. I think they’re very aware of what they need to do. However, we probably have to be careful about using the back end of last season as a yardstick for their form this season as it’s hard to imagine White wanting to start the season playing a more attritional style – I think we’ll see the open, fun version of Dorking which will yield results but not to the same level. There’s also the question of how many members of their starting XI will start regularly – they will have up and downs as far as availability goes. I’m also comfortable with a 19th place finish because I can’t see White and this group going hell for leather if they no longer have anything to play for, which is fine – they'll know where they stand the following year.
Eastleigh
How did last season go?
A really positive campaign in light of the summer overhaul of the squad and manager Lee Bradbury getting his feet under the table. The club went down the route of signing players almost exclusively from EFL clubs last summer, whether young or old, and Bradbury was able to strike a fine balance on the pitch, reliant upon an experienced core, getting the best from wildcard talents such as Danny Whitehall and Charlie Carter, and giving youngsters an opportunity such as Oscar Rutherford. The primary reason for their success was their home form, Eastleigh having the biggest home vs away points difference in the league and it pushed them into the race for the play-offs. Fixture scheduling ultimately cost them, four games in eight days seeing them conceded 13 goals and lose grip on their play-off spot.
The Manager
The sergeant major. It was little surprise to find out that Lee Bradbury was an army recruit during his teenage years and he gives off the air of a man that shouldn’t be messed with, but Bradbury’s disciplined approach is matched by a caring arm, looking to push yet look after his players and he appears to expect that from the senior pros in his dressing room too. Bradbury has had a mixed career since his playing days, struggling to re-create Eddie Howe’s magic at Bournemouth, enduring tough times with Havant and Waterlooville before back-to-back promotions then a short stay at Eastbourne Borough. His arrival at Eastleigh to replace Ben Strevens looked a curious one to begin with but he has done the job required of him to date and will hope for more success now he has additional funds.
The Summer
The major news at Eastleigh was announced right at the end of the 2022-23 season – Stewart Donald was back and ready to provide additional financial resource. His previous work at the club meant Eastleigh were already well set on and off the pitch, so his return was always going to mean an increase to a budget that has been decreased in recent years and that has proven the case with a number of big-name additions – including the return of Paul McCallum and Donald re-uniting with his former Sunderland employee Chris Maguire.
The Squad
Eastleigh’s approach since the appointment of Lee Bradbury has, by and large, been about recruiting players with recent EFL pasts and that has continued this summer with a number of new additions stepping down a level to continue their careers. Much of the business was completed early enough to give Bradbury a full pre-season with most of his new recruits and enough options to allow him the ability to flit between four and five at the back systems, something he did last year. There’s no denying that on paper, this looks a good squad with a very strong XI and the challenge for Bradbury is keeping them ready and available for the majority of the campaign.
The Key Men
As it stands, it’s hard not to look at the defence and believe Aaron Martin has a big role to play both as club captain and a defensive leader as comfortably the most experienced member of the backline. Charlie Carter had an excellent debut campaign and will need to step up again with so many new bodies around him – he came close to 20 goal contributions from a number of midfield roles. It’s difficult to know which player to call the key man but Paul McCallum and Scott Quigley will have high expectations on them as they make the number nine spot.
2023-24 Prediction: 11th
I’m going to find this one tricky to explain as it’s mostly gut feeling. On paper, the squad that Eastleigh have put together looks fantastic and if it pays off, it could do spectacularly. However, it’s also a squad that presents a lot of unknowns. For starters, the culture set last season is largely written off because of the wholesale changes to the squad. Several of the players signed do so on the back of seasons in which they haven’t played so much football, or drop to this level because they are now in their 30’s. I’m not sure how many of the players they have signed will prove reliable.
Ebbsfleet United
How did last season go?
Some clubs struggle after play-off final losses – we’ve seen that with Torquay United and Solihull Moors in recent seasons. Ebbsfleet United went the other route – they turned up and stormed the division. It wasn’t even close. The Fleet won their first nine matches and were unbeaten after 16. A disastrous run over Christmas, including a 4-0 loss at Dartford, threatened to blow the division open but a re-focused Fleet went onto win their next seven and 15 of their next 19 to win promotion, exactly as Kutrieb had predicted at the start of the run. Title secured with 103 points and 110 goals. Some year.
The Manager
If Kutrieb was undertaking the role he expected to take on in 2020, I’d have learned more about him by now. Instead, the man plucked from the lower regions of German football spent his first years as a Head Coach in England in the sixth tier of the English game and endured the frustration of a season being abandoned before it got going, play-off final heartbreak before romping to promotion. Kutrieb comes across as somebody who likes to have some fun and has a positive relationship with his players while being very process driven, having a clear ideology of what he wants to see and knowing how he and his coaches can implement that. His attention to detail has been evident in his interviews during pre-season, knowing what to expect and what his side need to change ahead of the new campaign.
The Summer
A pretty settled summer for a football club that has been building towards their promotion back to the top tier of non-league football since respectfully agreeing to their demotion after COVID struck – a lesson many owners could learn from. New deals were the aim of the game this summer and it strikes me that only one player rejected a new deal – Christian N’Guessan who took his opportunity to play EFL football. Dennis Kutrieb has spoken of the need for additional physicality stepping up a level and that shows in the recruitment of giants Jack Wakely, Hayden White and Ousseynou Cisse.
The Squad
Very close to the one that won them promotion, but with additional power in defensive areas. I like that Ebbsfleet’s approach is that it’s easier to teach players to play deeper than further forward, leading to them taking on far more forward-thinking players than defensive ones. The players that should immediately improve the starting XI are from a higher level and should be technically sound enough to have an impact on a squad of players that are talented and look to have found a home at Ebbsfleet at a good stage of their career.
The Key Men
Any striker that scores 36 goals on the way to securing your side the title is a key man and the fact that Dominic Poleon has signed a new deal at Ebbsfleet United is huge for the football club ahead of their return to this level. Elsewhere, a number of players played serious minutes last year, creating a settled look to the side. That includes defensive group Mark Cousins, Chris Solly and Luke O’Neill, who have plenty of experience at this level and above, and Poleon’s striker partner Rakish Bingham, who himself bagged 16 last term.
2023-24 Prediction: 17th
While Kutrieb has acknowledged some of the changes his team need to make, I can see them going a similar route to that of Dorking this year – all guns blazing early doors as they find their level before a period of adaptation as they learn to deal with the different kinds of threats the division poses. I’m not sure they’ll find themselves in any relegation trouble but there may be slight drops off at various points.
FC Halifax Town
How did last season go?
From potential disaster to success. Chris Millington’s rein almost ended as quickly as it started after a disastrous start to life stepping up from assistant to head coach but he turned things around, to his credit, taking FC Halifax Town away from trouble into the top half and an FA Trophy final to boot. The slow start was down to a number of reasons and recruitment was one, a number of key players moving on and being replaced closer to the start of the season than many would have hoped for. Millington startedz sided with younger players over more experienced personnel and reaped the benefits as his side solidified defensively and started getting their forwards more involved, leading to better performances and results. A tricky winter halted their progress but a run of one loss in 13 to finish the season brought about a top half finish before they saw off Gateshead at Wembley.
The Manager
Halifax aren’t the most forthcoming with content and it made it difficult to get a handle on how Millington regularly deals with victories, defeats and everything else. What I have read and listened to, he comes across as a “thinker”, having a clear understanding of his strengths and the type of characters he needs around him to succeed as a collective. He’s also a protective coach, happy to put his own head on the block and ask for criticism to come his way rather than his players. It’s clear that his background in youth development has had an impact on his management judging by the way younger players have developed over the course of his first campaign. One notable aspect of his interviews is his continued discussion about desire and preaching togetherness, looking for his team to be competitive in each game and going from there.
The Summer
A typical one for FC Halifax Town. The doom and gloom understandably raises its head during the summer at the Shay given the number of players they lose and have to replace, not helped this year by Chris Millington bemoaning that Altrincham and Gateshead are outbidding him for footballers. Jack Senior, Kian Spence and Jesse Debrah have stepped into the EFL. Matt Warburton has joined Solihull Moors, Harvey Gilmour Rochdale and top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe is now at Hartlepool United. Their replacements fit the usual bill – players dropping from above seeing a move to Halifax as an opportunity to prove they are capable of playing full-time football.
The Squad
The good news, as it stands, is that key parts of last season’s defensive unit remain – Sam Johnson signed a new deal, Tylor Golden and Jamie Stott remain and Adam Senior has signed permanently. Much of the rest of the squad contains players that broke out last year and are looking for big second years at the Shay as they bid to follow in the footsteps of the many talents that have stepped up the levels. As for the new wave of talent, many have EFL backgrounds and they should provide strong competition to a starting XI that has a relatively settled spine now.
The Key Men
Sam Johnson. At a club with an ever-changing roster of players, Sam Johnson is the consistency. The 30-year-old has spent six and a half years at FC Halifax Town and, if my calculations are correct, he has missed just three league matches in that time. A giant of a keeper and a huge figure at the club. Halifax’s success for two-thirds of last season was built on defensively solidity and Adam Senior and Jamie Stott were huge parts of that as they stepped up, along with Jordan Hunter, who became a consistent figure in midfield. Elsewhere, this season represents a big opportunity for Rob Harker who scored eight goals despite starting just 12 matches – the 23-year-old will need to step up and lead the line.
2023-24 Prediction: 15th
It’s the same story for Halifax. A lot of goodwill remains from last season given they were effectively a top 7 outfit over the course of 35 matches and to defend their transfer policy, only three regulars from last season have departed as things stand. But those three players were leading characters and have been replaced by more raw talent. I don’t anticipate Millington having the same issues he faced at the start of last season but there will be inconsistent form and availability to contend with. Another mid-table finish.
Gateshead
How did last season go?
Gateshead started last season in exactly the fashion they wanted to, playing a possession-heavy, attacking brand of football and looking to open teams in a creative manner. However, injuries and a small squad left them without key bodies and necessitated the arrival of short-term free transfers or loanees, few of whom stepped up. An icy winter paved the way for a necessary break and Gateshead returned to action on Boxing Day with close to a full squad available and performance levels increased – no National League sided recorded a better average xG between Boxing Day and the end of the season. After some inconsistent results, the Heed hit their stride from mid-March, two draws and six straight victories securing survival at a canter and a mid-table finish.
The Manager
Mike Williamson is a very “trust the process” type manager – and there are plenty of reasons for Gateshead supporters to trust a process that has seen them go from National League North no-hopers to exciting National League side. Williamson is happy to let his team do some of the talking for him, passing on post-match responsibility to Ian Watson and Louis Storey, but all three are aligned in their belief of how the football team should be run and trust is put into squad leaders to manage that. The high-press, high-possession style has reaped high rewards with a number of players improving in line with the club and the North East proving an ideal home for young players looking to give their careers another push or kickstart.
The Summer
The most eventful moment of Gateshead’s summer came in the last couple of weeks when their friendly fixture against Dunston UTS was abandoned following a group of armed men pulling up onto the pitch and leaving a hearse and leaflets suggesting somebody was a paedophile. Bizarre. Thankfully, nobody was harmed on the day. The club did have to deal with the departures of Owen Bailey and Dan Ward, who have subsequently joined Doncaster Rovers and Oldham Athletic, but it has otherwise been plain sailing. Three of the loanees that played such an important role in last season’s run to survival have re-signed along with Archie Mair and Regan Booty, who should automatically improve the starting XI.
The Squad
Mike Williamson is comfortable running with a smaller squad of players and isn’t afraid to utilise players in alternative positions if it means keeping his team cohesive and united towards the same goal – looking to avoid the issues they encountered in the first part of last season. Though it’s a small squad, it is made up of a lot of quality and high standards, both required to play the style of football Williamson demands from his team. Many of the same players that started last season remain, meaning the same leadership group is intact and it may even ensure Williamson can finally hang his boots.
The Key Men
The more I watch him, the bigger fan I become of Greg Olley, the creative hub of an extremely well-oiled team and a player who only got better as the players got better around him. Adam Campbell had Luke Garrard seething after a top performance against Boreham Wood and the game summed up his intelligence, speed of thought and direct approach in attack. I’m expecting big things from Marcus Dinanga too, who looks at home and confident in a side better suited to his qualities. At the back, Louis Storey remains key for his leadership and organisational qualities.
2023-24 Prediction: 4th
Am I doing this? Yeah, I’m doing it. In fact, I’ve placed money on it. I adore this Gateshead side. They’ve got a top manager. Strong coaching staff. An excellent core made up of players unlikely to depart. They showed a real consistency last season in their performance levels that led to a big run of form. And there is a togetherness not just with the team but everybody at the football club – it’s as if everybody is involved in making this story what it is. The only danger in this prediction is the potential loss of Williamson, but he’s here now and I’m backing him to take Gateshead into the top seven.
Hartlepool United
How did last season go?
I think most people had a feeling in the pit of their stomach when weighing up Hartlepool United’s decision-making last summer. In came Paul Hartley from Cove Rangers, six players from north of the border and a wholesale change of both personnel and culture from the squad that had brought them back into the EFL. Hartley was sacked on September 18th with the club 23rd in the table and winless. Keith Curle took the reins, won six matches, produced from one of the strangest interviews ever seen and departed on 21st February with the club 22nd. John Askey was handed the keys and though he only lost three of his 13 matches in charge, he only won three and the club succumbed to the drop.
The Manager
John Askey has a very good reputation at this level of football. He oversaw promotion to League Two with Macclesfield Town despite huge financial restrictions and players not being paid and returned to non-league with York City, with whom he won promotion and set them up nicely before being sacked following a disagreement. The 58-year-old comes across as an honest talker and his openness perhaps explains why so many players have followed him from club-to-club, and why he has had the success he has had. He's not a revolutionary tactician but somebody who brings together a cohesive group that pulls its weight, and that is always a recipe for success.
The Summer
The summer at Hartlepool United has been dominated by talk of the club being sold. Chairman Raj Singh confirmed he would put the club he saved up for sale during a statement containing an apology, concerns about the abuse he and his family have received and that the budget they arrive in the National League with is a third higher than the one they won promotion with last time around. Askey has talked up the fanbase in a bid to bring some cohesion back to a club that has become disjointed and there has been a sizeable change in the playing staff, mostly through outgoings as opposed to incomings with Askey looking to turn things around. The focus has clearly been on the spine with strong competition in nets and ex-EFL alumni Manny Onariase, Kieran Wallace and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe signed.
The Squad
It’s a squad that still looks incomplete at the time of writing, but that may partly be down to how few players played meaningful minutes last season – only David Ferguson and Josh Umerah played 75% of minutes or more and the latter has spent a chunk of the summer injured. Of the other five to play more than half of available minutes, two have departed while another is yet to re-sign. Focusing on what Askey can control, the age profile of the squad is strong with a couple of players at either end of their career but the majority in their prime years with plenty of experience behind them. If nothing else, the spine appears close to sorted, which is the most important thing.
The Key Men
I’ve noted the spine twice above and that will be the key as Askey looks to restore pride in Hartlepool’s performances. Emmanuel Onariase struggled upon returning to Dagenham and Redbridge but the 26-year-old has played plenty of football over the last two seasons and his role will be simplified under Askey, it’s time for him to step up as a leading figure. Callum Cooke is another 26-year-old looking to truly step up and a player of his ability should be comfortable at this level. Finally, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe hit double figures for FC Halifax Town and his qualities should suit an Askey team given his preference for a target man style figure in attack. He should also score a fair few goals if David Ferguson can be restored to the same player that thrived at this level under Dave Challinor.
2023-24 Prediction: 8th
I’m in a couple of different minds with Hartlepool. We should be concerned by the ongoing ownership situation and the potential friction that could cause. There is also the recruitment, something that the club haven’t found easy this summer as they look to improve their fortunes. However, Askey knows the job and he has recruited some decent characters in a bid to improve his team’s fortunes. I think they’ll be competitive in most matches and flexible depending on the personnel. Hartlepool should have a steady campaign.
Kidderminster Harriers
How did last season go?
An indifferent campaign with a lot to pick apart. It was a patchy season. They won half of their first 14 before losing six of the next eight. Boxing Day brought about a seven-match unbeaten run before a nine-game winless run almost killed their chances of a play-off spot, leaving them languished in the bottom half. Then April came around and Kiddy won each of their final six matches, securing a 5th place finish on a crazy final day before seeing off Gloucester City, King’s Lynn Town and Brackley Town to secure promotion. They won only one match against sides in the top eight, a key game at Fylde in April, had the second best away record in the league thanks to 10 wins from 12 matches against bottom half sides, suffered a number of injuries, had to change formations and player roles and thankfully, everything clicked at the right time of the season.
The Manager
Russell Penn the manager comes across a little bit like Russell Penn the manager. Sure, he’s a little less aggressive in his manner but the leadership qualities he showed as a player and wanting to win at all costs remains. That means no excuses and no bullsh*t. He doesn’t throw his players under the bus individually but he’s happy to let people know when he’s unhappy with the collective. It was telling that while he was on a high after promotion, he was reflective rather than ecstatic, acknowledging the challenges they had endured, the tough moments and a home record that needs improving when they step up. However, he was happy to talk up his players and it’s evident that his leaders clearly enjoy playing for a man who was undoubtedly a leader as a player.
The Summer
It’s been a positive summer at Kiddy as they prepare for life back in the top tier of non-league football. Perhaps most notable has been their approach to the transfer window, looking to build upon an experienced, well-organised squad with young, exciting talents that can provide quality, power and depth. Their first five signings all under the age of 25 and played most of their football last year at National League North level, perhaps indicative of a club understanding their level in recent years and wanting all parties to experience the jump together and work hard to prove they can step up. The return of Matt Preston, who suffered a nasty injury after making such a name for himself, is also a positive and a sign that Russell Penn and the club haven’t forgotten his time.
The Squad
The profile of the squad is similar the one that got the club over the line last season and perhaps one you’d expect to be more common across the board. It’s overseen by an experienced cast with huge experience behind them throughout the spine. That is supplemented by a number of players moving towards or in their prime years and further supported by a younger cast looking to use the club as a springboard to better things – Russell Penn has already noted in pre-season that some of his younger players believe they can play in the EFL and he expects them to prove it. Penn isn’t wedded to a particular formation so it helps that his squad contains players of different style profiles.
The Key Men
I’ll follow the lead of Russell Penn on this one. He spoke at the end of the season about his key performers and three names popped up – the three players that played the most minutes for the club last year. At centre-back is Krystian Pearce, a player who struggled to find a home after leaving Mansfield Town but has been a rock in Worcestershire. Shane Byrne is the side’s midfield general and a player Penn said cannot be replaced, highlighting his importance for somebody who knows a lot about midfielders. And Ashley Hemmings, who according to Penn was “the best player in the league” over the final weeks of the season – his brace secured their return to this level.
2023-24 Prediction: 21st
Kidderminster may have been the big fish in the National League North but that won’t be the case in a National League far different to the one they left in 2016. Their full-time status is no longer an outlier but the norm so they will need to find something more than professionalism to get over the line. I think what Kiddy do have is genuine leadership and a belief in their approach. The primary concern is whether they have enough quality, goals and resources to be better than others, and that’s the most questionable aspect.
Maidenhead United
How did last season go?
In a lot of ways, it was typical Maidenhead United. They lost more than they won, were strong at home, bloodied the noses of bigger clubs and found a way to reach 50 points and stay in the league. On the way, they beat Scunthorpe United in the Iron’s first away day of the campaign, picked up victories against Woking, Chesterfield, Bromley, Eastleigh and Dagenham and Redbridge while earning a point against Wrexham and putting three past Notts County in a bonkers affair. Maidenhead will always be up against it as a part-time outfit who regularly lose their top players but Devonshire once again found enough consistency within his group to eke out the points total needed and have some fun along the way.
The Manager
Alan Devonshire isn’t your typical modern-day manager but the flat cap, winter coat and grumpy persona are part of the charm for a 67-year-old who clearly still has the bug for management and he continues to defy the odds. Trust is a big part of Devonshire’s management. He is happy for his coaches to speak on his behalf and develop on the training field. He trusts his experienced players to run his dressing room, many of whom stay for lengthy periods. And though his approach of “turn the opposition, win seconds then play” is seen as direct and basic, he has shown enough flexibility to get the best from talented young players provided they are willing to put the work in.
The Summer
Maidenhead United have hit the mainstream media this summer thanks to mooted move of Max Kilman to Napoli, which would earn the club a pretty penny thanks to a sell on fee. Elsewhere, the club deserve to be lauded for their new kit, which contains the CALM logo, a mental health charity. A really positive movement. And finally, the club are still discussing the possibility of moving from their famous York Road ground to help the club grow further. As far as the football goes, a number of players were released but, at the time of writing, only Emile Acquah has made the step up the leagues while Ryan Upward departed after nine years at the club. Incomings have been typical of the Magpies, sourcing the best available part-time talent and providing a platform for others to make the step up.
The Squad
As noted above, Devonshire has his dressing room lieutenants who run the dressing room for him and organise things on the pitch – it’s why so many faces have been at the club for as long as they have. Further experience has been added this year in a bid to stave off something more concerning after a close call last season. A strong defensive unit is matched by a raw, exciting attack in which players are encouraged to play, run, dribble and cause havoc to opponents, something new signings Jayden Mitchell-Lawson and Harry Parsons will hope to do as they bid to return to the full-time game.
The Key Men
That experienced group. Craig Ross is a great addition in goal for a club who have had a number of issues with goalkeepers and lost Dan Gyollai to a long-term injury. Charlee Adams and Kane Ferdinand have been around the block and are happy to do the dirty work in midfield. Livewires Reece Smith and Ashley Nathaniel-George had excellent seasons last year and will hope to add more numbers to their game as pivotal members of a raw but fun attack. And Remy Clerima will when fit – Maidenhead’s Swiss army knife who switched between right-midfield and centre-half roles last year.
2023-24 Prediction: 20th
Every season, Maidenhead United are tipped for the drop and every season they survive. For EFL fans, think Accrington Stanley (well, until last year). Every year, they just find a way to prove people wrong. The challenge is getting more difficult, however. They remain one of few part-time outfits in the league and there are only so many years you can replace those departing to the same level of success. However, I was burned by Maidenhead last year after being adamant I wouldn’t predict the to get relegated, so they go 20th this year – Devonshire always finds a way.
Oldham Athletic
How did last season go?
Exactly as I personally anticipated. Oldham were taken over in pre-season but had an awful lot to resolve after years of mismanagement leading to a nervy first half of the campaign during which John Sheridan moved on, David Unsworth was appointed and further changes were made to playing personnel. The club have since started to move in the right direction, Unsworth leading the club to a long awaited top half finish thanks to a solid defence and emergence of key players through more targeted recruitment – they were the third best team in the league from New Year’s Day to the end of the season.
The Manager
Despite overseeing an upturn in form, not everybody of an Oldham persuasion is sold by David Unsworth. He was an unsurprising candidate for the job given the Everton links in the boardroom but endured a tough start as the overhaul began. That placed him on the back foot with supporters, along with a less than enjoyable style of football and post-match comments that suggested he was seeing a different game to fans as they dropped into the relegation zone. To his credit, he has won people back thanks to his work in the second half of the season and this year feels like the acid test for Unsworth, embarking on his first full campaign in management with expectations through the roof after another positive summer of recruitment.
The Summer
It’s hard to remember the last time Oldham Athletic had a summer as free-flowing as this. They suffered the hiccup of losing Francis Jeffers to an opportunity in Saudi Arabia but otherwise, the Latics have been making movement off the pitch on the commercial side, got kits released in good time and have made a splash to improve the first team. Charlie Raglan drops two divisions to join the club, Shaun Hobson, Josh Lundstram and Dan Ward played starring roles for fellow National League clubs and Kurt Willoughby was sensational in the division below. For once, Oldham appear to be a smooth operation.
The Squad
Last season, only two players played at least 75% of available minutes – Magnus Norman and Nathan Sheron. Four of their five signings managed it last season. Mark Kitching was a regular after signing, as was Mark Shelton. What Unsworth has been able to do this summer is cut the size of his squad down and that work is continuing with Jordan Windass and Luke Burgess moving on and noises suggesting John Rooney could depart too. It’s a side set up to be fluent in shape with a powerful spine and goalscoring options in abundance.
The Key Men
An interesting question because there are a number of standouts but it will be within the confines of the team shape rather than individuals being allowed to stand out. Based on pre-season, we can expect Shaun Hobson to have a big season having performed excellently for Southend United. It should be a big campaign for Mark Shelton, a former promotion winner at this level and who will be given license to run the midfield. It’s difficult to know which striker will be relied upon most but as the only player to start 40+ games last year, I’m expecting Kurt Willoughby to be given opportunity to make one of the two spots his own.
2023-24 Prediction: 2nd
I’m sold on the Oldham dream. I thought they finished the season excellently and was curious to see how they would build on that body of work. Their new recruits have played a lot of football and bring with them confidence and quality without the egos that could disrupt things. Most of the squad is of a good age profile and there is strong depth in almost every position, particularly in attack where goals were hard to come by at times last year. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Latics finished the season as Champions but they sit second only because of my faith in Paul Cook finishing the job at Chesterfield.
Oxford City
How did last season go?
Oxford City won promotion to the top tier of non-league football for the first time in their 141-year history and that is all the matters. Oxford simply maintained a strong level for the entirety of the campaign, starting right with four wins on the bounce and losing just three of 29 matches from mid-November to April, securing their play-off spot, including just three home losses all season and none against their fellow top seven opposition. Those latter stats worked out nicely as a home play-off semi-final saw them beat fourth place Worthing 2-0 before they hammered St.Albans City in the final 4-0 – all the goals were scored in the first half. The club also reached the FA Cup first round, losing at League One Fleetwood Town, further evidence this was an all-round positive campaign.
The Manager
Ross Jenkins completed the improbable last season with promotion and my early thoughts are that it came about because he holds himself and his team to high standards. He sees a strong work ethic from his squad as a given and is therefore comfortable criticising his side when they don’t hold themselves to high standards in other departments of the game, such as their confidence in possession and ruthlessness in front of goal. He actually reminds me a little bit of Luke Garrard – everybody is in it together and if standards aren’t upheld, they will know about it.
The Summer
It’s been a summer of commercial growth and stability for Oxford City this summer, the board trying to bring in additional revenue and Ross Jenkins and his team choosing to keep hold of those that made last season such an overwhelming success. They have lost one key performer with Klaidi Lolos stepping up an extra level to continue his career after an excellent campaign while incomings have been slow to arrive, Tafari Moore and Pierre Fonkeu following Oxford up a level.
The Squad
It’s a small squad whose success was based on unity, quality and availability and Jenkins has a lot of faith in them, it appears. The return of Chris Haigh on loan from Ebbsfleet United has sorted any goalkeeping issues out while the spine of Andre Burley, Canice Carroll, Josh Ashby, Reece Fleet, Zac McEachran and Josh Parker remains firmly intact. Tafari Moore provides versatility and depth while Pierre Fonkeu managed double figures for runners-up Dartford and his pace could be used to good effect with Oxford likely to be further away from the opposition goal.
The Key Men
Noted above but the spine of the team. Canine Carroll moved into part-time football at 22 when he returned to his homeland and he has clearly found peace, playing regular football and starting 44 games last term. The midfield is exceptional and a key reason for the togetherness at the club given the length of time they have played together, Reece Fleet, Josh Ashby and Zac McEachran knowing the place as well as anybody. And up top, Josh Parker had the best season of his career, slamming home 18 goals as he put some rough years behind him.
2023-24 Prediction: 23rd
Is this lazy? It feels a little lazy. Here’s the thought process: I was more comfortable predicting an Oxford City relegation than I was others, therefore they got dropped to the bottom of the pack. I don’t see this being a 23rd whereby Oxford follow Maidstone United in being obviously poor and losing what made them so strong to begin with. I see this being more about Oxford being a part-time outfit with limited funds and a reliance on their first team being available for virtually every game again, which will be tough to repeat. That then leads to some short-termism in certain positions and finding consistency can become a struggle. Rightly or wrongly, that’s how I see the seeing panning out and I would be delighted if they could prove me wrong.
Rochdale
How did last season go?
Nothing summed up the decision making at Rochdale quite like Robbie Stockdale being given a full pre-season and 11 players after an 18th place finish then being sacked four games into the new season. Jim Bentley was hoisted in as a potential saviour, looking to the roll back the years to his Morecambe days but it never happened, a brief revival during the Autumn followed by a run of 12 defeats in 16 that all but ended their hopes of survival. Any hopes of survival were extinguished with a 2-0 loss at Crawley Town and Bentley was moved on for Jim McNulty who oversaw a positive end to the campaign but one that was ultimately futile.
The Manager
I’ve been fascinated listening to Jim McNulty speak this summer. He doesn’t sound like a head coach but more of a dressing room leader. He’s quite open in acknowledging that he’s learning on the job and sharing details from inside the club that stress that point, such as the type of noise he is having to block out and how the delay to his appointment meant they missed out on targets. The word he has used more than any is culture, believing it has been poor at Rochdale for too long and it’s something he is desperate to change, trying to keep an eye on all the little things, the little interactions, how people act around others and wanting more cohesion from his squad. The challenge now is whether he can implement the culture he wants and get the team performing on the pitch to a high enough standard.
The Summer
A busy one as the club looks to the right the wrongs of recent years. As established above, Jim McNulty was given the reins following the end of the season. He has since announced his new backroom team and the club have a new Academy and Women’s Manager. The club have also taken on MRKT Insights to support their approach to recruitment. The pitch has been renovated and the club decided to sell under 14’s season tickets at £25, something that should be lauded. Recruitment has been a slow burner, a number of players departing in a bid to freshen things up and a number of young, hungry players signed to improve the culture as McNulty wants.
The Squad
A mixed bag of those that came before and fresh blood at the time of writing. McNulty’s new culture is clearly prioritising development first and foremost with three talented youngsters brought in on loan, a couple of exciting young trialists given deals and three players with National League experience brought in permanently with the aim of developing their careers further. The outlier is Adam Clayton who moves closer to his Manchester home and provides much needed experience alongside Ethan Ebanks-Landell and club legend Ian Henderson.
The Key Men
At this stage, it’s a little difficult to tell. There are a lot of new faces and those that remain have plenty to prove following a relegation campaign. I’m expecting Kairo Mitchell to be given opportunity for a big season, McNulty talking up his ability not just to lead the line but also be selfless in the way he provides opportunities for others because of his size and willingness. Adam Clayton played a lot of games for Bradford City in the second half of last season and will be relied upon for composure and leadership in midfield. Louis Moulden had experience at this level for Solihull Moors last year and will hope for a more consistent year as number one.
2023-24 Prediction: 14th
Dale have a proud EFL history but enter non-league as one of many humble full-time clubs – it isn’t going to be an easy process. The decision making this summer enhances what McNulty has spoken about, this year being more about forging a culture and identity to build upon rather than focusing on an approach to win promotion at all costs. I’ve little doubt they will find certain periods of the season tough and the team are going to have to work through some difficult moments. I can see a mid-table finish that sees Rochdale finish the season in a better place than they started.
Solihull Moors
How did last season go?
A disaster. The play-off final loss on 5th June left Moors in a difficult spot, many transfer targets moving on elsewhere, a shorter pre-season and with Neal Ardley having already lost right-hand man Greg Abbott, a change in recruitment strategy. While the team started brightly, issues soon came to light and killed their season. Recruitment was the primary issue, the summer a disaster in the club’s attempts to push forward. It meant that when their experienced spine was decimated by injury, Ardley had few players he trusted to fill that void. Ardley himself struggled to keep a smile on his face as their season turned for the worst and from early November onwards, Moors were one of the worst four teams in the division. They did push in January with the additions of Mark Beck and David Davis but the latter’s fitness issues all but summed up their campaign.
The Manager
Neal Ardley departed the club shortly before pre-season, noises suggesting the commute from down south becoming difficult, perhaps even more so with the club no longer winning matches every week. Andy Whing is the new man at the helm, somebody Darryl Eales knows from their time at Oxford United and who did a tremendous job taking Banbury United into the National League North. Early interviews suggest he is learning about the squad and his players on the fly and after struggling to turn things around at Banbury last year following the departure of a couple of key players, it will be interesting to see how he approaches a campaign in the division above with recruitment being completed late on.
The Summer
Prior to the confirmation of Andy Whing, Darryl Eales and the board recruited Stephen Ward, formerly of Wolves and Burnley, as Director of Football, replacing Craig Cope who left for AFC Wimbledon last winter. It’s fair to say that all parties are embarking on a huge task with minimal experience at this specific level of football and the scale of the operation has only increased with long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Boot, captain Callum Howe, vice-captain Alex Gudger and top scorer Andrew Dallas all moving on to pastures new. The club also had difficulties with recruitment the previous summer and the late departure of Ardley suggests the process is a little muddled at present. Pre-season results have at least been positive but there remains a sense that Whing is still learning how to get the best from his squad.
The Squad
The most striking aspect about the Moors squad is the defence, which contains just one member of last season’s group – fortunately it’s James Clarke, who signed a new deal. It’s a very mixed group overall. Only one defender is over the age of 23 while the midfield is packed with experience. Some players have arrived on the back so strong campaigns, others are hoping to live up to former highs and those that remain will have to earn their stripes again. It feels as though the squad situation will be fluid as the season continues.
The Key Men
With so much youth in the backline, Andy Whing will be needing a big season from his most experienced options. James Clarke has been uber-consistent since joining Solihull Moors, missing only one league match, while Kyle Morrison joins on the back of a double-promotion from NLN and at 27, will be the defensive leader. This could potentially be Josh Kelly’s big year as a professional footballer too, the 23-year-old biding his time last year but stepping out of the shadows late on in a system better suited to his qualities. And while there is change around him, Jamey Osborne’s quality with a football will be as important as ever under a manager insistent that his team will play out from defensive areas.
2023-24 Prediction: 18th
A manager leaving on the cusp of pre-season, a new man managing in professional football for the first time, a novice director of football employed and a mixed recruitment drive leading to an imbalanced squad. Darryl Eales has proven to be a smart operator in football but he is undeniably taking a risk as be looks to turn the ship back around after last season. On paper, there are some excellent footballers and if it clicks, it could work well. I still expect Kelly to have an excellent season in attack. However, with so many changes, no clear direction or identity and so many learning on the job on and off the pitch, I can’t see this being a positive campaign for Moors.
Southend United
How did last season go?
It depends which way you look at it. Off the pitch, a continued disaster as R*n M*rtin does everything he possibly can to kill the football club. And despite that, despite players and club staff not being paid, despite fans staying away in protest to the ownership, Kevin Maher and his team put together an outstanding side that defied those issues and came mightily close to a top 7 finish having accrued some of the best underlying numbers in the division. They fell short, difficulties in the final third and their inability to get points against the best in the division proving costly. Still, given everything they endured, it was an impressive shot at a top seven finish.
The Manager
Southend fans could scarcely wish for a better man to be in charge of their football team right now. Kevin Maher has not just proven a top coach but loyal to the fans, club and his players and a near-perfect spokesman at such a difficult time for the club. That he has managed to foster a togetherness between key departments at a time when his chairman is intent on ripping any good work apart is a testament to the job Maher has done and we can only hope that when a takeover finally happens, and it has to, Maher is allowed to do the job he would like to do and take Southend back towards the EFL.
The Summer
A summer of protest. The takeover saga continues with R*n M*rtin telling everybody he’s willing to sell the club but few believing his motives are true, leading to continued protests outside of the stadium, training ground and even his home. No business has been done with the club remaining under a transfer embargo and the only surprise is that more players haven’t departed given many haven’t been paid for a long time. Two pre-season matches were cancelled because Maher didn’t have enough players to call upon and players chose to train elsewhere for a week to protest not being paid.
The Squad
Incredibly, as I write this on Tuesday 25th July, the only confirmation we have of their contracted squad for the new season comes from local reporter Chris Phillips. It contains one goalkeeper, four defenders, seven midfielders and two forwards from a senior perspective. Others remain with the club hoping for a new deal as they look to continue last season’s good work but the chances of that happening are slim given the lack of change in the takeover. As it stands, they are only allowed a maximum of 16 players.
The Key Men
If Southend are going to continue in their current guise, the same players are going to have to step up. That includes Collin Andeng-Ndi, who had a tremendous breakthrough season last year amid injuries elsewhere. That includes Ollie Kensdale, who started 45 league games last term in defence and will need to step up as a leader. That includes the uber-consistent Cavaghn Miley who keeps the side ticking in midfield. That includes Jack Bridge, Southend’s primary source of creativity. And that includes Harry Cardwell, whose fitness will be important for a side otherwise lacking a focal point.
2023-24 Prediction: 24th
There are two versions of the Southend United story this season. The first is the current reality. R*n M*rtin screws everything up, the club endure points deductions as people aren’t paid and their season never gets going because Maher can’t rely on the same 16 footballers for the entire campaign. The second is far more positive and the one everybody is hoping for – the club is taken over, R*n M*rtin disappears, Kevin Maher receives some backing and the club start to climb the ladder again. I can only judge on the current reality – I was burned by Scunthorpe United last season trying to second guess what may happen – but I sincerely hope I’m wrong.
Wealdstone
How did last season go?
If you’d have offered Wealdstone fans 20th place, most would have shaken your hand and taken it. Instead, Stuart Maynard and his team spent much of the campaign on the coattails of the play-off race, ultimately falling short late on as a backlog of games and knocks caught up with them. The Stones burst out of the blocks to briefly lead the table and found themselves as high as 8th in mid-March. Along the way, they played some superb football, seeing plenty of the ball and scoring multiple 10+ pass goals. When you remember that they were one of three part-time outfits in the league, it’s some effort and it’s just a shame they couldn’t hold onto that top half position.
The Manager
Stuart Maynard stepped into the role at the worst possible time, the COVID campaign when finances were tight and wins hard to come by. The year after, they found their feet but predominantly beat the sides below them to secure safety. Last year, they stepped up again and then some. Not only are the Stones surviving, they are doing so comfortably and it’s a testament to the work Maynard and his team are doing when they get the chance to work with the players. There is no denying that Maynard has buy-in from his players and reasons for that may be evident in his post-match interviews. He never digs out individuals and protects his team where he can, often laying the blame with luck, referees, quality of opposition or anything else to support players he will wax lyrical about whenever he gets the chance to. He also places a lot of trust in his players, often informing players of tactical decisions on the day of a game because he knows they can carry out different tasks.
The Summer
The summer sprung into life a few days ago when the club announced Stuart Maynard and Matt Saunders had signed two-year deals – huge news given the impressive body of work they have overseen. Otherwise, it has been an quiet summer for a part-time outfit looking to build on a mid-table finish last year. They managed to keep 15 of last season’s side and have only lost Sam Habergham and Sam Howes from their regular, contracted squad members. They followed up the signing of Charles Clayden on a two-year deal by making his former Charlton Athletic team-mate Charlie Barker’s deal permanent and the decision making process appears to be more about quality over quantity.
The Squad
It’s not unlike The Stones to reach the last couple of weeks of pre-season with an incomplete squad as they wait for the right players to become available as opposed to rushing into things. What Maynard and co will be doing is focusing on what they do have, which is a strong spine. Jed Ward (awful name, the poor lad) is a highly-rated young keeper, Jack Cook and Barker were excellent last season, the midfield options are tidy and the attack contains plenty of options for Maynard and Saunders to mix things up. The squad contains a mix of profiles, several top-quality part-time players supported by those dropping out of full-time football with the aim of enjoying their football and working their way back, or utilising the loan route to do the same.
The Key Men
Jack Cook is captain and their defensive leader, a tall and experienced presence for what is often a youthful backline. In midfield, Ashley Charles and Alex Dyer struck up a fine partnership, protecting the backline, progressing the ball and showing enough tenacity to make them difficult to play against. Max Kretzschmar is one of the finest part-time footballers around and his fitness will be key to the Stones’ campaign given the craft and creativity he provides. I can’t help but feel this squad is made up for Tahvon Campbell to repeat the goalscoring exploits that earned him a move to the EFL a couple of years back.
2023-24 Prediction: 16th
The reason I anticipate a drop off in position for Wealdstone is because I’m not expecting them to fly out of the traps as they did last season – there have been a few changes to the backline and it has taken them time to find the right bodies to replace them, meaning they could be a little unsettled or disorganised early on. Otherwise, I think the Stones will follow a similar pattern to last season, occasionally having a full squad available and going on strong runs as a settled side shows confidence and quality in their play and at other times, struggling for consistent selection, which will affect their results and organisation. I don’t foresee them having many troubles.
Woking
How did last season go?
With Darren Sarll having settled in after his first couple of months in charge and increased investment from a board intent on making their EFL dream happen, it was little surprise that Woking were amongst those in the play-offs. However, few anticipated them dovetailing with Chesterfield in third spot for much of the campaign. Woking proved to be one of the toughest sides in the league to play against with their aggressive press, pace and power a force to be reckoned with on their day. Their best form came as autumn turned to winter but they fell short late on as the games came thick and fast, failing to win back-to-back matches during the final 20 before losing out on third place and then to Bromley in their play-off eliminator.
The Manager
Darren Sarll is all about the collective. If they win, the team wins. If they lose, the team loses. No individual is praised above others, nor is any individual hung out to dry. That approach has clearly had an impact given the playing style and effectiveness of it, a game plan that requires constant communication and organisation. Sarll isn’t too worried about how he is seen by people so long as his team continue to embody his work ethic and desire on the pitch. That style was clear to see during his time at Yeovil Town and hasn’t changed much at Woking, beyond having better players at his disposal and being able to play higher up the pitch.
The Summer
Another summer in which Woking have put themselves forward as serious contenders. Rohan Ince and Dan Moss signing new deals was a major positive. Robbie Willmott and Greg Taylor have had long and successful EFL stints. Matt Robinson has been a fine midfielder at this level for some time while Emmanuel Oyeleke and Dennon Lewis join with good pedigree. Saying goodbye to Craig Ross and Joe McNerney was sad but a sign of the club’s ambitions to move forward and the only player lost that they truly wanted to hold on to was James Daly, who had already been replaced.
The Squad
The additions above add to what is already a strong squad. The most striking factor is the age of it. I believe Woking start with a 21-man squad. Nine of those are aged 30 or over with another seven aged between 26 and 29. It sums up what Darren Sarll wants from his squad – structure, organisation, discipline and leadership. What the squad does give him is the ability to rest players that are in the later years of their career and replace them with somebody else who should provide the same qualities. It’s experience supplemented with experience and the sprinkling of young lads that are about the place need to learn on the job quickly – Sarll expects his young players to step in and want to win, not just develop.
The Key Men
Woking a well-oiled unit on the pitch and it’s all about the collective, but certainly players are key to making it work. In defence, I’m expecting a big season from Greg Taylor who steps down two levels after leading Cambridge from the National League to League One, especially with Scott Cuthbert often rested for midweek affairs and Luke Wilkinson enduring injury troubles. Rohan Ince is a monster of a midfielder, able to dominate in front of the backline and let others sprint forward in numbers. And the front two were superb last season, Padraig Amond a wily old head who leads with intelligence partnering Rhys Browne, who was top scorer for both Wealdstone and Woking last season.
2023-24 Prediction: 3rd
I see a similar season for Woking. They will have forwards that make things happen, a powerful defensive and midfield unit, will be hard to beat and strong from set-pieces. I think their new signings improve the starting XI and increase the quality of depth. It will be a side that is chopped and changed during the season because of the age of certain players – it's hard to imagine most of their starting XI starting 40+ matches. It’s probably that last point that makes me feel less secure about the idea of them bettering Chesterfield and Oldham this year, even if I do anticipate them showing slightly more consistency across the 46 games.
York City
How did last season go?
It started positively. There was a takeover in the summer, John Askey was backed to make wholesale changes to suit what he wanted from his team. And then shit hit the fan. It started with a public spat between Askey and chairman John Henderson, resulting in the former being sacked and the latter appointing David Webb, a bizarre decision that ended as badly as expected. He was sacked in February and while Henderson used fake names online to stick up for himself and certain payments were delayed, Michael Morton was thrown in at the deep end to keep York in the league with a back-to-basics approach.
The Manager
I like Michael Morton. He’s inexperienced as a manager and it perhaps doesn’t help that his superiors are also novices in their respective roles. However, Morton didn’t go in with his head buried in the sand last year. He has a preferred style, one that is focused on being positive and getting the ball to exciting footballers, but he wasn’t afraid to go a different way and rely on a different kind of player to get the job done last season. He is making the right noises this summer about condition and control and it will be interesting to see how that carries into the competitive fixtures.
The Summer
A busy one. Welcome back to the National League Matt Uggla, the man whose chaotic running of Yeovil Town accelerated their relegation but who promises he’s learned and is certainly putting money forward to improve York City’s fortunes. There have been pay rises for staff, money put forward to local causes and even 10k raised for Southend United staff. And they haven’t been afraid to put money in to the York first-team, spending a reported 100k to sign Tyler Cordner from Aldershot Town and 140k on Dipo Akinyemi, continued talk of a B team and the highly-rated Olly Dyson signing a new two and a half year deal.
The Squad
The first thing to note is that the squad is much bigger – the biggest in the National League and talk of more to come. York started from a strong base despite an indifferent campaign with a good spread of players across the age groups and effectively two players for each position. That has been built upon and then some, Uggla bringing some of his favourites in along with a couple of big hitters through the spine of the team. The task for Morton will be finding a happy balance managing a group that currently contains 27 footballers earning different sums of money with varying levels of ability and changing the style of play up to something more attractive.
The Key Men
From the old group, it’s hard to look past Olly Dyson, formerly a utility man but now a fully fledged, top-quality operator and a mainstay in the York midfield. It’s otherwise difficult to know who to expect to play regularly, so eyes are cast to the new boys. Head of Recruitment and vastly experienced goalkeeper David Stockdale stands out. Callum Howe almost won promotion with Solihull Moors a couple of years back and later took on the captaincy with his role at York set to be one leading his backline. Tyler Cordner is very highly-rated and undoubtedly a coup for the club. And up top, all eyes will be on Dipo Akinyemi who has scored 18 and 20 in his last two campaigns with different clubs in different countries.
2023-24 Prediction: 6th
I can’t lie, I’m uncomfortable about this selection. The reason I’m uncomfortable is because I’m still unsure how much I can trust Matt Uggla to let football people get on with football matters. My concern is that the moment the side hits a deep, which is likely given the number of changes and the nature of National League football, Uggla will want do something silly. It’s a feeling I can‘t shake. However, I’m choosing to him and the club the benefit of the doubt. For starters, 49% of the club is still owned by the fans’ trust, which means they continue to have a say on matters and that will hopefully prove important. I also get positive vibes from Morton, his focus and the structure of the side he has selected during pre-season. The vibes appear positive and I can’t envisage too many issues early doors, which should give them a strong footing to build upon.