Can Dorking Wanderers go up another level next season?

After a strong finish to the season, Marc White’s Dorking Wanderers can look back on their debut campaign in the National League with plenty of pride. In fact, for a new club in the league with the increased demands it entails, especially when factoring in their part-time status, Dorking Wanderers probably deserve more respect than they get.

Having achieved a remarkable 12 promotions in their 24-year history, Marc White’s team are on a similar journey to the club he supported before the formation of his Dorking project, Wimbledon. Last season, it was fair to say that most fan channels and pre-season previews were predicting a Dorking relegation, while the football betting picture wasn’t really in their favour either, with most people targeting a Dorking demise given the step up in level. Thankfully, for Marc White and the clubs relatively small support compared to many other sides in the league, the Wanderers found form during the crucial end-of-season period to secure survival and continue their adaptation to playing against full-time footballers.

Marc White and his team will have learned a lot 

A new experience for everyone connected with the club, the gruelling National League season would have enabled Marc White to learn a great deal about his troops and what’s required at a more demanding level. For a part-time team with players having to juggle work life with challenges against the likes of Wrexham and Notts County is admirable, and to stay up relatively comfortably is even more impressive. Throw in the travelling required and the bigger crowds and it’s fair to say that Dorking Wanderers, despite suffering a few notable defeats at home and on the road, will feel more confident going into next season. Make no mistake about it either, Marc White isn’t afraid to clear the ranks and go with a new set of players. Whatever his beloved Dorking Wanderers requires, White will work with the club’s hierarchy to secure it, as he has shown time and time again.

Summer recruitment is key

Labelled by many as the poster boys of non-league football, Marc White and his team will be hoping to shake off that tag and become a more serious outfit for next season. This is a side that are occasionally mocked by the opposition, with cameras following their every move for a YouTube series and Marc White’s apparent lack of experience at this level, plus the occasional outburst on the sidelines, feeding the comical chants that are occasionally aimed their way. Still, for a side that was formed by a group of friends and is on a similar upward trajectory to the likes of White’s past love, Wimbledon, Dorking Wanderers and the story unfolding there is amazing. The journey is far from over too, as Marc White will look to reinvent his team and add more experienced quality in the shape of Tony Craig and George Francomb, two players who have vast experience in the Football League. Marc White certainly knows what’s needed, not just due to his knowledge of the game, but because he’ll know what AFC Wimbledon, alongside the likes of Sutton United and Crawley Town, managed to achieve while being part-time previously. As such, with Dorking Wanderers yet to stand still during its short existence, a big summer of upheaval is expected.

Time to turn full-time?

Arguably the biggest decision Marc White and the club’s backers need to make is whether or not to push forward and turn full-time professional for next season. Marc White, a football manager who owns a large advertising agency and has a number of other businesses, has to juggle key footballing decisions with the running of his business projects, and while it’s commendable, there will come a time when more time and, essentially, finances needs to be put into his main passion. Of course, turning full-time doesn’t guarantee a better side and improved fortunes, but it gives Dorking more of a chance of solidifying their National League status further and continuing the club’s remarkable journey up through the leagues. The reality is, for Marc White and the ambitious team of people behind him, turning full-time might need to be the next step. It’s a tough call to make, though.

Dorking could shock a few next season

After undoubtedly having their eyes opened and learning a great deal during the season, Dorking could be in for an even better campaign next time around. A club that continues to defy the odds and has ambitions to reach the Premier League one day, Dorking will be hoping to provide even more thrills to their fans in the years ahead, with this remarkable journey being far from over. If White’s side can have a successful summer, then Dorking Wanderers could easily be a surprise package next season. One thing’s for sure, Marc White will be doing everything he can to get them there.