Jon Couch

Jon is The NLP’s Executive Editor, a role he has held for almost a decade in a stellar journalistic career spanning 31 years.

‘Couchie’, as he is affectionately known, has actually been on board with The NLP almost from the beginning, covering the likes of Aldershot Town and Farnborough Town as a freelance reporter.

During that time, Jon was Sports Editor of the award-winning News & Mail series for 12 years, over two separate stints, having initially learned his trade as a news reporter.

Jon was Sports Editor of London business title CityAM for four years from 2006 and has also undertaken a number of freelance roles over the years, serving the likes of the Sunday Times, iPaper and Reading Post as well as Golf Monthly and Zoo magazines.

Non-League football, though, is in Jon’s blood with his musings often heard on talkSPORT radio and The Non-League Football Show podcast.

Jon is also Executive Editor of sister titles, The Cricket Paper and Racing Ahead magazine.

News By Jon Couch

AFC Totton
/ 1 year ago

Scott Rendell has his sights set on another FA Cup upset with AFC Totton

Scott Rendell says his FA Cup past glories will stick with him forever – but he’s still got the time, and...

By Jon Couch
Isthmian League Premier
/ 1 year ago

Three Lions chief quits! Former England boss Peter Taylor leaves Canvey Island

Former England boss Peter Taylor has stepped down from his latest role, as manager of struggling Canvey Island.

By Jon Couch
Eastern Counties Football League Division One North
/ 1 year ago

Jamie Cureton secures English scoring record at Kings Park Rangers

Evergreen Jamie Cureton has made goalscoring history – at the age of 50!

By Jon Couch
Aldershot Town
/ 1 year ago

Aldershot Town stunned by resignation of FA Trophy-winning manager Tommy Widdrington

Aldhershot Town chairman Shahid Azeem says manager Tommy Widdrington’s proud legacy at the club will remain in place despite his shock...

By Jon Couch
FA Trophy
/ 1 year ago

Isuzu FA Trophy preview: Sick Leatherhead boss Ian Selley finds ideal pick-me-up

It’s the build-up to a big FA Trophy tie with higher-ranked opposition and Leatherhead manager Ian Selley is laid up on...

By Jon Couch
FA Cup
/ 1 year ago

Non-League Paper Programme: FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying preview

Is there any better weekend in the English football calendar than the FA Cup first round proper?

By Jon Couch
FA Cup
/ 1 year ago

Sholing: Boatmen sunk by FA order

Sholing say failing ground grading regulations came as a ‘shock’ to the club – as they also urged The FA to...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Champagne on ice for Prescot Cables’ stalwart Peter Clarke

Stalwart Peter Clarke must wait a little bit longer to join a distinguished list of players to achieve a golden milestone...

By Jon Couch
Bedford Town
/ 1 year ago

Gloves are off for big-hitters! Bedford Town coach David Noble to step into the boxing ring

National League North boss David Noble is relishing his next knockout challenge – in the boxing ring!

By Jon Couch
FA Trophy
/ 1 year ago

Non-League Paper Programme: Key facts from the latest round of Isuzu FA Trophy

Step 3 clubs entered the Isuzu FA Trophy at the third qualifying round stage last weekend – as the Road to...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Our shining light Billy Vigar will never be forgotten

Very rarely will a story touch the hearts of so many. A 21-year-old lad entering a football pitch never to return...

By Jon Couch
FA Trophy
/ 1 year ago

Non-League Paper Programme: Key facts from the latest round of Isuzu FA Trophy & FA Vase action

Non-League statisticians have been working their fingers to the bone in recent weeks as the Isuzu FA Trophy and FA Vase...

By Jon Couch
Farnham Town
/ 1 year ago

Topping that will be one tall order – Farnham Town owner Harry Hugo on Peter Crouch cameo

Ambitious owner Harry Hugo says Farnham Town enjoyed the ‘perfect Non-League storm’ for the showcase visit of Sholing last Saturday –...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Our youngster topped the bill, aged five – Max Dowman becomes latest Premier League star

At the age of 15, most kids are either out riding their bikes or discovering their vocation in life. But Max...

By Jon Couch
FA Trophy
/ 1 year ago

Jon Couch: Previewing the 2025/26 FA Vase and FA Trophy campaigns

Precisely 104 days after Aldershot Town and Whitstable Town lifted the Isuzu FA Trophy and FA Vase respectively at a sun-drenched...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Richard Kone’s kept on a massive rise to the top

Hotshot striker Richard Kone has completed a momentous rise from Step 5 to the Championship after signing for Queens Park Rangers...

By Jon Couch
Columnists
/ 1 year ago

Jon Couch: Stuart Fleetwood, Charlie Austin and the ‘Golden Oldies’ of Non-League Football

When Stuart Fleetwood dusted down his scoring boots to turn out for hometown club Newent Town last week, he was preparing...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

It’s now or never! Morecambe ‘24hrs from closure’!

Jason Whittingham has been urged to sell Morecambe in the next 24 hours or see the club go out of business...

By Jon Couch
Forest Green Rovers
/ 1 year ago

It was the right time to move on – Robbie Savage on why he quit Macclesfield for Forest Green Rovers

With their strictly vegan menu, organic pitch and playing in a kit made up of recycled plastic and coffee grounds, Dale...

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Non-League trailblazers are honoured!

Non-League trailblazers have been rewarded for their tireless work off the pitch by being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

Richard Peniket is lapping up the Dubai dream

From the West Midlands to Palm West Beach – Richard Peniket isn’t a man who does things by halves.

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

York City: Newby Alex aiming high

Alex Newby is hoping to be the missing piece to help York City fulfil their EFL dream.

By Jon Couch
Latest News
/ 1 year ago

York City: Julie-Anne Uggla plea ramps 3UP

York City co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla has thrown further weight behind the 3Up campaign after penning an open letter to the National...

By Jon Couch
Features
/ 1 year ago

The Big Interview: Jefferson Louis – Love of game kept me going

He changed clubs 51 times over 28 years, made over 900 career appearances and scored 257 goals, but Jefferson Louis can...

By Jon Couch
Southern Leagues
/ 1 year ago

Saints to become Austin’s maestros

Harborough Town have made a statement of intent for next season – by completing a double raid on Step 2 champions...

By Jon Couch