The race to win promotion from the National League is currently being dominated by clubs who were former members of the English Football League (EFL).
Wrexham, Notts County and Chesterfield are among the clubs who have regained their league status in recent seasons and there could be a similar outcome this term.
With that in mind, read on as we assess the chances of some of the main contenders, starting with a club who dropped out of the EFL in 2015/16.
York City
York City narrowly avoided relegation on the final day last season, despite having one of the biggest budgets in the National League.
However, they have started the current campaign in fine form, with manager Adam Hinshelwood guiding them to the top of the table after 16 games.
The latest football odds from Betway rates them as 10/3 shots to win the title and it would be no surprise to see them get the job done.
Forest Green Rovers
Forest Green Rovers manager Steve Cotterill added several experienced players to his squad this summer in a bid to lead the club back into the EFL at the first attempt.
Ben Tozer, Liam Sercombe and Sean Long were among Rovers’ most noteworthy additions and they have each contributed to a strong start to the campaign.
Cotterill already has five previous promotions on his CV and will fancy his chances of enhancing his record at the end of the season.
Barnet
Barnet are aiming to make it third time lucky this season after failing to win promotion to the EFL via the play-offs in each of the last two years.
Manager Dean Brennan criticised the club’s supporters for their negativity earlier in the season, but they may have had a point given the manner of some of their recent performances.
Barnet are in contention to secure another shot at the play-offs, but they do not look good enough defensively to climb back into the fourth tier of English football.
Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic dropped out of the EFL in 2021/22 and have not come close to looking like they will regain their status over the past two seasons.
Manager Micky Mellon has guided Oldham into play-off contention this season, but many fans still harbour doubts about his ability to lead them to promotion.
Top scorer Mike Fondop will be key to their hopes of success and a top seven finish is not beyond them if steers clear of injuries.
Rochdale
Rochdale’s first National League season was blighted by financial difficulties, but the ship was steadied when the family of local businessman Peter Ogden took over the club in May.
They are sixth in the standings after 16 games, but will need to be more consistent if they are to force their way into contention for automatic promotion.
Their recent 2-1 defeat at Barnet highlighted they are a little short of the quality needed to challenge the top teams in the National League.
