National League 2026/27 season preview – We’re back and ready to rumble again

First three games: Wealdstone (H), Tamworth (a), Woking (a)

NLP star signing: Dylan Allen-Hadley

It’s been a turbulent decade for the Coasters, who have been relegated or promoted in four of the last ten seasons.

They even came within 90 minutes of promotion to the EFL before losing 3-0 to Salford in the 2019 play-off final – only to tumble out of the division 12 months later.

A return to the top-flight in 2023 lasted just two seasons, but a dominant romp to last year’s National League North title under ex-Curzon Ashton boss Craig Mahon has raised hopes that Fylde can finally put down some roots.

Much of that optimism is centred around forward Danny Ormerod, whose 28 goals and 11 assists last term put a host of EFL clubs on red alert.

Fylde’s battle to keep their star man was aided when Ormerod suffered a serious injury on Easter Monday, but his unexpected return to action during pre-season may yet spark a fresh flurry of interest.

Cedric Main, 29, has arrived following a 20-goal season for Darlington in National League North, ex-Liverpool left-back Adam Lewis brings EFL experience, whilst 23-year-old Dylan Allan-Hadley – signed from AFC Telford – netted a brace on his debut in pre-season.

Otherwise, Mahon appears to be putting his trust in the players who won promotion.

Title odds: 100/1

Aldershot Town

First three games: Boston (a), Hartlepool (H), Kidderminster (a)

NLP star signing: Marcus Dinanga

Any hopes that Aldershot’s FA Trophy triumph in 2025 would be a springboard to success were swiftly dashed by last season’s brush with relegation.

Manager Tommy Widdrington quit in October. His replacement, the decorated former Accrington boss John Coleman, narrowly evaded the drop.

Meanwhile, a change of ownership saw new chairman Deane Wood reveal that the club are over £1m in debt and would need to slash costs for the forthcoming season.

Where does that leave Aldershot and their new gaffer Scott Davies?

Expectations are low, but the former Shots midfielder – who arrives after four years in the dugout at Slough – is characteristically optimistic following an almost complete summer rebuild.

“I know what people are saying,” said the 38-year-old, whose glut of new signings include ex-Solihull Moors goalkeeper Nick Hayes, Bromley forward Marcus Dinanga and – intriguingly – himself.

“That we’ve got a brand new squad. That we’re only recruiting from National South. That we’ve got no experience and we’re destined to go down. But that only fuels my fire.

“We might not have the best players in the league. But I know for a fact that we’ll have one of the best changing rooms because the characters we’ve signed will give us everything.

“So why can’t we go and overachieve?”

Title odds: 200/1

Altrincham

First three games: Southend (H), Sutton (a), Boston (a)

NLP star signing: Kristian Dennis

Alty waved goodbye to long-serving manager Phil Parkinson last season, with his replacement Neil Gibson doing enough in interim charge to earn a permanent contract.

A 13th place finish was a disappointment for all concerned, but Alty won their final three matches and took ten points from a possible 18, with one of those defeats coming against eventual champions York.

Other reasons to be cheerful include the retention of stalwarts Tom Crawford and Matty Kosylo, the signing of an experienced goalkeeper in ex-Walsall man Owen Evans and – above all – keeping hold of forward Jimmy Knowles, Alty’s top scorer with 11 goals last term.

“I’m really, really pleased with the players we’ve managed to retain because they are the core of the group – the spirit of Altrincham Football Club,” said Gibson.

One man who won’t be plying his trade at Moss Lane next year is highly-rated defender Tylor Golden.

The 26-year-old was widely expected to seal a move to the EFL after an outstanding season but has instead joined rivals Boreham Wood.

Gibson’s six additions so far – including veteran striker Kristian Dennis – all come from clubs in the EFL, indicating a preference for experience as Alty enter what is expected to be a season of transition.

Title odds: 250/1

Barrow

First three games: Hartlepool (a), Hornchurch (H), Harrogate (a)

NLP star signing: Alex Reid

Barrow marked their 125th anniversary with a season of almost unprecedented chaos.

Five different managers, 26 different signings, none of them able to prevent a headlong slide towards the League Two relegation zone.

In the end, the Bluebirds didn’t even make a fight of it, losing five of their final six games as their six-year stay in the EFL ended with a whimper.

A mass shake-up followed, with CEO Iain Wood, coach Rob Kelly and a host of senior players exiting Holker Street.

Among them were long-serving veterans Niall Canavan and Sam Foley, who had finished the season in the hottest of managerial seats.

Adam Murray was lured from National League North play-off winners Kidderminster to lead the fightback, and the 44-year-old has made some eye-catching signings in the shape of forward Alex Reid – who was Hartlepool’s top-scorer last season – and Altrincham’s nine-goal wideman Ollie Crankshaw.

His primary aim, however, is to rebuild shattered confidence and restore Holker Street’s reputation as a dreaded destination for opposing sides.

“Teams coming to Barrow need to know that it is going to be a hostile environment,” said the former Oxford midfielder.

“They need to know that they are up against a team that’s going to be horrible.”

Title odds: 7/1

Adam Murray left Kiddy for Barrow

Boreham Wood

First three games: Tamworth (H), FC Halifax Town (a), Forest Green (a)

NLP star signing: Tarryn Allarakhia

Luke Garrard’s side were 30 seconds away from a place in the EFL when Mani Dieseruvwe snatched a 97th-minute equaliser for Rochdale in last season’s National League play-off final.

Defeat on penalties only intensified the sense of devastation.

At this point, picking Boreham Wood’s squad up from that shattering blow is the biggest challenge facing Garrard.

Should Abdul Abdulmalik exit Meadow Park, he will face an even greater one.

The ex-Millwall winger, 23, was arguably the National League’s most exciting player last season, providing a lethal combination of pace, trickery and goal threat.

Abdulmalik scored 18 goals, made ten more and was unplayable at Wembley before fatigue forced him off against Rochdale.

Curiously, the anticipated deluge of offers from EFL clubs has not yet arrived, and Abdulmalik’s presence in the starting XI for recent pre-season friendlies does not suggest a move is imminent.

Should he leave, replacing him will be nigh-on impossible.

If he stays, a side strengthened by the arrivals of defender Tylor Golden and Rochdale’s play-off winning midfielder Tarryn Allarakhia will almost certainly rank amongst the favourites for promotion.

If, that is, they can shake off the play-off hangover.

Title odds: 7/1

Boston United

First three games: Aldershot Town (H), Solihull Moors (a), Altrincham (H)

NLP star signing: Jamie Grimes

Talk of a play-off challenge may be premature, but there were signs last season that Boston can aspire to more than mere stability as they enter their third season in Non-League’s top flight.

Paul Hurst’s return in January saw the Pilgrims climb from the fringes of a relegation battle to 12th position, the club’s highest finish in almost two decades.

Jamie Grimes, Ben Hammond, George Ward, Jack Holmes, Connor McBride, Luke Faxon and Lewis Shipley are among a host of new arrivals as Hurst focusses his attention on lowering the average age of the squad.

His aim is to construct a team that can play the sort of high-tempo, pressing football for which he is renowned.

“The reality is that many of our signings are going to be on the unproven side,” admitted Hurst recently.

“Most of them are on the younger end of the age spectrum, but some do have experience so we have a bit of a mix.”

Nobody is more experienced than Hurst himself, who has twice led Grimsby to promotion through the National League play-offs.

Veteran midfielder Gavin Holohan – signed in May from Hartlepool – was a key part of the Mariners side that went up in 2022, as was Hurst’s newly-appointed assistant manager Luke Waterfall.

Title odds: 150/1

Carlisle United

First three games: Worthing (H), Yeovil Town (a), Hornchurch (H)

NLP star signing: Miguel Azeez

Last year’s pre-season favourites are once again being tipped for the title – only this time, without Mark Hughes.

The former Manchester City boss paid the price for failing to turn huge support and handsome backing into an instant return to the EFL.

Despite a mammoth tally of 96 points, the Cumbrians trailed home in third behind York and Rochdale, then surrendered to Boreham Wood in the play-off semis.

“Following open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed this was the right time for the club to move in a different direction,” said owner Tom Piatak in a club statement.

That new direction turned out to be 60 miles down the A69, with Rob Elliot plucked from Gateshead after orchestrating the Heed’s miraculous escape from relegation last season.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper brings an entire backroom team and two players from Tyneside, but it’s the 40-year-old’s existing squad that will strike fear into the division.

Regan Linney clocked up 19 goals and ten assists last term, whilst the likes of Luke Armstrong, Georgie Kelly, David Ajiboye, Junior Luamba and Stephen Wearne provide a veritable Swiss Army Knife of attacking options.

It’s a squad with few weaknesses, plenty of depth and fearsome firepower.

Title odds: 5/2

Carlisle United’s Luke Armstrong

Eastleigh

First three games: Gateshead (H), Kidderminster (a), Scunthorpe (H)

NLP star signing: Harry Sidwell

Gone are the days when Eastleigh began every campaign with play-off ambitions.

Three successive bottom-half finishes and last season’s dalliance with the drop means expectations are modest.

The appointment of Matt Gray, a title-winner with Sutton in 2021, has given the Spitfires some much needed stability after a season that saw them hire and fire three different managers.

The retention (so far) of 17-goal top scorer Aaron Blair also means Eastleigh should carry plenty of threat in the final third.

But scoring was never the problem. The Spitfires shipped 80 goals last term – more than three of the four sides who went down.

Tightening up is critical to their chances of avoiding another season of struggle, and is why Gray has moved to sign defensive experience in the shape of centre-back Ibrahim Bakare.

The 24-year-old was a League Two regular for Cheltenham in 2024-25 but hasn’t kicked a ball since being released by the Robins in February.

Winger Will Randall, a National League winner with Sutton, will also need to prove his fitness after taking a year out of football to focus on his coaching business, while attacker Max Dickov – son of Man City cult hero Paul – will be hoping to kickstart his career after false starts in the EFL with Mansfield and Tranmere.

Title odds: 200/1

FC Halifax Town

First three games: Forest Green (a), Boreham Wood (H), Tamworth (H)

NLP star signing: Zak Gilsenan

A rancorous summer at the Shay has been dominated by the controversial loss of star men Will Harris and Jay Turner-Cooke.

Harris scored 22 times last term; Turner-Cooke quickly developed into one of the most highly-regarded midfielders in the division following his summer arrival from Newcastle.

Halifax claim to have activated the one-year options on both players’ contracts, yet Harris joined Hartlepool and Turner-Cooke moved to Shrewsbury, both as free agents.

The FA are now investigating whether the Shaymen are due compensation, and new manager John McGrath could certainly use the money as he bids to strengthen a very youthful squad.

The former Burton midfielder arrived from Buxton in May after Adam Lakeland departed for Morecambe and is targeting a play-off push following last season’s eighth-place finish.

As ever, Halifax will need to punch above their financial weight if that is to be achieved, with this summer’s arrivals following the usual blueprint of up-and-coming talent from the lower leagues.

Of the seven summer arrivals so far, the most intriguing is perhaps Conor Carty, a 24-year-old Irish striker who was on the books at Wolves and spent three years at Bolton but has scored just seven senior goals in a stop-start career.

Title odds: 125/1

Forest Green Rovers

First three games: FC Halifax Town (H), Worthing (a), Boreham Wood (H)

NLP star signing: Omari Patrick

MUuch of the pre-season talk around Forest Green centred on the possible departure of star midfielder Laurent Mendy, who eventually made a big money move to Scottish big-guns Hearts.

Yet the bigger issue appeared to be the gaping hole between the sticks.

Regular stopper Harry Isted was released at the end of last season and it was telling that neither Luke McNicholas nor Fiachra Pa-gel have been handed the No.1 shirt he vacated.

In the end, Rovers gaffer Robbie Savage solved the problem by swooping for 29-year-old former Altrincham keeper Ethan Ross, and he will wear the No.1 jersey.

Overall, Forest Green would appear to boast a formidable lineup in their quest for a return to the EFL after two years away.

The entertaining side that led the National League in the early stages of last season before losing to Boreham Wood in the play-offs has remained largely intact, with 16-goal top-scorer Kyle McAllister one of 20 players retained.

The addition of Hemel’s Kyle Ajayi and Kidderminster’s Emeka Obi will add height and physicality to the defence, and there are high hopes for Bryan Ifeanyi, a 22-year-old forward with 53 direct goal contributions for Carshalton over the past two seasons.

Attacker Omari Patrick, 30, provides know-how.

Title odds: 9/1

Gateshead

First three games: Eastleigh (a), Woking (H), Yeovil Town (a)

NLP star signing: Luke Supyk

That Gateshead are on this list at all is a miracle; the Heed were 11 points adrift of safety in the middle of February and had just lost their 13th consecutive game.

What appeared to be a nailed-on relegation was brilliantly averted by the returning Rob Elliot, who implausibly transformed the Tynesiders into the National League’s form team and even beat champions York en route to an 18th-place finish.

Unfortunately, the euphoria quickly dissipated. As a condition of taking charge, Elliot had convinced the club’s owners to double the budget by releasing money earned during a run to the FA Cup second round.

He used the extra cash to sign 12 new players, yet that level of spending was never going to be sustainable for a club of Gateshead’s resources.

Talks over this season’s budget went nowhere, prompting Elliot to quit for Carlisle in May.

He has since been followed out of the door by a raft of senior players, including Louis Storey, Joe Grayson and ex-Barnsley man Jacob Butterfield.

All of which leaves former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole facing a monumental task in his first managerial role, with much depending on how much new joint-owner Stephen Paylor can invest once his appointment is cleared by the football regulator.

Title odds: 200/1

Harrogate Town

First three games: Solihull Moors (H), Wealdstone (a), Barrow (H)

NLP star signing: Ciaran McGuckin

Harrogate were always up against it in the EFL, but last year’s relegation was a sickener nonetheless.

A seemingly endless succession of major injuries to key players left manager Simon Weaver desperately short of quality, resulting in a 20-game winless run that doomed the Railwaymen to the drop.

As Weaver told The NLP recently, he is now focussed on turning a team that was by necessity somewhat functional into one that is more youthful, creative and front-footed.

“We’ve got a chance to change the way we play a bit and be more dynamic,” said Weaver, who is aiming to mark his 18th year at the helm with an instant return to the EFL.

“I’ve said to the boys that I want us to be more exciting to watch.”

To that end, Harrogate have recruited several attack-minded players, including Gateshead’s Will McGowan – who bagged eight goals and six assists on loan at Darlington last term – young Rotherham striker Ciaran McGuckin and Chesterfield’s Bailey Hobson.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town defender Tom Lees, 35, adds plenty of EFL experience, similarly 37-year-old club legend Jack Muldoon is 16 goals shy of a century for the club he’s represented since 2018.

Title odds: 6/1

Hartlepool United

First three games: Barrow (H), Aldershot (a), Sutton (a)

NLP star signing: Jordan Hugill

Whisper it quietly but Hartlepool United could be back in the National League promotion conversation.

Since returning to the National League in 2023 – just two seasons after winning promotion into the EFL – Pools have, frankly, been middle of the road.

But it was off the pitch that caused fans more frustration than anything with former owner Raj Singh a divisive figure to say the least.

Enter American businessman Landon Smith, who completed his takeover of the north-east outfit in January.

This summer has seen a huge refresh with the arrival of Lee Clark as manager.

Clark finished last season in interim charge of Rotherham United, long doomed for League One relegation before he arrived, and marked a return to English football six years after an ill-fated spell at Blyth Spartans.

But Clark has had plenty of success in his management career and will be looking to revitalise his own fortunes as well as Hartlepool’s.

Their signings have been particularly impressive.

Former Premier League forward Jordan Hugill, a Championship winner with Norwich City, is the most eye-catching arrival but they’ve also brought in Jack Nolan, who scored 19 goals for Morecambe last term, and FC Halifax’s 22-goal hot-shot Will Harris.

Big change often brings teething issues but if Clark can overcome them quickly, expect Pools to push.

Title odds: 11/2

Hartlepool have put their faith in Lee Clark

Hornchurch

First three games: Kidderminster (H), Barrow (a), Carlisle (a)

NLP star signing: Jack Powell

The new kids on the block will arrive for a debut season in the National League with a sense of freedom and ready to upset the odds.

Small but with a big heart is how boss Daryl McMahon describes his Urchins, who won promotion through the National League South play-offs last season by beating Torquay United.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise. McMahon’s side were barely out of the top three all season and only ever dropped to fifth!

There’s been big changes, however, since toasting success. The Essex outfit have had to accelerate plans to move to a full-time model.

That’s meant a number of departures, including Josh Rees who has joined Eastbourne Borough, who are unable to commit because of their day jobs.

Having taken charge when they were in the Isthmian League, McMahon is now in far more familiar territory.

He’s made the same step up with Ebbsfleet United – albeit with a team already full-time – and he’s been able to add diligently.

With an exciting group of young players already in place, McMahon has added National League nous including his former Fleet midfielder Jack Powell and centre-back Ryan Inniss from Forest Green Rovers along with former Colchester defender Jack Baldwin.

Tipped for the drop, the Urchins will relish the challenge of proving people wrong.

Title odds: 200/1

Kidderminster Harriers

First three games: Hornchurch (a), Eastleigh (H), Aldershot (H)

NLP star signing: Zak Brown

Kidderminster were able to really enjoy their promotion back to Non-League’s top flight for about 48 hours.

Having beaten South Shields in their own backyard in the promotion final, Harriers fans were rightly excited about returning to a level they are far more used to.

But when Barrow came calling for boss Adam Murray, the former Fylde chief found it impossible to turn down.

Former Torquay United manager Paul Wotton inherited the reins and it’s been a rebuild job with a number of their Step 2 heroes moving on.

Their last stay in this division – a league they used to reign supreme in – was just one season as they slipped straight back to Step 2.

The club have vowed to learn those lessons and achieving safety will be Wotton’s first target.

Experienced head David Davis remains as do full-backs Reece Hall and Reece Devine but it’s going to be a new-look Kiddy at Hornchurch on the opening day.

Zak Brown is back in the Harriers’ midfield after a season away at Brackley while Lewis Walker – son of legendary defender Des – joins having hit double figures for relegated Braintree Town last term.

Defender Cian Harries brings plenty of National League nous after arriving from Forest Green.

Title odds: 150/1

Scunthorpe United

First three games: Yeovil (H), Southend (a), Eastleigh (a)

NLP star signing: Jordan Richards

Scunthorpe United were one of last season’s big success stories.

Having climbed back up to Step 1 from National League North at the second attempt, Andy Butler’s side then used that momentum to earn a fifth-place finish.

They then beat Southend United in the Eliminator play-off game before their season eventually came to an end at the hands of Rochdale in the semi-final.

Expectations will certainly be higher going into this season as the club look to end their exile from the EFL.

Off-field struggles only served to exacerbate relegation in 2022 as the club teetered on the brink of extinction as well as tumbling straight into Step 2 football.

Now on an even keel, their fans have reason to believe again.

This summer has not been without its painful moments. Star attacker Callum Roberts has returned to former club Notts County in League One.

The lively attacker scored 20 goals last term and will be hard to replace, while Oli Ewing has been snapped up by Forest Green Rovers.

Butler has made some strong additions, however, including luring Jordan Richards from Boston United – the 28-year-old midfielder was handed the Pilgrims’ Player of the Year last season.

Callum Howe has won promotion from this division with Lincoln City, Harrogate and York – he’s arrived after leaving the Minstermen this summer and brings experience to the backline.

Reagan Ogle was also part of promotion to the EFL with Oldham Athletic and he’s back at Scunny for a second spell.

Title odds: 16/1

Scunthorpe United will be looking to push on from their excellent first season back in the top-flight

Solihull Moors

First three games: Harrogate (a), Boston (H), Southend (H)

NLP star signing: Jamie Andrews

Chris Millington produced miracles at FC Halifax Town, now he’s threatening to upset the odds once again in the dugout of Solihull Moors.

Millington was lured to Damson Park having steered the Shaymen into the play-off positions and has already steadied the ship at the West Midlands club which, at one point, looked as if it could be sinking into National League North.

Since joining at the start of October, Millington has led his side to 13 wins and 10 draws from 37 matches – a record which lifted Moors out of danger and to a healthy 14th place last term.

Bringing back fans’ favourite Joe Sbarra on a permanent deal will help boost flailing attendances at Damson Park, similarly Jamie Andrews, who was one of Woking’s top performers in the National League last season.

Millington has also delved into EFL waters to snap up talented midfielder Rio Shipston from Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby Town right-back Tyrell Warren.

“Rio is another player with exceptional potential,” Millington said of his young Owls arrival.

New goalkeeper Nathaniel Ford, from FC Halifax Town, will be looking to claim the No.1 jersey, while Brad Stevenson, Emmanuel Sonupe and Olly Tipton have all departed.

Title odds: 150/1

Southend United

First three games: Altrincham (a), Scunthorpe (H), Solihull Moors (a)

NLP star signing: Anthony Hartigan

Attempting to gauge just how likely Southend United are to build on last season’s sixth-place finish and FA Trophy success is simply impossible given the number of changes at Roots Hall this summer.

New manager, whole new squad, this is a completely different side to the one last seen lifting the FA Trophy in front of over 22,000 of their own fans at Wembley back in May.

Within hours, manager Kevin Maher and his staff departed, paving the way for former Ipswich, Newcastle and England midfielder Kieron Dyer to cut his managerial cloth.

And it’s fair to say Dyer’s been busy too.

Leading the 15-man queue for the exit door, captain Nathan Ralph and fans’ favourite Gus Scott-Morriss, replaced by a dozen new arrivals at the time of writing with National League winners at the top of the wish-list.

Darren Oldaker and Ryan Colclough followed Dyer from 2023-24 champions Chesterfield, joining Barnet’s Anthony Hartigan in an impressive-looking Shrimpers engine room.

Add to that, top young talents from the level below, such as Sahid Kamara, Josh Popoola and Lewis Twamley, then it’s no wonder the long-suffering Shrimpers fans are beginning to get excited.

Title odds: 8/1

Southend United will be looking to kick on from their FA Trophy triumph under new manager Kieron Dyer, above

Sutton United

First three games: Woking (a), Altrincham (H), Hartlepool (H)

NLP star signing: Charlie Carter

Sutton United were many people’s favourites to secure an EFL return last season – but instead they almost found themselves slipping through the relegation trapdoor.

A horrendous start led to the departure of manager Steve Morison in September with Worthing boss Chris Agutter the man chosen to pick up the pieces.

On successfully stopping the rot, the U’s began to climb the table, but they were never free of danger.

In the end, a lowly 19th place left the Gander Green Lane faithful somewhat underwhelmed.

Agutter, from his days at Hastings and Worthing, is not used to life in the bottom half of the table and has plotted Sutton’s rise with a plethora of new arrivals.

While talented defender Junior Eccleston was sold to Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee, in come Will Nightingale from Aldershot and Jordan Moore-Taylor from Forest Green Rovers to strengthen the rearguard.

The midfield has been bolstered by the likes of Charlie Carter, one of National League South’s top performers last season from Dorking Wanderers, Emmanuel Osadebe, from Barnet, and Omar Mussa.

Goal power has been added by Temi Babalola and Sam Folarin, from Forest Green and Hartlepool respectively.

It’s fair to say improvement is a must for the Surrey club this season, but with serial winners in his ranks, Agutter will be hopeful of putting smiles back on fans’ faces.

Title odds: 66/1

Tamworth

First three games: Boreham Wood (a), AFC Fylde (H), FC Halifax (a)

NLP star signing: Tom Parkes

Tamworth have been punching above their weight in Non-League’s top-flight for the last two seasons – now they’ve got long-term plans to join the big-hitters.

Since Andy Peaks’ men achieved back-to-back promotions to seal a return to the top table, they’ve more than held their own with the part-time Lambs consistently upsetting bigger budgeted, higher-profile opponents.

Now after American real estate firm Dawn Group International completed their takeover of the Staffordshire club last month, hope are high that the Lambs can make a noise of their own.

Peaks has used the extra funds available to him to vastly improve the squad, but the long-standing boss insists the club won’t spend beyond their means.

“(The owners) are ambitious but they’re realistic with it,” he told The NLP. “They are going to do it in the right way and that’s just what the club needs.”

Despite that air of caution, Peaks has bought wisely, adding experienced Hartlepool centre-back Tom Parkes, highly-rated Brackley midfielder Morgan Roberts and diminutive striker Kieren Donnelly from right under the noses of midlands rivals Kidderminster.

While Peaks doesn’t expect his Lambs to be leaping into promotion contention just yet, there’ll be a host of clubs looking over their shoulders.

Title odds: 150/1

Tamworth have fresh hope under new ownership

Wealdstone 

First three games: AFC Fylde (a), Harrogate (H), Worthing (a)

NLP star signing: Jayden Harris

Wealdstone haven’t recorded a top half finish in the National League over the last six years, but Gary Waddock is determined to put that stat to bed over the coming year.

The veteran boss took the reins in late February once the west Londoners pulled the plug on Sam Cox.

In the end, the former QPR and Republic of Ireland midfielder guided his troops to a comfortable 15th-place.

There was also the little matter of an FA Trophy final against Southend at Wembley, a match Stones lost on penalties after a goalless draw.

Waddock felt his players gained belief and confidence from that run.

“That’s partly why we’ve tried to keep that core of the group together from last year,” explained the 64-year-old, who has previously won promotions as manager of Aldershot and Wycombe.

“If we can take that momentum into next season and get off to a good start then you never know what you can achieve.”

On the outgoing side, arguably most notable has been the exit of centre-half Deon Woodman, 23, to League One new-boys Bromley.

But Waddock has strengthened with the likes of midfielders Jayden Harris, 26, from Sutton and Aaron Henry, 22, from Boreham Wood, plus wing-backs Joe Newton, 25, also from Wood, and Kyle Smith, 22, from Tonbridge Angels.

Title odds: 250/1

Woking

First three games: Sutton United (H), Gateshead (a), AFC Fylde (H)

NLP star signing: Josh Kelly

The arrival of former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe as Woking head coach in late March created a bit of a buzz.

However, that went up in smoke when he bailed out ten days ago, insisting that ‘circumstances’ had made it ‘impossible’ for him to continue.

With claim and counter-claim, it’s all got messy, so putting Craig Ross and Jake Hyde in interim charge for a second spell at least provides some breathing space.

The Cards finished tenth last season, but pre-season turmoil is hardly the ideal way to try to build on that.

Before his departure, Defoe’s summer shopping had suggested he was eager to beef up his attacking options.

Former loan striker Josh Kelly, 27, has joined on a two-year deal following his release from AFC Wimbledon, while the Cards have also snapped up forwards Sean Adarkwa, 25, from National League rivals Wealdstone and Liam Dulson, 24, from Maidenhead.

In addition, the Surrey club have taken a punt on towering striker Josh Ayres, 20, from Rotherham and versatile attacker Ashley Clarke, also 20, from Bournemouth.

“There were lots of players out there getting interest from other clubs, but they wanted to come here,” Defoe, 43, told BBC Radio Surrey. “It’s great that they believe in the project.”

Oops.

Title odds: 40/1

Woking are still reeling from the departure of Jermain Defoe

Worthing

First three games: Carlisle (a), Forest Green (H), Wealdstone (H)

NLP star signing: Ashley Nathaniel-George

If Worthing need time to get their heads around the fact they are now in Non-League’s top flight, then a 700-mile round trip to face favourites Carlisle on the opening day should help.

It’s a baptism of fire for Adam Hinshelwood’s men as they step up to the National League for the first time in the club’s history – and it’s then followed by a testing home encounter against Robbie Savage’s Forest Green.

Welcome to the big time!

But Worthing and owner George Dowell will savour every moment.

A former Worthing youth player, he saved the club with compensation from a car accident in 2010 that left him confined to a wheelchair and paralysed from the chest down.

In just over a decade under Dowell’s leadership, the Rebels have enjoyed three promotions to reach Non-League’s summit.

Manager Adam Hinshelwood has played a big part in Worthing’s rise, returning in October after a stint with York City to guide them to National League South title glory.

Wisely, he’s kept the core of the squad together in a bid to maintain the same team spirit and togetherness.

And he’s sprinkled in some National League nous with the likes of his former York winger Ashley Nathaniel-George, 31, ex-Southend midfielder Noor Husin, 29, and ex-Wealdstone winger Dom Hutchinson, 24.

Title odds: 100/1

Worthing won National League South

Yeovil Town

First three games: Scunthorpe (a), Carlisle (H), Gateshead (H)

NLP star signing: Zain Westbrooke

At the end of last season, Yeovil Town owner Prabhu Srinivasan made it clear that investing in the club’s playing staff was his top priority.

Well, the Indian entrepreneur’s actions have backed up his words. Having kept just eight of last season’s squad, the decks were cleared for a major overhaul.

At the last count, 13 new faces had headed through the doors at Huish Park, with many being given two-year contracts.

Among an array of eye-catching signings, midfielder Zain Westbrooke, 29, has been snapped up from Doncaster on a three-year deal, centre-back Jack Kingdon, 20, has arrived from Cardiff, striker Slavi Spasov, 24, has joined from divisional rivals Southend for an undisclosed fee, wing-back Archie Davies, 27, has made the switch from Carlisle and defender Loick Ayina, 23, has been borrowed for the season from Salford.

After a 16th-place finish last term, it’s clear that Yeovil mean business.

The expectations will be greater and it will be up to manager Billy Rowley, appointed in late November, to quickly gel his new-look squad.

At least the former Walton & Hersham boss knows all about keeper Jos Barker, 22, and midfielders Johl Powell, 25, and Mason Obeng, 22, from his time with the Swans.

Title odds: 22/1