It’s set to be another fast and furious season in the National League, with big guns Carlisle United installed as the bookies’ favourites but much-fancied Southend United, Forest Green Rovers, Boreham Wood, Hartlepool United and Barrow all expected to be there or thereabouts in the promotion race.
Scunthorpe United, Harrogate Town and, hopefully, FC Halifax Town could also be challenging for a coveted top-seven spot in what promises to be another ultra-competition campaign in the fifth tier.
We take a look at how every club in the division is shaping up ahead of the new season.
17. Solihull Moors
MANAGER: Chris Millington. LAST SEASON: 14th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 80/1. KEY MAN: Former Halifax midfielder Scott High is hugely influential for The Moors, with his quality on the ball, and his ability to dictate play and control possession. PREDICTION: Mid-table. Photo: subm
18. Southend United
MANAGER: Kieron Dyer. LAST SEASON: 6th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 4/1. KEY MAN: Midfielder Anthony Hartigan is a brilliant signing for United, having captained Barnet to the 2024/25 National League title and to an eighth-place finish in League Two. PREDICTION: Play-off contenders. Photo: subm
19. Sutton United
MANAGER: Chris Agutter. LAST SEASON: 19th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 33/1. KEY MAN: Midfielder Lewis Simper has been Sutton's midfield maestro for the last couple of seasons and will once again be instrumental to how well they do. PREDICTION: Mid-table. Photo: subm
20. Tamworth
MANAGER: Andy Peaks. LAST SEASON: 11th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 80/1. KEY MAN: Striker Kieran Donnelly scored eight goals in 15 appearances in the National League North on loan at Kidderminster from Boston last season, including goals in the play off semi-final and the final. PREDICTION: Mid-table. Photo: subm