The NLP predicts… Part One

In part one of our NLP season preview, writers Jon Couch and Matt Badcock offer their predictions on the National League…

Who’s going to be challenging for promotion?

Jon Couch: I honestly believe this is the most open National League title race for years. Tranmere, for their sheer size and near miss last season, will naturally start as favourites but the two relegated clubs, Hartlepool and Leyton Orient, have both bought well and will push them all the way. Eastleigh, too, have a point to prove, while Aldershot have kept their exciting young squad from last year and will be there or thereabouts again, I’m sure.

Elsewhere, Dave Challinor has instilled a winning mentality at AFC Fylde after their National League North success last year and has just made them stronger with a number of shrewd summer signings. Thanks to 50-goal striker Danny Rowe, goals are never a problem for the Coasters and if they can hit the ground running, while their new-look defence shore it up at the other end, then the Coasters won’t be far away.

Who could be a surprise package?

Similar to AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United enter the National League with a winning mentality and they too will be a tough nut to crack. Manager Daryl McMahon has also bought exceptionally well this summer. The signing of Luke Coulson to play alongside Andy Drury in midfield is something of a coup at this level, while the likes of Myles Weston, Jack Payne and Sam Magri are also top acquisitions.

Player to watch out for?

While all eyes will be on new signing James Alabi at Tranmere Rovers, it could just be strike partner James Norwood who benefits most from the former Chester man’s arrival. The pair hit it off in Rovers’ 3-1 pre-season win over Fleetwood Town in the week with Norwood scoring twice. Already a seasoned Conference performer, you wouldn’t bet against him taking Rovers over the final hurdle at the third time of asking.

National League signing of the summer?

Jack Munns is a tremendous acquisition for Hartlepool United. The former Tottenham youngster is a clever and effective goalscoring midfielder with valuable National League experience having helped Cheltenham Town to the 2015-16 title. Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still has also bought particularly well, notably striker Morgan Ferrier from Boreham Wood, who was attracting plenty of Football League interest last term.

FA Trophy winners?

Always difficult to call as relegated York City proved last season, but their final opponents Macclesfield Town showed enough on route to Wembley to suggest they had the cup pedigree to repeat the feat. Their semi-final victory over Tranmere Rovers last term shows that John Askey’s side thrive on the underdog tag and the Silkmen have enough experience in the ranks to handle the big occasion.

Place you are most looking forward to going next season?

To many, a controversial choice this but I’ve got to say my local club, Aldershot Town. With a packed East Bank, there’s simply nowhere else like it when it comes generating a big match atmosphere. I’ll also try to fit a trip to Hartlepool into the schedule. My one and only trip there, in 2004-05, resulted in a 5-1 FA?Cup defeat for Aldershot, who I was covering on the day, but the Victoria Stadium, and the day itself, left a lasting impression.

Who’s going to be challenging for promotion?

No huge surprise but at this stage it’s hard to see past Tranmere Rovers. The experience they have – on the pitch and in the dug-out – will be massive and the play-off final disappointment will be a real motivation.

Dagenham & Redbridge have signed well – Michael Cheek is a great addition. John Still’s know-how is invaluable too, as is Gary Waddock’s at Aldershot. Of the two relegated clubs it’s always difficult to tell. So much has happened at Leyton Orient since last season but Hartlepool have made good signings and have a good new manager in Craig Harrison.

Who could be a surprise package?

The extra two play-off spots change the whole dynamic of the league and it will be interesting to see that play out. I can see Ebbsfleet United making waves. AFC Fylde could be in the mix too, depending on the outcome of the betting investigation. It’s been a miserable few years for Wrexham but Dean Keates inspires confidence and their rivals Chester have made some very cute signings. They’re a real dark horse.

Player to watch out for?

Darren McQueen is a seriously exciting talent and he’s very well thought of at Ebbsfleet United, as is Jack Powell. I’m looking forward to seeing both of them step up. And also Oladapo Afolayan at Solihull Moors. Liam McDonald signed him from Loughborough Uni last season and there’s been a lot of talk about him since.

National League signing of the summer?

Ryan Donaldson could be a real spark for Hartlepool United. He was outstanding for Cambridge United the season they won promotion and the FA Trophy. He made a real contribution in big games. Luke Coulson is a great coup for Ebbsfleet and I?like the additions of George Elokobi and Josh Coulson, on loan, to Leyton?Orient.

FA Trophy winners?

This might be bad news considering the last two winners – FC Halifax and York City – went down. I’m a big fan of the FA Trophy and hope the extra chances of getting in the play-offs doesn’t stop teams fighting on two fronts. But I fancy Maidstone United for a trip to Wembley.

Place you are most looking forward to going next season?

AFC Fylde is still on the list I need to see. By all accounts the set-up is top class. I’ll hopefully get up to Hartlepool United and looking forward to visiting Leyton Orient. Although I’m told parking is a nightmare! We get well-looked after at pretty much every ground, but anywhere that offers a cup of tea is always nice – especially in the winter!