The January transfer window is always one of the most crucial periods in the season, and this year the transfer activity in the National League has been more frenetic than ever.
By January 14, teams in the National League had recorded 121 departures and 132 arrivals as teams roll the dice on new players and fresh thinking or seek to replace sold or unavailable players.
The details of who has ended up where are a source of intense fascination and scrutiny and with good reason. The right or wrong signings in January can sink or elevate a team and with so much still to play for in the League, there is a lot at stake. So whether you are a fan of a National League team or you are studying the National League promotion and relegation odds with the best bookies for football, here are five of the biggest signings so far.
Tyrone Williams to Chesterfield
Chesterfield are the closest challengers to league leaders Halifax and they’ve made some significant moves already during this transfer window, of which the signing of Tyrone Williams is the biggest.
The 27-year-old defender has been brought in from Solihull Moors, where he has been a regular as they chase a play off place, and was named the club player of the year last season. A versatile defender who can slot in at right back or centre half has already made his first appearance for the Spirerites and will be a key part of their promotion push.
Dennon Lewis to Boreham Wood
Third-placed Boreham Wood have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in five players so far (you can check out the complete list here) as they aim to freshen up their squad for the challenges ahead. Former football league star Nile Ranger is an eye-catching addition, but the biggest arrival is Dennon Lewis, signed from Wealdstone.
The dynamic left-winger, who came through the Watford academy and spent ten years at Vicarage Road, also had spells at Woking, Crawley and Falkirk before signing for Wealdstone. He made a big impact in a little over two seasons at Grosvenor Vale, particularly during the curtailed 2020/21 season, when he scored 13 times and registered double figures for assists.
His efforts proved pivotal in helping Wealdstone come up from the National League South and Luke Garrard will be hoping he can have a similar impact for The Wood.
Zak Brunt and Jayden Richardson to Notts County
Fourth-placed Notts County are only six points behind Halifax with three games in hand and are trusting to youth to help power their promotion push in 2022.
Zak Brunt arrives on loan from Championship Sheffield United, while Nottingham Forest’s Jayden Richardson has also agreed a loan deal. Both are U-23 stars for their Championship clubs. Brunt is a central midfield player of big potential, while Richardson will slot in at right back and both provide a boost to County for the remainder of the season.
Scott Wagstaff to Bromley
Bromley have also been active in the transfer market in January and one of their most significant signings is the experienced midfielder Scott Wagstaff from Aldershot.
Wagstaff made his name at Charlton but went on to play for Bournemouth, Leyton Orient, Bristol City, Gillingham, Northwich Victoria, Forest Green Rovers and AFC Wimbledon and having spent most of his career in the EFL, he will bring a significant level of experience to the squad as they push for promotion.
