DESPITE my yearly misgivings and grumbles about its pointlessness, Thursday night signalled my seventh pre-season friendly outing of the summer.
They’re not as bad as I usually make out, but the countdown is certainly on for the real stuff to begin.
Running scared of being too bold and predicting winners, here’s some forecasts of who I think are the teams to watch out for.
They say pre-season counts for little but Grimsby’s non-stop winning, including bettering four Football League sides, puts them firmly in the National League‘s sights. Don’t discount Eastleigh or Tranmere. Surprise packages Cheltenham, Wrexham and Aldershot may loiter.
In the National League North, I have a feeling for Kevin Wilson’s Nuneaton, while Tamworth and Stockport County are sure to improve. Don’t discount Boston United and certainly not AFC Fylde.
The money-filled National League South is tough to call. Ebbsfleet United have the cash, but Havant & Waterlooville have the forward line. Expect to see Whitehawk up there and Margate’s millions fused with Terry Brown’s knowledge will see them challenge. Maidstone United with over 1,000 season ticket holders have fan power as well as a good squad.
In the Evo-Stik NPL Premier, two of the North’s promoted sides could star. Salford City have signed well with Darlington boasting quality all over. Ashton United may have a say.
The money men have gone from the Ryman Premier which leaves it wide open. Hendon have unfinished business, Dulwich Hamlet may see themselves as the bigger fish now while Kingstonian look powerful, but my tip is Staines Town.
Heartbroken Poole will begin as Southern League favourites. Kettering, Weymouth and Merthyr – so strong on their 3G – are contenders alongside St Neots, with good things being said about Redditch.
