The 2024/25 season is just around the corner, and with that in mind, we look to FourFourTwo who predicts the National League table.
We turn our attention to the fifth tier, and as always, it causes plenty of reaction and debates on social media up until the opening fixtures.
You can order your copy of the FourFourTwo magazine, including the much loved season preview magazine by clicking HERE.
Have a look at who they thought would finish from 24th to 1st below, some will surprise, others not so…
24) TAMWORTH – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Nobody expected part-time Tamworth to top the National League North ahead of big-hitters such as Scunthorpe, yet that’s exactly what they did as Andy Peaks’ side were crowned champions for a second year on the spin.
“Built on an incredible spirit, they won’t be fazed by being one of the division’s only part-time teams – but it’s still an uphill task.”
23) AFC FYLDE – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “The Coasters looked doomed for the drop last term, only to find their form after Christmas.
“The revival came under the charge of Chris Beech, who initially stepped in from his role as director of football.
“It has been a summer of outgoings, with the former Carlisle United head coach sweeping a broom through the squad, but most important is that he adds resilience to a team that shipped 82 goals.”
22) EBBSFLEET UNITED – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Final-day survival was just reward for manager Danny Searle, who took over in February.
“Myles Kenlock and Billy Clifford have been snapped up by Barnet since then; however, Jim Kellermann and Louis John bring bags of National League experience.
“Ebbsfleet will hope that defender Tyler Cordner, on loan from York, can rediscover his best form.”
21) MAIDENHEAD UNITED – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Every year it’s tempting to predict Maidenhead for the drop and every year Alan Devonshire guides them to safety.
“This will be the Magpies’ eighth consecutive season in the division, but though it seems daft to bet against `Dev’ masterminding another survival, the question is: can they do it again?
“A sell-on fee from Max Kilman’s move to West Ham is a big boost.”
20) BOSTON UNITED – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “It’s been 17 years since Boston were relegated from the Football League and then immediately demoted to the Conference North for financial reasons.
“Now the Pilgrims are finally back in non-league’s top tier, having won promotion through the National League North play-offs.
“Accrington have pinched play-off final match-winner Jimmy Knowles as well as his strike partner, Kelsey Mooney, but Ian Culverhouse has added fifth-tier noun in winger Dan Mooney – no relation – and frontman Adam Marriott.”
19) EASTLEIGH – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Former Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis took charge of an Eastleigh side on a slippery slope in February and steered them to safety.
“Without Paul McCallum’s 31 goals, they would almost certainly have fallen through the trapdoor.
“The striker is stilt a Spitfire for now and they’ve added Tyrese Shade, whose missed penalty in the play-off final took the gloss off an electric campaign with Solihull.”
18) BRAINTREE TOWN – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Led by impressive young manager Angelo Harrop, the self-styled Pub Team From Essex defied the odds in the National League South play-offs.
“Going full-time this year has helped Harrop to add the experience of Inih Effiong and Jamal Fyfield to young talents such as Kyrell Lisbie from Cray Valley Paper Mills.”
17) WEALDSTONE – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “The Stones survived thanks to three wins from four games in a fixture-clogged final week of the season.
“Matt Taylor has taken charge this summer, looking to kick-start his managerial career after a tough spell at Shrewsbury Town; former Watford defender Adrian Mariappa, 37, is the eye-catching summer arrival, but Craig Eastmond also brings bags of experience of the division from his Sutton United days.”
16) WOKING – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Michael Doyle inherited a tricky situation when he took over in December, but after he led the Cards to safety, expect to get a better idea of his vision for the club from here.
“New midfield duo Harry Beautyman and Dale Gorman are National League title-winners, and Woking have also nipped down the road to rivals Aldershot Town to pinch defender Cian Harries.”
15) ROCHDALE – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “Dale’s first ever non-league campaign brought them a perfectly average record: won 16, lost 16, drew 14.
“The incoming Tobi Adebayo-Rowling played a small part in Notts County’s 2022-23 promotion, but coach Jimmy McNulty has lost the experience of Jimmy Keohane and Adam Clayton, while Tyrese Sinclair has taken his goals to York City. Patience is required.”
14) FC HALIFAX TOWN – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: “The Shaymen defy the odds most years, and made the 2023-24 play-offs despite some high-profile summer exits.
“This time it’s impressive defender Jamie Stott and forward Rob Harker among the outgoings, which will surely make life harder.
“Chris Millington has snapped up Will Smith, though, who promotion from this league with Harrogate.”
13) HARTLEPOOL UNITED – It was written in the FourFourTwo magazine: ” New boss Darren Sarrl led Woking to 4th two seasons ago but had a tough time last year before losing his job, and is looking to get back on track at Pools.
“While Luke Charman is a good addition from AFC Fylde, the standout signing is Adam Campbell, fresh from winning promotion to League One with Crawley.”
Continue our look at FourFourTwo’s predicted National League table for 2024/25 by clicking on the next page.
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