The 2024/25 National League season is approaching the halfway mark in what’s already been an eye-catching campaign thus far, but how are supporters feeling about their respective side’s performances?
So far, there have been 18 matches played for each side in the division, with some sides experiencing promising starts whilst others could be in for a very long campaign if their ongoing form and luck don’t show signs of improving.
Following Saturday’s victory, Forest Green Rovers leapfrog their opponents York City and are currently two points clear at the top of the table as the race to achieve automatic promotion to the EFL continues, though both sides are closely followed by Barnet, Oldham Athletic and Gateshead respectfully.
Five sides (Rochdale, Halifax Town, Yeovil Town, Solihull Moors and Altrincham) are currently split by just three points in the race for the remaining play-off spots.
Sides like Southend United, Hartlepool United and Aldershot Town have suffered extremely frustrating starts to their respective campaign and are all sat in the bottom half of the National League standings, with the Shots, in particular, being just a point clear of the bottom four.
Elsewhere AFC Fylde, Maidenhead United, Boston United and Ebbsfleet United operate the four relegation spots, though Fylde are only below Wealdstone on goal difference. Ebbsfleet in particular have suffered a nightmare start thus far, winning just one of their first 18 games and lost 6-0 to Solihull Moors last weekend whilst having just eight points to their name.
Although our content with National League Natter covers the entirety of the division, it would be impossible for me to give a team-by-team lowdown, which is why this article will feature a supporter from each of the 24 clubs.
Let’s begin…
AFC Fylde
Jack Connor: Fan and blogger
1) How do you think AFC Fylde’s season has gone so far?
“It’s been a four out of ten at best so far. There’s been glimpses of what we can do when we work hard and play to our strengths.
“However, we’ve been unorganized at the back which has undone any good work we’ve put in going forward.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“We need another option up front in my opinion, I’m hoping that Danny Ormerod coming back in a few weeks will feel like a new signing and unfortunately Offrande Zanzala just hasn’t worked out and he’s not shown any of the quality we know he has.
“I think potentially another in either the centre of midfield or at centre-back too as I don’t think Corey Whelan is particularly effective at the back so far.”
3) Where can AFC Fylde realistically finish in the National League this season?
“If we can improve at the back, I can’t see any reason why we can’t still finish in the top half.
“We’re not too far off still and if we can go on a run like we did in January-February last year, we’ll be clear of any relegation fears.”
Aldershot Town
Lewis Blain: Fan and content creator at GRV Media
1) How do you think Aldershot’s season has gone so far?
“Some may say otherwise, but it’s been a bit of a disaster thus far. Having been so close to the playoffs last season, we now find ourselves 18th. A mere point from the drop zone at nearly the halfway point.
“Truth be told, we have been on the slide for much of 2024 granted, this has been an all-too-familiar story for the Shots if you have followed our plight as the National League’s longest-serving club over the last decade. The highs of the past year or so had created a certain level of expectation – one that was a solid foundation to build on, a chance to finally kick on. That has proven to be something of a false dawn already.
“It was always going to be a near-impossible task replacing those that left, namely Josh Stokes and Lorent Tolaj. But you would have hoped that some sort of semblance carried through, not to mention the finances these sales brought in. That, though, has been spent elsewhere. Instead, we do look like a completely different outfit from the one that rocked the likes of Swindon and Stockport, even despite the system not changing much at all.
“At times, we do seem void of any ideas right across the pitch. A questionable persistence in team selection and a stubbornness to not change it up when it hasn’t been working are certainly factors, as have been injuries, a lack of discipline and player recruitment.
“Barring the goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst, who is probably our ‘Player of the Season so far’, our defence hasn’t improved. It’s still strewn with error, a major flaw which held us back last season. The midfield that started so brightly has since dwindled into mediocrity. And up front… well, we lack a Plan B.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“And that is where we first need to improve. There is no doubt we need another forward. That has been clear to just about everybody for a few months now. The three we currently have are all far too similar to each other. We’re crying out for an alternative – we had exactly that last season in Kwame Thomas and that is the sort of profile we could still do with.
“They don’t need to be a 20-goal monster. Just a warrior who can hold up the ball effectively, win duels and bring our more technically-gifted players into play. Take the pressure off them having to do it all, alone.
“The other area is quite obviously in defence but I’d actually start with the left wing-back spot rather than in the middle – but only presuming Luke Jenkins’ imminent return puts Christian Maghoma firmly away from the starting XI.
“That’s because a lot of opposing teams look to target this area – they know it’s a weakness they can exploit. It’s a tricky position to play in this system but we really need a fearless character, one who is willing to attack and take on his man but at the same time, will track back and help out defensively.”
3) Where can Aldershot realistically finish this season?
“If you offered me 14th right now, I’d snap your hand off and take it.
“The National League does seem pretty wide open outside of the two or three title contenders but we aren’t going to have a huge turnaround in form without some major changes on the pitch.
“At the same time, and I hate saying this, but I do believe there are currently four worse teams than us… those could become famous last words!”
Altrincham FC
Inter Alty: Season ticket holder and club fan page
1) How do you think Altrincham’s season has gone so far?
“After losing Chris Conn-Clarke in the summer, Alty tried a couple of different formations from their normal 4,2,3,1 at the start of the season but these, along with a few injuries to Elliot Osborne & George Wilson and a few others, the performances & results were a bit up and down.
“However, in the last ten games, Alty have lost just once, but need to turn more draws into wins… The last three league games have seen the team click with a 5-0 away win at Fylde, coming back from 3-1 down with 7mins to go to draw 3-3 at Solihull, then a good performance & 2-0 win at home to Southend on Saturday.
“Hopefully the team now can build on recent results and go on a decent run.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Replacing Chris Conn-Clarke & his goals was always going to be hard for Alty, but in reality, he cannot be replaced as he is a once-in-10/15-year star player who was always destined for the EFL.
“That said the missing goals have been picked up by striker Regan Linney (nine league goals in 14 starts) & winger/no.10 Alex Newby (6 league goals in 17 starts. However, the next best player is on two goals, but the goals have been spread around with 11 players scoring once or twice.
“The striker/scoring options are a concern, but hopefully with goals spread around the team, this will not cost us long term.
“Another area of concern is in goal where there is no real experienced backup if Ethan Ross gets injured. Ross was absent due to illness on Saturday so young shot-stopper Harvey Randle made his league debut & did alright (the only other keeper on the books is 17-year-old Youth keeper Louie Fallon – no apps).”
3) Where can Altrincham realistically finish this season?
“Alty now appear to be an established National League club & should not be worried about relegation. Despite losing Conn-Clarke, Altrincham should be aiming for a minimum of mid-table (10th – 14th) this season, although a top-ten finish should be the target.
“I believe the Alty squad Phil Parkinson & Neil Sorvel have assembled can sneak into the playoffs again and then who knows…”
Barnet FC
Trevor Knell: Fan & Non-League blogger
1) How do you think Barnet’s season has gone so far?
“I think Barnet’s season has gone pretty well so far, definitely a three-way title race as we expected and we’re firmly in the mix.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Striker. Only area bar the goalkeeping position, as we have no serious competition for Nicke Kabamba.”
3) Where can Barnet realistically finish this season?
“Realistically top, but the away form has to improve and individual errors need to be cut out.”
Boston United
Callum Davis: BBC Radio Lincolnshire journalist & League One Lowdown co-host
1) How do you think Boston United’s season has gone so far?
“It’s been a bit of an eye-opener for them (Boston). There have been positive signs with some surprising away wins at York and Sutton but the overall feeling is one of disappointment.
“The fans have been strong and supportive of the players, and with the new manager coming in, there’s a renewed optimism that something could change for the better.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“The main issue has been going forward, but there’s a lack of consensus as to whether that’s a creative issue or a striking issue.
“The simple answer is both and hope they click quickly and start scoring some goals even faster.”
3) Where can Boston realistically finish this season?
“There’s not all hope lost for this season and safety isn’t a million miles away and certainly not unrealistic.
“The threat of a return to the National League North which took so long for the Pilgrims to escape is one that many fans have already accepted as fact but with Graham Coughlan at the helm, who knows what the reaction on the pitch could be?”
Braintree Town
Vaughan Creer: Fan, blogger & Non-League commentator
1) How do you think Braintree’s season has gone so far?
“So far I think our season has gone just fine.
“Everybody’s target going into the season will have been to try and stay up, and at the moment we’re keeping our heads above water and remaining competitive with the teams around us.
“I think we’ve proven to be a tough side to beat, only losing by more than one goal away to Barnet and Oldham, and that’s the key for me – we can give every team a game, pick up points here and there and keep things ticking along.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“For me, it’s not so much specific areas of the squad that would need improving, it’s just the depth that I think could prove to be an issue.
“We’ve only named a full 18-man squad twice this season, which is concerning.
“In our most recent match (1-0 win over AFC Fylde), we only had one first-team substitute in the form of John Akinde as well as two youngsters and our 39-year-old coach who was forced to come on.
“Even with a stretched squad, I think (Angelo) Harrop is managing the situation well.”
3) Where can Braintree realistically finish this season?
“The league is so tight in the bottom half, we could end up finishing as high as mid-table but I think realistically, we’re looking at a bottom-half finish.
“I would take finishing 20th and staying up on goal difference if that’s what it came to, and building on that next year – but with a couple of good strings of results, I think we can finish clear of the drop. Let’s say 17th.”
Dagenham & Redbridge
Joel Page: Fan and blogger
1) How do you think Dagenham’s season has gone so far?
“It’s got to a stage of real frustration now, as the same old habits are badly undermining the copious potential showcased on several instances, none more so than when we astonishingly mauled the then-leaders Gateshead 7-1.
“Unfortunately, what’s equally possible is a lacklustre defeat while barely mustering as much as a shot on target, and there’s been plenty of those, especially on the road.
“Injuries have played their part, as would be remiss not to mention, but the biggest damage is what we inflict ourselves. Fifteen points dropped from leading positions, many when exerting complete control, speaks to an alarming issue in mentality.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“While we have three right-backs that can, and have, all made the starting berth their own at times when injuries have opened up an opportunity, it’s been a struggle on the other side with nobody doing that despite many being trialled.
“Midfield is also an issue. Christian N’Guessan and Harry Phipps have been the pairing who’ve had the most success together, but they’ve struggled more recently.
“We’re maybe lacking another winger to bolster the squad – the difference between our starting and backup options is stark. Overall, there’s a lot of quality in the side, but it can be unbalanced.”
3) Where can Dagenham realistically finish this season?
“We’re capable on our day of being seen among the very best, but that day just isn’t anywhere near often enough, so current evidence points to our current mid-table status as being the most likely outcome unless a lot changes.
“We’re just not capable of grinding out ugly wins or battling back against a deficit, the kind of grittiness that characterises sides who finish where we supposedly want to.”
Eastleigh FC
@MWoot_17: Fan
1) How do you think Eastleigh’s season has gone so far?
“A mixed bag to be honest. Before the season we would’ve taken where we are in the league but after the start we had to the season, it feels like a huge disappointment with the poor form and performances which seem to get worse each week.
“I can’t help but think overall the start especially since August has been disappointing.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Feel like overall our central of midfield needs improving, with the injury to Sol we have lacked a strong midfield presence.
“However, with the signing of Dominic Gape, he will hopefully silence the concerns of the midfield but it is still early days.
“Another addition there or up front to add depth with Paul McCallum and Scott Quigley is needed.”
3) Where can Eastleigh realistically finish this season?
“Realistically, I think we will be around where we currently are.
“I think we have enough quality and spells of brilliance as seen as the start of the season, but the poor form at the moment shows hope of a play-off push is more optimistic than a reality.”
Ebbsfleet United
The Fleet Zone: Ebbsfleet podcast page
1) How do you think Ebbsfleet’s season has gone so far?
“It’s gone poorly, however when (Danny) Searle was sacked, we didn’t think it would get worse and it has.
“It seems as if the players aren’t even bothered anymore and we’re playing with our heads down from minute one.
“With Watling in charge, we go into games trying not to lose instead of trying to win which is such a poor mentality.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Everywhere to be honest, but most crucially up front. We’ve not got a proper ruthless finisher in this team anymore, now that (Dominic) Poleon’s form has dipped.
“All of the strikers in this side are more supporting players, which leaves us short when going forward and in front of goal. The energy going forward has been rejuvenated slightly with Aaron Cosgrave joining, whatever went wrong at Halifax hasn’t happened here as he looks brilliant.
“However, now his loan is done, we’ll look flat again. We also lack a natural left back, with Papa Souare not impressing and Lewis Page injured long term – leaving us to put players out of position to fill the void.”
3) Where can Ebbsfleet realistically finish this season?
“Drastic change is needed, and the rest of this month is now or never for us.
“If Watling goes or bucks his ideas up at the very least, we still hold a glimmer of hope albeit quite biased.
“If we can manage to offload certain players and bring in some young, energetic players like we did at the back end of last year – we may end up clawing back a few places.
“It is a very tall order though, maximum 19th if you ask us, anything higher is completely unrealistic.”
FC Halifax Town
Luke Walsh: Fan & National League content creator
1) How do you think Halifax’s season has gone so far?
“Overall, it’s been a strong start to the season so far. We’ve followed a similar trend for the last few seasons now and been a hard team to break down.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“We probably need a target man, who can hold the ball up well to give us a different option. As you are aware, Billy Waters is a quality finisher but he can become isolated up front at times.
“We lost KTS (Kane Thompson-Sommers) in the summer and he was initially replaced by Scott High from Huddersfield Town. High lived up to all expectations and was a quality box-to-box midfielder but he’s since been recalled following injury, so we need to bring in another player in that area.”
3) Where can Halifax realistically finish this season?
“Overall, I feel like we can maintain a playoff spot this season, but a top-ten finish is definitely on the cards.
“I feel like there are six teams stronger than us so I can’t see us progressing any higher than seventh.”
Forest Green Rovers
Alfie Ryan: Club reporter for Gloucestershire Live
1) How do you think Forest Green’s season has gone so far?
“I think Forest Green Rovers’ season couldn’t have started much better, having only lost twice so far this season. Last Saturday’s win against York was massive for the confidence of the group and the fans going forward.
“It is nice to see a genuine connection between the fans, staff and players again which we haven’t seen for quite a long time with the successive relegations.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“In terms of areas for improvement, I don’t think there are many that spring to mind as a necessity.
“I would probably say that they are potentially a bit light at left-back with only one recognised player in that position, particularly with it being a long season that might need some depth added to it.
“The only other potential one I could think of is a left-footed midfielder, but that is being a little bit too greedy from me personally when the midfield is one of if not the best in the league.”
3) Where can Forest Green realistically finish this season?
“And finally, I don’t think there’s any reason why Rovers can’t win the league this year.
“Everything seems to be going according to plan so far, the only thing that would maybe change my mind is if they picked up a lot of injuries (let’s hope not), over the busy period coming up.
“However, the squad have managed well so far when players have been unfit. For example, when Liam Sercombe and Emmanuel Osadebe have been out lately, Harvey Bunker has filled that role incredibly and has been a real bright spark since returning to the squad.”
Gateshead FC
Dan Bell: Fan and YouTube content creator
1) How do you think Gateshead’s season has gone so far?
“If you had asked me if I would’ve taken fifth place after 18 games at the start of the season, then the answer is yes I would.
“It’s been a bit chaotic over the last month or so with the managerial change but not a lot has changed in terms of how we play.
“As well, it’s been a challenge with injuries to the likes of Greg Olley, Joe Grayson and Kenton Richardson – unfortunately for Olley, it seems he is out for the long run but Grayson & Richardson should be back in contention shortly.
“I think you’ll see us be a lot more structured defensively once they are.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“I do feel as though the left wing-back position needs addressing the most.
“Whilst I do like Brandon Haunstrup, he is very injury-prone and I feel as though Luke Hannant is better off playing a bit more advanced.”
3) Where can Gateshead realistically finish this season?
“I’d say play-offs at this moment in time, though I’d wager a title race between York, Forest Green Rovers, Barnet and possibly Oldham too.
“However, I’ve seen enough from us to suggest that we can once again claim a spot in the top seven, let’s just hope off-the-pitch matters don’t stand in our way this time.”
Hartlepool United
Robbie Stelling: Writer for the Hartlepool Mail
1) How do you think Hartlepool’s season has gone so far?
“Bitterly disappointing, although all hope is not lost. Pools had a strong end to last season so it was a real surprise to see them part company with popular manager Kevin Phillips a week after the end of the campaign. It was not just a strange decision, it was a contentious one – Phillips alleged through his representatives that Pools had offered him a new two-year deal but later withdrawn it.
“Pools appointed former Woking boss Darren Sarll, who had been linked with the job earlier in the year, to replace him. While he might have lacked the glamour of Phillips, he had more National League experience and had led both Yeovil and Woking to the playoffs.
“Sarll set about overhauling the squad and supporters started to become cautiously optimistic as the summer progressed but took seven points from their first three games, keeping three clean sheets in a row, but it wasn’t long before cracks started to appear.
“Pools failed to score in almost seven hours of football at Victoria Park and received four red cards in their first nine matches. He was sacked after Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage for only the second time in their history having won just four of his 15 games.
“Veteran Lennie Lawrence, who turns 77 next month, took over as caretaker and tweaked his side’s shape, altered their approach to pressing and appeared to give the squad more freedom to get forward and express themselves. After two draws and one win, he was appointed permanent manager until the end of the season.
“Despite shipping five goals at National League leaders York, there’s no doubt that Lawrence has improved Pools since taking charge, getting the best out of Mani Dieseruvwe, who scored 25 goals last season, and making positive changes to the shape and approach both in and out of possession. It’s been such a frustrating campaign, but there are at long last signs that supporters might have something to shout about again.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“One of the biggest frustrations is that the squad is pretty strong. Striker Mani Dieseruvwe scored 25 goals last season and has found the net nine times so far this term, while Joe Grey, Adam Campbell, Luke Charman, Anthony Mancini, Roshaun Mathurin and Gary Madine provide Pools with serious strength in depth in forward areas.
“Midfielders Nathan Sheron and Nicky Featherstone have been two of their side’s most consistent performers, while the defence has been strong for most of the campaign, other than when a series of individual mistakes cost them in a 5-3 defeat to York.
“Pools also signed former Newcastle, RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest full-back Matthew Bondswell and Brighton legend Kazenga LuaLua last week, providing Lennie Lawrence with cover and competition at both ends of the pitch.
“So, in terms of personnel, the squad should be strong enough to start looking up the table. The big challenge is how quickly Pools can move on from outspoken manager Darren Sarll’s tumultuous tenure. Lawrence has inherited a talented squad, but one bereft of confidence.“
3) Where can Hartlepool realistically finish this season?
“The aim is very much still to challenge for the playoffs, with Lennie Lawrence, captain Luke Waterfall, midfielder Jack Hunter and new signing Kazenga LuaLua all expressing their determination to push for the top seven in recent weeks.
“Pools have a tough run between now and the new year, taking on the likes of Solihull Moors, Gateshead, Barnet, Oldham and Yeovil – all teams in the top ten. Lennie Lawrence’s side are 14th and seven points adrift of the play-offs at the time of writing and won’t want to fall much further behind during the festive period.
“After Pools travel to Barnet on January 11, they then take on Tamworth, Wealdstone, Woking, Braintree, Sutton and Maidenhead – of those six teams, five are below Pools while Sutton is just three places above them.
“If Pools could put a run of wins together, then there’s no reason they can’t disrupt the play-off picture towards the end of the season. The hope seems to be that the depth in the squad will give them the edge over some of their rivals when it comes to crunch time as teams start to struggle with inevitable injuries and fatigue.
“Given how ill-disciplined and inconsistent Pools have been, it feels like a tough ask. That said, with the talent and experience the squad has, as well as the recent improvements under Lawrence, it’s not altogether impossible.“
Maidenhead United
@BLRØØ8 (Twitter): Fan
1) How do you think Maidenhead’s season has gone so far?
“Maidenhead’s season so far has been average in comparison to our previous starts. We brought in some very talented individuals and showed up against some decent teams during pre-season, but in the league, we’ve dropped many places after a bright start and you can see the effect it’s having on the team.
“Those talented individuals who were brought in are either not performing or aren’t being used to their full potential. The management has a good understanding of the players but supporters want to see more passion and drive from the players and staff.
“Overall, I think Maidenhead as a team are continuing to build chemistry with one another and we’re only just getting started – there’s a lot more to come.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“We seem to be struggling everywhere on the pitch at the moment. We are second to the ball, the attack seems lethargic and the defence seems unbalanced.
“Every game we seem to be the same ‘long ball over the top’ tactic and this style for me is outdated and needs to be reconsidered.
“As a general debrief of the question, I think the attack is by far our strongest point right now. I’d love to see changes to the midfield, whether that’s rotational changes, a new addition or tactical changes.
“It’s something that I feel needs to be changed, especially considering the level Maidenhead plays at.”
3) Where can Maidenhead realistically finish this season?
“I predicted Maidenhead to finish 13th at the start of the 2024/25 season, but after the start that we’ve had – I’m starting to lose belief.
“Now that we’re about 1/3 through the season, I’d like to say a realistic finishing position could be 14th-18th, providing changes are made.
“The National League is a very flexible league and there are still plenty of games to find points in, all we can do as fans is keep on supporting the club and drive the team forward.”
Oldham Athletic
Latics Football Phone In: Fan & Content Creator
1) How do you think Oldham’s season has gone so far?
“So far so good, with only two losses this season, I am extremely impressed with how we have done defensively.
“Micky Mellon has brought in some very astute signings. Reagan Ogle / Manny Monthe has been impressive. However, Mike Fondop has been outstanding with his goal tally.
“Also the signing of Sam Clucas has excited the fan base – although we haven’t seen much of him as of yet.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“We seem light up front and we have only just signed Josh Stones from Wigan – hopefully we can keep him until the end of the season.
“The defence also seems a little light however we seem to have enough depth.”
3) Where can Oldham realistically finish this season?
“Many of the fan base think we will win the league, however, I think we will finish in the play-off places.
“We are desperate as a fan base for success. Let’s hope our long wait of 34 years is nearly over!”
Rochdale AFC
Char: Fan, Her Game Too ambassador and co-host on the Absolute Football podcast
1) How do you think Rochdale’s season has gone so far?
“I’m pretty impressed with our season so far and feel that we are quite the force when it’s our day, although we have been quite inconsistent and our errors have led to points being lost during key games.
“Playing out from the back and possession-based football are two key parts of Jim McNulty’s philosophy at Dale but this has also led to errors at the back which we concede from.
“Also playing against the more physical sides in the division, they can bully us off the ball and it doesn’t allow us to play our style of football which causes us to struggle so I think a plan B is also needed, especially considering we have the perfect target man in Kairo Mitchell up top. But we are still in the playoffs after spending the bare minimum in the summer window, so I can’t complain.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“I feel that we need our goalkeeper, we haven’t had a stable keeper in years and I think that’s huge.
“We have already used three different loan keepers this season and we are only in November, so I feel a stable one of our own would help benefit. Luke McNicholas has been brilliant but unfortunately has suffered with injuries, he’s a huge loss to the team.”
3) Where can Rochdale realistically finish this season?
“After last season with our troubles off the pitch, we just missed out on the playoffs with a bare minimum squad which was excellent and all down to Jim McNulty and the players.
“I think this season we should be aiming for a playoff position as I feel we have a more than good enough squad, squad depth too and really can be a threat.
“We are starting to get players like Devante Rodney and Harvey Gilmour back from injury too which is a massive boost, so if we can keep key players fit and kick on, I feel like that wouldn’t be an issue.
“But there’s a lot of great teams in the National League this season and recently we have seen some of the teams at the bottom strengthen and take points off the top contenders, it’s a very interesting league!”
Solihull Moors
SMFC Statto: Fan & Statistician
1) How do you think Solihull’s season has gone so far?
“I would rate our season so far as a seven out of ten.
“There is always a danger of a hangover following a play-off final defeat, but I think we have come through the opening third of the season very well.
“Injuries have hampered us meaning we have rarely put out our strongest team, but the question remaining is – what is our strongest team?”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“I am very happy with the players we have got and don’t think we are weak in any position, but I sometimes worry that we do not have the strength in depth that might be required to compete at the top.”
3) Where can Solihull realistically finish this season?
“The minimum aim has to be the play-offs again, but for me, I would be aiming for the top five so we get at least one home game in the play-offs.”
Southend United
Shrimper Stats: Fan and National League analyst
1) How do you think Southend’s season has gone so far?
“We haven’t got going yet. After last season’s heroics and the club’s takeover completion during the summer, there were such huge expectations for this season.
“However with some key players leaving, others being injured, and others joining late after a disrupted pre-season, it was clear we were in a period of transition and expectations needed to be managed.
“We’ve had some good performances, but it’s been very difficult to find any consistency so far and our results have reflected this.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Harry Cardwell and Ollie Kensdale, two hugely important players for us, left a month into the season and have both yet to be replaced.
“Those are two obvious areas for improvement: a centre-back and a centre-forward.”
3) Where can Southend realistically finish in the National League this season?
“I believe numerous teams are competing for the final playoff spot behind York, Barnet, Forest Green, Rochdale, Oldham and Gateshead.
“It would be a big ask considering how the first few months of the season have gone, but I still think a 7th-placed finish is a realistic target to aim for.
“However, considering the transitional period the club is going through on and off the pitch, a season of consolidation should be the first target.”
Sutton United
Mike from the Sutton United Talk Time On: Fan and podcast host
1) How do you think Sutton’s season has gone so far?
“There was a huge rebuild in the summer, not just turnover of players. There was a change in style and coaching. Lots going on off the pitch as well.
“It was always going to be a ‘project’ rather than straight back up. The players are all very young and mostly academy / lower-level players.
“So with all that as a backdrop a bit of inconsistent start – people are saying mid-table is a failing, but I think it is just about right and look forward to the ‘click’ and an amazing run after Christmas.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Hard one because I think these players all have it, but maybe a wise head in the middle of the pitch to settle everyone down – but how do these players get experience if we don’t let them learn?
“Oh also a 40 goal a 40-goal-a-season striker would be lovely but I think there would be a few clubs after one of them.”
3) Where can Sutton United realistically finish this season?
“I think upper mid-table, but with a tilt at the play-off places – or even just sneak into the play-off spots.”
Tamworth FC
Tamworth FC Social: Supporters & Podcast
1) How do you think Tamworth’s season has gone so far?
“The season is going very well so far for Tamworth. Beating Huddersfield in the FA Cup first round recently is one of the club’s all-time great nights.
“Meanwhile, to look at the National League table and see Tamworth (a part-time club!) in 15th is great.
“The team’s away form could do with improving a little, but Andy Peaks is doing a remarkable job and he, along with the players and staff, deserves a lot of praise.“
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“One area where the team could improve is to keep more clean sheets. The team has been without right-back Matt Curley for a lot of this season due to injuries – he was one of the club’s best players in 2023/24, so if he returns to the starting lineup that would be a big boost.
“It is tough to pinpoint specific areas of the squad where positions could be upgraded, as so many players have been excellent this season and have stepped up to the National League brilliantly.“
3) Where can Tamworth realistically finish this season?
“When the three of us on the Tamworth FC Social podcast did our predictions at the start of the season, we all said Tamworth would stay up.
“We remain pretty confident that the club will avoid relegation.
“Tamworth’s away form could do with some improvement, but the team has made their home ground a fortress this season and we’d always back them to get something from their home matches.“
Wealdstone FC
Adam Clancy: Fan and National League Natter co-host
1) How do you think Wealdstone’s season has gone so far?
“We started slowly and quickly found ourselves in the relegation zone after just one win in 13 league games.
“The attack just wasn’t clicking and we struggled to score goals, with some questioning whether Matt Taylor was the right appointment in the summer.
“However, a recent positive turn of results sparked by a remarkable win over League Two Grimsby in the FA Cup has Stones fans believing again.
“Alex Reid and Sam Ashford in particular have found their shooting boots, while Max Kretzschmar continues to be the heartbeat of the midfield.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“If you asked this a few weeks ago, many Stones fans may have been crying out for more clinical attackers. However, with Reid and Ashford in such good form, perhaps we could do without them for now.
“A new permanent number one goalkeeper is needed in the long-term, as Jacob Adams was signed as a number two and Sam Howes, unfortunately, got injured, meaning another loanee (Nathan Harness) was recently brought in.”
3) Where can Wealdstone realistically finish this season?
“Wealdstone should be confident that they can avoid relegation on current form, and so should be pushing to finish as high as they can.
“Realistically, a bottom-half finish is likely on the cards.”
Woking FC
Sam Collyer: Fan and National League content creator
1) How do you think Woking’s season has gone so far?
“So far it’s been a tough season, and a strange one at that, with the takeover process in the background as well, we have played some really attractive football at times but have struggled with results which is frustrating.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“I think the squad could do with a creative ten who can plot a defence with a pass, on top of a more experienced striker who comes with a respectable goal record.”
3) Where can Woking realistically finish this season?
“It’s hard to say in all honesty, the new ownership is now here and nobody really knows what the level of investment will be at this point, but at this very moment I would say we are capable of pushing out of a relegation scrap and into the mid-table area of we can string some results together.”
Yeovil Town
Callum Hallett: Fan and National League content creator
1) How do you think Yeovil’s season has gone so far?
“I’m delighted with how we’ve started the season, we are starting to look so solid defensively, after a shaky start.
“We’re playing some lovely football + creating plenty of chances. I think being around the playoffs is probably about accurate, to be honest.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“I think we need a proper LWB for when Plant goes back in Jan, a proper number 10 who can create lots of chances, a winger to replace Shaw +/or Pedro when they go back in Jan and maybe a forward to backup Jarvis/ Greenslade + Frank.”
3) Where can Yeovil realistically finish this season?
“I think I’d be happy with anywhere 14th or above still.
“We have been excellent recently but can see the season levelling out with us coming around 12th.”
York City
Morgan Bruce: Fan & blogger
1) How do you think York’s season has gone so far?
“Unexpectedly much better than expected. I think all York fans knew we’d be better this year than the last two, however, I think a standard league finish prediction amongst York fans was roughly 7th – 12th.
“We knew play-offs were attainable and we could be up there but to be doing this will is a complete shock to everyone. We’re all just enjoying the ride.
“We lost to FGR on 16/11 and the consensus response was “They’re really good, we’re still in a title race, the table isn’t decided in November and had you offered us this in July, we’d have taken it without a question”. So overall York’s season so far has been much better than expected and is going well.”
2) What areas of the squad do you think need improving?
“Honestly this might sound ridiculous but it’s hard to see where we need improvement.
“We already rotate a lot and there’s depth in every position. Hinshelwood knows how to rest and rotate the squad and it’s showing.
“We need a few players to be more consistent or be a bit fitter but the core of the squad are all playing well.”
3) Where can York realistically finish this season?
“Anywhere in the top five, I think. We’re in a title race but can’t count out any of the other teams in that area. It’s a super tight battle at the top of the table and it’s quite refreshing to not have a runaway leader after the last two seasons.”
Firstly, we would like to thank all 24 National League supporters who have represented their clubs and have taken time out of their lives to assist with this article.
Who do you think will win the National League and who is in danger of slipping down to the NL North/South?