History and Background
AFC Whyteleafe are the phoenix club of the Whyteleafe Football Club who folded in 2021 after troubles with finances and ground-leasing. The then dissolved club were brought back to life by local technology businessman Kelly Water who wanted to keep football alive within the local community. Inspired by the success of AFC Wimbledon, AFC began their resurgence in the Surrey Southeastern Combination (Step 8), finishing runners up in their first season and promoted in the next. In 2024 they were champions of step 6, in 2025 they were champions of step 5 whilst reaching the final of the FA Vase losing to Whitstable at Wembley at the end of last season.
This Season
This season they have been a formidable force once again building a team around a solid core of players who have played in the higher levels of non-league and the EFL. The team’s spine is made up of former National League goalkeeper Slav Huk, experienced centre back Corey Holder, midfield workhorse Jordan Johnson (Lefty) and wizard playmaker Ryan Gondoh. Add these established non-league veterans to talent like Eniola Hassan and Hani Hechachena you have an unstoppable force.
Whyteleafe finished the season in 4th place securing the play offs at the first time of asking. The “Leafe” finished in the top three for both attacking and defensive form, their away form was particularly impressive only losing four games all season and finishing with an away goal difference of +33 the best away goal difference in the league. In the play offs the South London side played Jersy Bulls away from home in the semi-final defeating “The Bulls” on penalties to reach the final. In the final they met AFC Croydon part owned by South London icons Wilfred Zaha and Stormzy, Whyteleafe took the lead but a Kadell Daniel penalty in the 87th minute levelled the tie taking it to extra time. Extra time ended goalless and the tie went to penalties where the “Leafe” came out winners in a South Londonish derby. Meaning Whyteleafe have reached step 3 having not existed as a club in 2021 and will compete in the Isthmian Prem next year against England’s biggest non-league sides.
The Gaffer
Ennio Gonnella joined the club at the start of their renascence originally as joint manager alongside owner Kelly Waters. At the start of the 2025 season, it was confirmed that Waters would take a step back from day-to-day management enabling Gonnella to become first team manager. He’s done a remarkable job this year in his recruitment and creating an identity that has attracted the correct players but also not changed his beliefs and target’s even in a new league.
Tactical Analysis
The “Leafe” set up in a standard 4-3-3 (with two 8s and a 10), in possession they look to have a narrow front three and uber wide full backs often playing as wing backs. In the build they look to get the full backs on the ball as quick as possible so they can create 2 vs 1 overloads. Common rotations involve one of the holding midfielders dropping into the back 4 creating a back 5 which then evolves into a back 3 as the fullbacks push on. At times they become a 4-1(in midfield)-5 or 3-4-3 in possession, Whyteleafe have been extremely athletic in recent years and have quality way above the standard. Which means they are able to kill of games early and relax into a more structured shape. However, their attacking mindset means they have been vulnerable in transition if the opposition beat their counter press, as they often leaving only the two centre backs at home.
Key Figures
Ryan Gondoh
The “Leafe’s” magician and a veteran of the non-league game, Gondoh has managed 18 goals in all competitions this season plus a handful of assists. At Whyteleafe he’s been allowed to express himself, almost got a free roam role due to the talent he possesses. Super direct and very clinical Gondoh is an extreme machine at this level and has the ability to win the game by himself.
Moses Emmanuel
The talisman within this side, Emmanuel has experience higher up the pyramid with clubs like Bromley and Sutton whilst also having a prolific spell at Billericay in 2024. Joining from Kingstonian in September, Emmanuel has not stopped, scoring 21 goals in the league this season. He’s not the tallest and not the most physical but Emmanuel is a natural goalscorer and a poacher in and around the box reminds me a lot of Jermain Defoe.
Helge Orome
A right back by trade Orome has the most appearances for Whyteleafe this season (53), he also has 17 goals in all competitions making his mark as a serious set piece threat. His experience in the back line has been priceless, and he is a man for the big moments scoring some of the most important gaols for Gonnella’s side this season, such as the opener in the play-off final. He’s one that will show that experience matters again at Step 3 so the “Leafe” need to get him signed up asap.
What’s Next……
Whyteleafe are going into another new league with more momentum than ever but it’s a matter of time before things will start to catch up on them. Step 3 is a different kettle of fish to the levels below, full-time sides, mass spending budgets and established non-league heavyweights may be the reason to see a stall in Gonnella’s magic. But if they keep recruiting in the right way and keep the belief then I could see them establishing themselves as a proper Step 3 club next year.
Non League Geek 
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