After coming through the youth ranks at Beckenham Town and Dulwich Hamlet, Thomas moved to Herne Bay in 2022 to kick off his senior career. It was at Walthamstow (Step 4) where Thomas really found his feet scoring six goals in his debut season, he then featured for Waltham Abbey where he bagged 11 league goals before attracting the interest of National league South (NLS) side Ebbsfleet United towards the end of the 2024/25 season. He left last summer due to a lack of game time joining newly promoted Brentwood Town in Step 3 at the start of last season, scoring 14 goals in the league as Brentwood secured promotion.
Player Profile
A player who operates on the flanks, Thomas is fearless and direct, when watching him in games his first thought when receiving the ball is to score. Naturally both footed Thomas is comfortable cutting in or taking his defender down the line. In build up his vision is also a strong point at times glueing the attacks together for the Essex based side.
Alex Hernandez (Cray Wanderers)
Age 23
Positions ST
Background
Like Kymani Thomas, Hernanadez has come through the ranks of non-league learning his trade as a youth player at Concord Rangers where he had spells at Step 2. Loan moves to East Thurrock and Great Wakering followed before moving to Aveley in 2023. In the NLS he would go onto scored 5 goals, but his game time became limited only playing in the first half of the 2024/25 season. A dual registration with Tilbury (Step 4) allowed Hernandez to fully showcase his ability scoring 21 goals in 38 games. His form attracted the attention of Cray Wanderers who signed him for the start of last season. In 2025/26 Hernandez progressed again playing 36 games scoring 21 goals finishing 2nd top scorer in the league.
Player Profile
Cray play a very counter attacking style of play which means Hernandez does a lot of ball progressing and needs to have elite level decision making. Hernandez helps Cray turn defensive into attack usually being the feeder from the defence, linking up with the winger to create and finishes chances. Hernandez’s finishing ability is what sets him apart at Step 3, he can score from set pieces, in the box and outside the box, seems to find a way to always score a goal.
Bryan (Sharon) Ifeanyi (Carshalton Athletic)
Age 22
Position LW
Background
Ifeanyi has had a busy career so far, starting his youth career at Cambridge United, going on to play for Leyton Orient and then securing a pro at Colchester United. After being released Ifeanyi had spells at Step 3 and 4 with Aveley and Brentwood. But it was a move to Carshalton in 2024 where he started firing, in his first season in Step 3 he featured in 50 games contributing 30 goals and assists earning him the club’s young player of the year. Last season was no different Ifeanyi caught the eye with a number of crazy skills and ending the season with 11 league goals, guiding Carshalton to Step 3 safety.
Player Profile
The non-league Bolasie if you haven’t seen some of his dribbling compilations then you need to. He plays the majority of his games on the right looking to drift in and shift, which he is particularly effective at. Ifeanyi has superb close control and he’s one of the best at the level in tight spaces meaning he’s often doubled up on by opposition teams. His overall energy has also been impressive he’s not afraid to put his body around and do his defensive work.
Devonte West (Lewes)
Age 20
Position 10/LW/RW
Background
Another product of the non-league system 20-year-old West joined Lewes this season from SCEFL side Hollands and Blair where he made 33 appearances and scored 5 goals in 2024/25. Last season West started slowly in his first season at Step 3 scoring 1 goal in his first 12 games but ended the season Lewes’s top scorer wit 10 goals. The big clubs have started to clock onto West’s talent with reports that Championship club Hull City had taken him on trial earlier this year.
Player Profile
A windy and tricky winger, West is very good on both feet and can operate across the front three. Although I believe West is best in the 10 role as he can drop in and drive his team up the pitch, he is also blessed with an unbelievable long-range ability meaning any space given to him outside of the box is dangerous. His main area of threat is the edge of the box, either creating or scoring from these areas regularly whilst being a great ball progressor.
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.
Founded in and around Crawley in 1901, Three Bridges have had a long history within the non-league pyramid. A few key moments within their history include multiple promotions from the Sussex County League Division Two and winning the Sussex County Cup in 2012. More recently the club joined the Isthmian League’s in 2012, the club stagnated in Step 4 for five seasons before relegation in 2017. Current chairman Paul Faili brought “the bridges” back up at the first time of asking before handing the reins over to club icon Jamie Crellin.
The Gaffer
As mentioned, the man in currently charge is Jamie Crellin who was appointed as manager in 2021 at the age of 29 years old making him one of the youngest managers in England. Crellin is seen as a club icon, joining the club as a player in 2014 from fellow Sussex non-league side Hastings. He went onto make over 100 appearances for “the bridges” and captained the club across 4 seasons before an unfortunate ankle injury ended his career prematurely. Crellin’s start to management has been on a gradual upwards trajectory with “the bridges” finishing in the bottom half of the table in his first two years, however they are now on course for three top half finishes in a row, two of which have been in the play offs.
This Season
This season Crellin’s side have hit another gear, destroying most of what has been in front of them. At the time of writing “the bridges” sit eleven points clear at the top of the Isthmian South East –currently averaging around 2.42 point per game with a 77 percent win rate. In the final third Crellin’s side lead the league for goals having scored a whopping 97 goals, 15 more than the second place AFC Whyteleafe on 82. The bridge’s defence have also put up some decent numbers conceding only 31 goals the best in the league, this consistency currently has them on a +66 goal difference over double of second place (in league) Croydon. Outside of league action Crellin’s side knocked out Horsham in the Sussex County Cup a team that not only are top half in Step 2 but also hadn’t lost in the SCC in 2 years.
Tactical Analysis
In terms of tactical nous, Crellin sets his team up in a 4-3-3 shape with one holding midfielder and two further eights, in possession they look to play through the thirds creating an overload in the midfield by right back Dan Ferrira tucking into the middle of the park and demanding the ball to create 4vs3 or 4vs2 situations. Furthermore, Crellin’s approach towards the game is to be utterly fearless, they look to be extremely aggressive when going forwards at time becoming a front six and doing whatever it takes to enter the opposition’s box. The bridges have become a serious problem due to their ability to switch between a possession-based game and a more direct game, their ability to play at the back enables them to more clinical when playing directly into front three. Both centre backs are able to hit longer passes into the channel with consistent effect and the size of frontman Noel Leighton enables the ball to be played into him and the two eight and wingers to play off of him. Crellin’s fearless approach means high risk high reward, when building they play out the back whenever possible which has led to some mistakes if the opposition press them high, however Crellin’s has been able to increase his side’s ball speed which has meant if the press is beaten it’s almost impossible to stop them.
Key Figures
Sam Bull
After coming through the Eastbourne United academy Bull chose men’s first team football over the lower end of the academy game. A move to fellow Sussex side Lancing provided Bull with regular minutes and exposure to the men’s game, Bull moved to “the bridges” at the start of last season and currently has played the joint most games this season (31). Bull is not the tallest CB but complete and composed on the ball and is able to read the game well and his ground defending is some of the best at this level.
Ade Adeyinka
A player I refer to as the anchor of the Bridge’s side, a workhorse of a player who has excelled under Crellin this season. Adeyinka does the hard yards to enable the team to function at full effect, he’s the Moussa Dembele, the N’golo Kante, the Micheal Essien of this level. Adeyinka is a Rolls Royce, he presses aggressively to win the ball back and transitions it up the pitch all whist having a creative eye. 11 league goals from the base of midfield is impressive stuff for a lad who was playing step 6 last season.
Reece Hallard
Reece Hallard is the ultimate goalscoring and creating winger at the time of writing Hallard sits on 29 goals in the league. Hallard is a real force not only is he pretty quick but he’s also a pretty big unit, he’s been able to be so effective in recent season due to his direct nature. Hallard always wants to take on defenders with his aim to cut in and shoot or deliver a cross for target man Leighton. Can’t see why a team higher up the ladder wouldn’t be looking at Hallard this summer, definitely could see him taking two steps up.
What’s Next……
Naturally, due to the form this season and the young age of Crellin’s squad there will be interest from higher levels not just in the squad but also in Crellin. I believe if the club can keep Crellin then they have to trust him to be able to plug with developing talent due to the impending departures of player like Hallard and Adeyinka. I further believe in their current ability, I do think Crellin’s’ side could challenge in and around the top half of the Isthmian Prem (Step 3). But with the league title on the horizon, it will be interesting to see the development around and within the football club in the coming months. Definitely one to keep an eye on and be excited for……
Alves started his youth career at Reading, before heading over to America to sign for Muskegon Risers. After returning from “The States” in 2019, the Hampshire born winger joined Hartley Wintney before joining Basingstoke Town in Step 4 for the 2019/20 season. Alves would then go to have a number of spells at Thatcham Town, North Leigh and Kingfishers. It wasn’t until a move to Westfield (Step 4) in November 2023 where Alves really caught fire, finishing the season with 15 goals in 37 appearances. This form caught the attention of various Step 2 clubs with Bath securing his signature for the 2024/25 season, however even with a two league jump Alves wasn’t fazed, finishing with 8 goals and 7 assists in 17 starts being the catalyst in “the Romans” bid for survival in the National League South.
Playstyle
Alves has operated predominantly in the wide areas for Bath, preferably on the right where he is able to cut in onto his left foot and drive inside. Alves is extremely direct and fearless, he takes on lots of shots and dribbles, creating high numbers of chances in games which his team might not be dominating. Alves loves a long shot; he has scored a number of screamers in his career most notably his 35-yard free kick against Enfield Town last season. Like mentioned previously when on the ball Alves loves to run at defenders adding that little bit of flare to a game to get supporters off their seats, I do think his ability to get on the ball and create chances would enable him to play in the 10 as well as on the flanks. If I was to be uber critical of Alves, he is heavily left footed and sometimes I have felt he almost refuses to use his right foot in some situations making him too predictable.
Strengths
Dribbling | Creativity | Long Range Shooting
Where should he go next
Having watched a number of “The Roman’s” games this season Alves has had a frustrating start so far, easily one of Baths most exciting and creative players but has only played 30% of available minutes this season. Bath play a very old school and direct style of football which I don’t believe plays to the strengths of Alves’s game, as the ball barley touches the floor and is suited to more aerially strong players. Due to the minutes he has got this season and the talent he possess I suggest Alves looks for a more ball playing side – could see him making a move to Farnborough, Chippenham or Slough, or even make the step towards the top of the NLS to a side like Weston-Super-Mare.
Achuba started his career coming through the youth ranks at Ebbsfleet United, however the then teenager would only make a handful of National League appearances before permanently heading to Meridian FC (Step 6) for the 2020/21 season. An impressive first season of regular men’s football at Step 6 saw Isthmian Premier side Wingate and Finchley pick him up for the start of the 2021/2022 season. During his time in North London Achuba transitioned into more of a holding midfielder and became a consistent performer in an electrifying Wingate side. But it was the 2023/24 season where Achuba really exploded, finishing with 8 goal contributions in 40 games as Wingate finished third. This form attracted the interest Bobby Wilkinson and Hemel Hempstead in 2024 and Achuba has continued to be a regular face and starter under Wilkinson’s beneficiary Lee Allison over the last year – playing a key part in the Hemel squad this season who have been challenging the play off places at Step 2 and also making it to the first-round proper in the FA Cup.
Playstyle
After recently watching Achuba live when Hemel faced Chippenham, the game was one that was extremely physical with the windy condition being a major factor in creating a scrappy game however Achuba seemed to be able to control large parts of the game from midfield. As mentioned previously Achuba did start as a centre back in his early non-league career, but I don’t think his build and technical level and talent suit a out and out defender. He’s too slight and not tall enough to play week in week out in a back 4 – I could see him operating in a back three if covered by physical centre half partner.
Achuba is extremely gifted technically, gives me big Paul Pogba vibes in terms of his flair and his ability to shift and protect possession when under pressure. Within tight and intense games Achuba is able to play the game at his own tempo, breaking down oppositions attack and progressing the ball forward. Achuba is a player who loves a bit of flair and trickery, but he does it at the right times either to relieve pressure or when buying a foul. As good as he is on the ball, Achuba is not afraid to put a foot in and do the less glamorous– when watching him earlier this season he loved to contest and put in a challenge.
Strengths
Press Resistance | Dribbling | Composure | Breaking up Play
Where should he go next
Think Achuba is in the perfect place at the moment, playing regular minutes in a very progressive and exciting Hemel side. However, if he keeps his consistency and focus, I think full time sides should have a look at him, I could see him battling and fitting in under Sam Cox at Wealdstone.
Caoilan McGettigan has been one of my hardest research projects to date, a talent who has seemingly worked his way up through the depths of non-league with barely any information on where he’s come from or who he’s played for. According to reports McGettigan started his non-league career as a left back for Hadley before moving to West London side Edgeware and Kingsbury FC in Step 5, by the end of the 2021/22 season McGettigan had picked up their supporters’ player of the season and earned a move back to Hadley in Step 4. However, he would have further spells at Walthamstow and Takeley building his experience in the men’s game before returning to Hadley for the 2024/25 season. His third spell at the Barnet based side enabled him to take up a more attacking role which saw him finish last season with 14 goals and a number of assists, this caught the attention of several clubs, but he opted to join Wingate and Finchley in the Isthmian Premier this summer, a club known for producing top non-league talent.
Playstyle
As mentioned previously McGettigan started as a left back, but it wasn’t until his move to Hadley where he became an established winger/attacking playmaker where he really hit form and started to kick on. Since joining Wingate in the summer this form has continued, netting 2 in 5 in the league bagging another goal against National League South side Dorking Wanderers in the FA cup, not a bad start for a debut season at Step 3.
So far this season McGettigan has been given an almost “free roam” role, finding space in the pockets in front of the oppositions defence whether that be on either wing or more centrally. McGettigan is not the most physically imposing player but his ability to play with his back to goal and his understanding of when to keep or release the ball sets him above the rest, reminds me a lot of Santi Cazorla. McGettigan has spent most of this season on the right receiving the ball and moving inside onto his left foot creating chances from crosses or line splitting passing, once he moves the ball, he looks to get himself in the box where his movement has enabled him to become an impressive poacher. McGettigan is also what you’d call a flair player, he loves a little flick, turn or trick in the final third to get fans off their seats.
Strengths
Press Resistance | Trickery | Game Intelligence
Where should he go next
For now he needs to continue his form throughout this season and conquer Step 3 and if he can do that, then he will have a hell of a load of opportunities waiting for him at the end of it.
Starting his youth career at Millwall, Powell made the decision to join South London rival Charlton Athletic at age 19 looking to break into a first team set up. In November 2020 he made his debut for the Addick’s in a 3-1 EFL Trophy victory over London rivals Leyton Orient, but he would have to wait until February 2022 and a loan move to Maidstone in the NLS for his next taste of first team football. At the end of the 2021/22 season Powell was released by Charlton, joining Dulwich Hamlet in November 2022. Powell impressed scoring 6 league goals in a poor Hamlet side who were relegated, this form caught the attention of a number of NLS sides. Tonbridge were the first to grab his signature, but Powell departed in early September in order to play first team football, he joined Dover two days later but left them in January after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Powell then dropped to Step 3 for the first time joining Surrey based side Walton and Hersham since then Powell has over 40 goals contributions in under two years in an exciting Swans side.
Playstyle
Powell has played mostly as a 10 in his career but in recent times he’s been played almost as a second striker / an advanced playmaker – dropping off from the main 9 and into the half spaces between the opposition’s defence and midfield. Walton have been on fire under manager Billy Rowley, they set up to be very aggressive win the ball high and transition at speed – using their wide players as the ball progressors to get to byline and deliver crosses. Powell is an expert poacher and scores the majority of his goals within the edge of the box and 6-yard box, scoring goals from cut back crosses or anticipating deflections from defenders. This season Powell has already bagged 5 goals in the league with his form contributing to Walton and Hersham’s place at the top of Southern League South.
Strengths
Movement | Goal Scoring Awareness and Intelligence | Vision
Where should he go next
I feel Powell has shown he’s ready for the step up, however from his previous history at Step 2 he needs to be in a team where he’s playing week in week out – Hampton and Richmond and Slough seem to do a lot of smart business from the league below and fit the same playstyle and geography as Walton, but a step 2 move should definitely be a target for Powell.
Torquay have the money, the squad and the stadium to be in the National League and that’s why so many people are sure that Paul Wotton’s side will be in the top three minimum. If Torquay can keep Jordan Young fit and get some of the new signings imbedded and up to speed quickly, I could see them blowing most teams away.
Player to Watch – Jordan Young
2. Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet know what it takes to get out of the NLS, and the recruitment Josh Wright and his team have done so far further aids my prediction – Kwesi Appiah finished on 20 league goals last season, Max Ehmer and Ben Coker have long time EFL careers and younger legs have been added to blend with the wealth of experience.
Player to Watch – Ronny Nelson
3. Chelmsford City
It’s a really exciting time for “Claret” fans, the appointment of Angelo Harrop who won the NLS with Braintree in 2024 and the club finally making the step into full time football will enable them to compete with the division heavyweights. Signings like Joe Grimwood, Dominic Odusanya, Shiloh Remy and the retention of Archie Tamplin show the type of project Harrop is aiming to build, one that I believe will enable a top three finish.
Player to Watch – Archie Tamplin
4. Dorking Wanderers
Dorking will be looking to bounce back after last season’s haunting play off defeat at Boreham Wood. Marc White got his squad prepared and released earlier than most clubs, keeping his squad small but extremely experienced. Mid-season injuries have been the one thing that have haltered “The Wanderers” in recent seasons, if White can reenforce at the right times and not be naive I fully expect Dorking to be up near the top.
Player to Watch – Frank Vincent
5. Eastbourne Borough
Lots of change at Borough and a vast number of important holes to patch due to the departures of Courtney Clarke, Jason Adigun and others. But the appointment of Matt Gray should have fans excited a man who has experience in the EFL and a National League winner’s medal with Sutton. Signings such as Victor Akinwale, Joey Phuthi and Tayt-Lemar trusty show another youthful approach being taken – I believe Eastbourne will be right up there again.
Player to Watch – Victor Akinwale
6. Worthing
There were probably mixed feelings for Worthing fans last season at points they were unstoppable but seem to crumble in the final games of the season (and at the playoffs). I still believe they need goal scorer, a proper killer which they have been missing since Ollie Pearce’s exit, maybe the resigning of young Brad Dolaghan will ignite that. I feel Chris Agutter will be the right man to take them up and the retention of midfield maestro Jack Spong will be key to any success.
Player to Watch – Kwaku Frimpong
7. Maidstone United
Surely its make or break this season for George Elokobi, Maidstone were one of the biggest spenders in the league last season and fell at the final hurdle. Lots of key departures have seen “The Stones” completely stripped back to bare bones – Aaron Blair and Ben Brookes the most detrimental of the losses. I still believe they will get into the play offs, maybe when they throw a bunch of money at it during December but recruitment needs to be effective and suitable for their aims.
Player to Watch – Ruben Carvalho
8. Hemel Hempstead
I believe Lee Allison’s side will be the dark horse of next season, progressive football and interesting recruitment leads me to feel that Hemel can be right up there. Darion Dowrich and Oreofe Bello looked electric at step 3 last season and will be looking to add that flair to “The Tudors” this season – and if they can get Ade Azeez firing, I could see Hemel pushing teams at the top.
Player to Watch – Darion Dowrich
9. Dagenham and Redbridge
I haven’t been convinced by “The Daggers” so far, an underwhelming managerial appointment, random player recruitment and poor pre-season results I sense will see them struggle, but not enough to be in any relegation trouble. Lots of big characters and leaders leaving as well could potentially be a blessing in disguise, but lots of questions are still to be asked of the Essex based side.
Player to Watch – Rashawn Scott
10. Weston-Super-Mare
At one point Weston were clear at the top of the table but a slow second half to the season left them one place outside the play offs. Again, I think they may shoot up the table at some point but won’t be able to maintain form and stay around the mid to upper reaches of the table. Keeping hold of players like Luke Coulson and Sam Pearson will be key to any success this season, so 10th place is where I have the west-country side at.
Player to Watch – Sam Pearson
11. Maidenhead United
“The Magpies” are another relegation side I think will struggle to push for a rebound promotion due to that fact they have a had a huge squad turnover with 17 players leaving – the most notable departures were top scorer Shawn McCoulsky and Reece Smith who had 33 goal involvements between them last season. Alan Devonshire must use the market efficiently to ensure they aren’t dragged into an end of season relegation battle.
Player to Watch – Jordan Ragguette
12. Farnborough
I refer to Farnborough as the Crystal Palace of the NLS, they are never threatened by relegation, but they never really fully push for promotion, and I think this season will be more of the same. I think their summer recruitment has been okay – we can expect goals from Dom Poleon and may make up for the losses of Richard Chin and Ricky Holmes, but I can see past another mid table finish.
Player to Watch – Lachlan Byrd
13. Hornchurch
Daryl McMahon side did an extremely good job last season finishing 9th in their first season in the NLS after being promoted from Step 3. I think the permanent signing of Henry Hearn and the free signing of Charlie Ruff are really exciting additions. I can see them finishing around the same place this season but given the added competition I have opted for a slightly lower position.
Player to Watch – Henry Hearn
14. Hampton and Richmond
“The Beavers” must be the most frustrating teams to support in the NLS, consistently making smart transfers on one of the smaller budgets but whoever is in charge can never get the best out of them as a team – Reece Grego-Cox and Rohan Ince are super experienced at the level above and Eddie Allsopp and Davide Rodari have killed it in Step 3. But again, not being full-time and having an inexperienced manager I can’t see them pushing much higher than 14th.
Player to Watch – Eddie Allsopp
15. Bath City
This season I think Bath could go either way, they struggled under Jerry Gill at the beginning of last season but rose out of any danger and then stagnated for much of the season under Darren Way. With a small recruitment pool and the rise of other west-country sides, Bath have no room for mistakes on new signings but I think there are teams with bigger problems below them.
Player to Watch – Ewan Clark
16. Slough Town
Scott Davies has continued his recruitment approach of identifying gems in the lower leagues, developing them and moving them on to a higher level. Slough fans might hope this season they have a quicker start, but their recruitment approach means new players need to time to adapt to the league. However, signings such as Kiki Oshilaja, Jordan Greenidge and Adam Desbois show the pull Scott Davies has and hopefully they push higher than 16th.
Player to Watch – Jared Myers
17. Chippenham Town
Chippenham are very smart club, low attendances and a small budget but they always make the most of it.The signing of goal machine Olaf Koszela and the defensive solidity and experience of Canice Carroll leads me to believe Chippenham will be alright next season, but at what point do the management team start looking for a more progressive project?
Player to Watch – Olaf Koszela
18. Salisbury
A good first season in the NLS for Salisbury FC, and a new Kuwaiti investor could see lots of money pumped into the club this season. Smart deals such as Dom Revan, Tommy Willard and Matt Briggs could see “The Whites” push much higher than 18th but I’ll believe once I see it.
Player to Watch – Tommy-Lee Higgs
19. Chesham United
Another good return from a promoted side last season – but they must remain smart throughout the season and reinforce at the right times. Slightly underwhelming in their signings so far but players like Josh Addae and Josh Dawodu should really excite Chesham fans.
Player to Watch – Alex Babos
20. Horsham
It will be a tough season for Horsham especially with one of the smallest budgets in the league, but I feel they are in a safe pair of hands in Dom Di Paola. In terms of their squad, they haven’t made a lot of changes which shows the trust in the squad that got them up – but additions such as Rhys Murphy and Leon Gravata show they will give it a good go.
Player to Watch – Leon Gravata
21. Tonbridge Angels
As much as I like the appointment of Craig Nelson (Pitts), I just can’t get over the inexperience in the squad – much of their recruitment has come from Step 3 and mainly from Lewes who finish in mid-table in the Isthmian Prem last season. Replacing Mo Dabre and Liam Vincent’s output will also be a big challenge in a league which the majority of teams are full time.
Player to Watch – Brandon Pierrick
22. AFC Totton
Like I said with Horsham this will be an extremely hard season for any of the teams coming up – with an aging squad and the league becoming ever more competitive I just can’t see it but could Jay Emmanuel-Thomas show his class and fire “The Stags” to safety we will wait and see.
Player to Watch – Christie Ward
23. Enfield Town
Would love to be proven wrong but I think Enfield are in trouble this year – last season “The Towners” did well to avoid a serious end of season relegation battle after a remarkable run of form at the end of the year, I’m just not convinced they can replicate that again, especially after some uninspiring recruitment work so far.
Player to Watch – Henry Hawkins
24. Dover Athletic
Dover started last season well, crashed in December and scrapped a play-off spot on the final day – credit to them as they were the best team in the playoffs but personally not in my top three best sides in the Isthmian Prem last season. Jake Leberl and the squad’s inexperience at Step 2 should be a major worry which is why I can’t see them staying up.
Originally from Bulgaria, Slavi Spasov moved to United Kingdom aged 12 joining Oxford United shortly after this relocation. His time at “The Us” was monumental in kickstarting his professional career, Spasov made his senior debut in an EFL Trophy fixture against Fulham in September 2018. Spasov came on as a substitute, scoring a penalty and becoming the clubs youngest ever goal scorer at 16 years 226 days old, this led to a league debut three months later and a call up to the Bulgarian u18s side. However, appearances became sparse for Spasov who then joined National League side Woking in October 2020 on a short-term loan making 19 appearances scoring 3 times before returning to Oxford. Spasov’s next loan would come in 2022 but would also be the start of a number of unsuccessful moves, the first coming at North Leigh in the Southern Central, then a double loan spell at Banbury United before joining Southern Prem side Hungerford United after being released by Oxford United at the end of 2022/23 season, across all these spells Spasov scored only 3 goals (as reported). After a promising start to his teenage career, it looked like it had now plateau, but still there was interest from clubs. In December 2023 Spasov joined NLS side Slough Town and manager Scott Davies renowned for developing players into stars to then move higher up the pyramid. Davies’s management enabled Spasov to score 6 goals in 21 games within his first season, a steady improvement. But it was last season where he really took off contributing to 15 goals and 5 assists in 3,205 minutes, meaning he was working at a rate of a goal involvement every 160 minutes. This form has earned him a move to Essex powerhouse Southend United a team who have just missed out on promotion to League 2 by one match.
Playstyle
Spasov is a serial poacher, he works by stretching defences with his movement either working space for himself or tricky wingers who are then able to provide him with service. Within the box his movement and intelligence enables him to create space to deliver one of his deadly finishes. He is uber composed within the box and has the ability to bring the ball down and beat a defender to then slot calmly past the keeper. Reminds me of Alexander Isak with the way he stretches the play but has the natural goalscoring and movement of Harry Kane.
How He Fits Southend
From the majority of games I watched, Southend tended to play with an aggressive front two or a proper striker and then a false 9 dropping into the half spaces. Even though he is not the smallest Spasov looks to stretched play with his movement rather than hold the ball up so you would expect him to be partnered with a more target man type forward, who he can create space for through his movement. Southend love a set piece which could see Spasov either gambling on second balls and deflection within the box or being involved in fine-tuned set piece routines that see him as the designated finisher. From what I saw Southend create chances from both the wing and also more central areas whereas the majority of Spasov’s goals came from the wide areas at Slough, so he may have to adapt slightly to receiving the ball with his back to play. But again his off the ball running fills me with confidence that he is more than suitable to play this role.
Ogbonna has progressively risen through the non-league pyramid since the age of 18 when he first got a taste for men’s football at Northwest London side Hendon FC. Ogbonna hit the ground running at “The Greens”, making four appearances scoring once before making a move to Hertfordshire side Hertford Town. However, the Covid pandemic aimed to stall and disrupted his progression, but Ogbonna snapped back making over 100 appearances and scoring 31 goals from the wing. This form in the Southern League started to grab the attention of clubs in Step 1 and 2. But with all this interest, it was Slough Town manager Scott Davies who convinced Ogbonna to sign his first professional deal in the National League South in July 2023. In his first season at Step 2 he managed to play over 40 games scoring 7 goals, but it was Ogbonna’s goal contributions (10) last season that really caught the eye of National League and EFL sides, but Sutton United won the race to his signature. Ogbonna has now gone from step 4 to step 2 in two years, who knows where this form could take him next?
Playstyle-
Ogbonna is a pure winger, very skilful, very quick, very relentless and very direct, a defender’s nightmare. Ogbonna has played the majority of his game on the right-hand side, looking to beat his opposing player one on one, to then create a goal scoring opportunity. His ability to dribble and produce a skill to get past the opposition is almost second nature and 9/10 he does it with ease, his hard work off the ball and defensively shouldn’t be frowned upon as well. Nonetheless, I feel his consistency in delivering the final past or shot to create a chance or a goal, shows he is still very raw. However, we must take into consideration that he’s quote on quote “learning on the job” challenging himself at a higher level each year so we shouldn’t expect his numbers to stay at consistent and progressive rate. In conclusion Sutton fans can definitely be excited that they have managed to land the signing of one of non-leagues most exciting players and I fully expect him to smash in the next couple of years and end up in the EFL with or without “The U’s”.
Non League Geek 