Author: Joe Elliott

It’s less than a week until the National League South (NLS) commences, we can finally begin to feel the excitement of nine months of cold Tuesday nights, heavyweight title fights and final day relegation scraps, the NLS never seems to disappoint. This season is set up to be the best ever, can Torquay and Dorking finally beat their playoffs curse, how will new boys and big money spenders Farnham adapt to the step up and which big team will go down to Step 3 that everyone predicted to be in and around the play offs (Eastbourne for me last season. But as we know when we reach the end of April 2027 all questions and queries will have been answered!

1st Dagenham and Redbridge (Champions)

It might be a shock to some predicting the East London side as champions but as a great admirer of Lee Allsion’s managerial work throughout non-league and the careful approach new investor and YouTube star KSI have taken, I think “the Daggers” are in a very good space. As many know Allison did extremely well at Hendon and Hemel, just missing out on promotion with the latter last season. Allison eye for talent and his ability to get results out of games through a more traditional approach saw him have success last season, and I expect the same this season. The owners have allowed for the proper non-league people to do the work, letting Allison clear the squad whilst bringing in a clear recruitment strategy, it’s now down to the players to do the talking.

Player to Watch – Archie Tamplin

2nd Torquay United (Playoffs)

I think it will be tight between Torquay and another team for the title (I’m hoping Dagenham!). however, the only thing stopping Torquay is themselves. Jimmy Ball has done well in keeping the bulk of his squad whilst adding extra experience and quality where needed. Holding onto Jordan Young and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton will be crucial as both have the ability to fire Torquay up the league even if the rest of the team is underperforming.

Player to Watch – Sonny Blu Lo-Everton

3rd Dorking Wanderers (Playoffs)

At the time of writing Dorking have just lost 5-0 to Step 3 side Bracknell however its pre-season so the abnormal is normal. Last season was full of mixed feelings, yes “the Wanderers” failed to get through the play offs but the fact they even reached that stage after dealing with a season long injury crisis showed the culture created by White. This season will be hard once again the loses of cult heroes Jason Prior, Niall McManus and Luke Moore will have to be replaced plus the huge and maybe understated loss of first team coach Rob Tuvey who was in charge of set pieces, an aspect that “the Wanderers” were particularly strong in last season. On paper, Dorking’s recruitment has been superb in recent years, but can they keep the squad fit is a different question.

Player to Watch – Harry Pinchard

4th Truro City (Playoffs)

Truro are coming off the back of a tough campaign in the National League, not scoring enough really hurt “the Tinners” last season. John Askey side must show more bravery in front of goal if they want to have a decent bounce back this season. They need to make sure talisman Tyler Harvey gets back to his best after finding the net 27 times the last time they were in the NLS. I think Askey and Truro are smart enough to do well this season.

Player to Watch – Domonic Johnson-Fisher

5th Ebbsfleet United (Playoffs)

Literally as I have started writing this, Ebbsfleet have just been suspended for the first three games do I think that will change anything, probably not. On a more positive note, I have been impressed by their recruitment, I’m a big admirer of Daniel Ogunleye and Ollie Box formally of Brentwood Town and Dartford. The level of experience within the squad should provide stability throughout the season with depth and options in every position, Josh Wright’s side should be expected to get in the play offs at a minimum.

Player to Watch – Olly Box

6th Maidenhead United (Playoffs)

The retirement of long serving manager Alan Devonshire in November of last season was impending but a bit of a shock mid-season, however Ryan Peters came in and pushed “the Magpies” back up the league. I believe it will be more of the same again this season and Peter’s will have his side consistent and potentially fly a little under the radar, and if they can get the best out of Josh Umerah, they could be a real force.

Player to Watch – Daniel Nkrumah

7th Chelmsford City (Playoffs)

Chelmsford’s first season as a full-time outfit was one that was probably expected, the club struggled to adapt behind the scenes and never really look like they had got going at points flirting with the play offs but in the end finishing in and around mid-table. This season should be different behind the scenes and the appointment of Mark Cooper shows one of maturity, Cooper is experienced within non-league and with a number of successes on his CV. Cooper has been able to retain the services of EFL experience in Mandela Egbo and club-captain Lyle Taylor whilst also adding quality and talent from Step 1 and 3 with former Southend full back Nathan Ralph and St Albans Talisman Leo Sery.

Player to Watch – Leo Sery

8th Billericay Town

It was an odd season for Billericay; they appointed Danny Scopes in September 2025 following a poor start to the Isthmian Prem season under Grant McCann. They then started poorly under Danny Scopes, and it looked to be another season of disappointment before a 13-match unbeaten run during which they won 10 in a row between February and the end of April eventually defeating Brentwood Town in the play off final. Scopes has added NLS quality in Worthing Champion Odei Maritn plus EFL experience in Mcauly Bonne whilst keeping hold of the spine of his squad from last year in Elliot Long and Callum Watts, Billericay could right up there.

Player to Watch – Elliot Long

9th Weston-Super-Mare

Weston will be hoping for better managerial stability this season after Scott Barlett left for Eastleigh in September 2025, Scott Rogers was then appointed as interim and then permanent as he secured “the Seagulls” a 6^th place finish. Personally, I’m hoping Weston play better football this season however it’s the three points that matter at the end of the day. (Short one on Weston sorry.)

Player to Watch – Will Jenkins Davies

10th Maidstone United

The stones had another underwhelming season in the South which saw the departure of ex-Premier League icon and manager George Elokobi. Three seasons on from their relegation from the National League former assistant to Elokobi, Craig Fagan will take the reins. But I see this as a rebuild/long term project and Stones fans shouldn’t expect success this season, Fagan has good rid of some dead wood bringing in the Step 2 experience in Leon Gravata and Jayden Davies. Maybe the signing of the summer is new assistant Rob Tuvey a man highly rated from his time in the EFL with Wimbledon and the last couple of seasons with Dorking. Can his set piece nuance and eye for detail help Fagan in Maidstone’s bid for new success.

Player to Watch – Riley Court

11th Hemel Hempstead

Another club with a huge rebuild on their hands. Hemel have lost a whole management team and most of their squad off the back of an unbelievable season where they just missed out in the play offs. Lee Allison has made the switch to Dagenham; captain Kyle Ajayi has joined Forest Green and playmaker Isiah Noel-Willaims has departed for the EFL. But they need to allow Lee Bircham to have time, what he achieved at Bedford was extraordinary and he can do the same at Hemel. The signings Archie O’Brien, Jake Tabor and Josh Green by the way are filthy.

Player to Watch – Jesse Effa

12th Braintree Town

Braintree would have been a lot lower if they hadn’t have just had their transfer embargo lifted after receiving nearly half a million in external clause payments. John Still will hope they can muster together more than eight wins, but I do think Braintree need a complete rebrand and until that happens, they will be on the decline. Still has put together a balanced side the likes of Courtney Senior, Elliot Thrope and Alfie Matthews must step up to enable Braintree to blossom to the full.

Player to Watch – Fletcher Hubbard

13th Farnborough

People who know this level will understand that last year’s underachievement was an anomaly, long serving manager Spencer Day will be hoping that doesn’t happen again. Day has added to his squad with firepower in Josh Parker, Rashawn Scott and Micheal Reindorf, all Borough need is some consistency and a bit more bite.

Player to Watch – Kasim Aidoo

14th Folkestone

Jay Saunders back in the South could be something special but I think it will need a season of consolidation before they start to properly attack the top half. Saunders has been able to keep the majority of his title winning Isthmian side, whilst adding a trio of Isthmian League talent Harvey Kedwell, Alejandro Machado and Devonte West. The depth and experience up front might be some of the best in the league in former EFL Bagsmen Joe Piggott and John Akinde, there’s something special brewing on the coast of Kent.

Player to Watch – Devonte West

15th Tonbridge Angels

I was sceptical at the decision to part ways with Craig Pitman last season however since then Alan Dunne has been able to further stable the ship and make Tonbridge of the best part-time sides in the league. I think this season will be more of the same some highs some lows. However, “the Angel’s” smart recruitment this summer could prove key, keep an eye on trio Lexus Beeden, Sam Corne and Jephte Tanga who have joined from local rivals Maidstone.

Player to Watch – Bunmi Babajide

16th AFC Totton

Totton enjoyed a respectable mid-table finish last season having been promoted the season before, this year I believe it will be more of the same. Again, the aim will be to survive and build another year, Scott Rendell has got rid of some that couldn’t quite adapt and brought in that much needed quality. More of the same please. (Again, sorry for the length).

Player to Watch – Reuben Livesey-Austin

17th Horsham

Horsham took the NLS by storm in the first half of last season under the tactical masterclass of Dom Di Paola, but they seemed to run of steam in the second half finishing in comfortably in the bottom half. This season may well be a struggle again given the small budget the club operates on, and they added increases in finical power in the league. But I trust Di Paola and adding the likes of Nial McManus from Dorking and Sam Howles from Dagenham shows real intent.

Player to Watch – Jamie Yila

18th Chesham

Chesham surprised a number of people last season finishing 11^th just missing out on the play offs. A drop off is expected this season but like Totton they have added the correct balance to go again. Joseph Adewumni will be one to watch having recently been brought in from Dulwich, they have also raided other Step 3 side in Cheshunt and Hanwell bringing in wing back Lordon Akolbire and centre half Harry Hoath.

Player to Watch – Joseph Adewumni

19th Hampton and Richmond

Like most part time sides in the league, H&R have been surviving but are yet to break into the bracket of one of the most effective small sides. However, Alan Dawson could be the difference, having already led “the Beavers” to a promotion and their highest finish in the NLS. Dawson has added the likes of young talents in Pat Nash and Sak Hassan, plus retaining Rohan Ince and Reece Grego Cox.

Player to Watch – Pat Nash

20th Salisbury

Even with big money owners Salisbury spent the end of last season looking over their shoulders, a season build around survival rather than progression. Brain Dutton will be looking for more this season, hopefully added investment and stability behind the scenes will see development.

Player to Watch – Dan Ellison

21st Slough Town (Relegated)

The departure of Scott Davies to Aldershot may be more detrimental than most think, Scott identified how to compete as a small fish in a big pond. His ability to find talent within the levels below and develop them all whilst improving his team was second to none. New gaffer Alan Julian has a huge task in trying to steer Slough to safety once again, so far Julian has recruited smartly bringing in young star Goerge Voster and the experience of Keenan Quansah but with the league becoming ever more competitive finically do they have enough firepower to beat the drop again?

Player to Watch – Jaiden Drakes Thomas

22nd Farnham Town (Relegated)

This may be the most controversial prediction, but that doesn’t take away from owner Harry Hugo Farnham’s superb strategy and rise. However, after three successive promotions I think this season may be a slight culture shock to “The Town”. Recruitment wise I have been impressive a blend proven step 2 players in Jack Spong and Rakish Bingham plus the added EFL experience of Sam Hutchinson shows the pull and scale of the project Farnham have. Tactically I think they will be caught out, yes, they have added Sam Hawkins as Head Coach, but will that be enough to keep Farnham up? I’m not sure.

Player to Watch – Owen Dean

23rd Dover Athletic (Relegated)

Dover started quickly like most of the promoted sides last season but had periods of inconsistency which led to a 16^th place finish. The back line will have to gel this season, plus the added firepower of Sonny Fish and Kola Salami need to hit the ground running. Jake Leberl will be hoping he can get a couple more bodies through the door and add a little quality otherwise I think they will struggle.

Player to Watch – Kola Salami

24th Walton and Hersham (Relegated)

As a Dulwich supporter the appointment of club legend Kevin James has made me a little more optimistic for ‘the Swans’, but only time will tell how well he can adapt from academy football to men’s football. Again, like Farnham, W&H recent rise has been exceptional but like mentioned with Farnham, Step 2 is where finical power doesn’t guarantee success. Recruitment wise W&H have lost big names in Johl Powell and Jos Barker to Yeovil and replaced the large majority of outgoings with young talents. I think a lack of experience in the management and playing staff will see “the Swans” struggle.

Player to Watch – Sam German

Thank you for reading and please share!

Kymani Thomas (Brentwood Town)

Age 22

Positions LW/RW

Background

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 2^nd 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.

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 4^th 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 87^th 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.

History and Background

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……

Thank you for reading!

Age 25 Position LW/10

Current Club Bath City

Background

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.