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”.
Worthing FC | 22 Years Old | All-Round Midfielder (Can play in the 4,6,8 and 10 role)
Background
Born in Cardiff, Frimpong joined AFC Wimbledon at sixteen following his release from Crystal Palace. This move was followed by a number of loans up and down the non-league pyramid – the first to Leatherhead (Step 3, at the time) where his spell was described as ‘testing’, however a January loan to Carshalton brought some positivity to a frustrating start to life in non-league. Following the conclusion of his loan at ‘The Robins’, Frimpong returned to his parent club and made his senior debut for ‘The Dons’ in August 2022, immediately joining Dartford in the National League South on a one-month loan. He returned to Wimbledon scoring his first ‘Dons’ goal against Crawley in a 3-2 EFL Trophy victory and was then awarded with a league debut, but again this progress led to two further month loans at Potters Bar Town and Metropolitan Police. Unfortunately, his performances didn’t warrant a new deal in the opinion of Wimbledon, this release and a move back to Carshalton was the turning point in Frimpong’s career. Over the past two seasons Frimpong has been a key player in a young exciting Carshalton side who have been battling way above their financial weight in the Isthmian Premier, a league full of powerhouses. These performances were enough to see Frimpong recently join Worthing, another ambitious and exciting side looking to get themselves into Step 1 having reached the NLS Playoffs twice in two years.
Playstyle
Frimpong is an exceptional ball carrier, at Carshalton he played mainly in the 8 role, this meant picking the ball in deep and drive forwards and navigate tights spaces to then create chances – this role also required him to defend a lot which again he excels at doing. Defensively he was asked to cover a lot of ground and be strong in the tackle but did this with ease as he’s so physical and tenacious.
His role at Carshalton was specific, but he definitely displayed attributes and performances that could see him being physical and aggressive enough to play in a single pivot, has the legs and experience to play in the 8 (box to box) and then has that ability and flair to beat a man and pick a pass to play in a sole 10 role. I believe he has the ability and the drive to get himself back into league football, also helps that he’s extremely versatile within midfield.
Reminds me a lot of a more aggressive and hard working Tanguy Ndombele
Noah Africa – Midfielder (18) Sutton Common Rovers (Step 4)
Coming through the ranks at Sunday League level Africa has not had the conventional route to the spotlight. Used predominantly in midfield as holding or pivot player Africa has played over 40 games at Step 4 this season at Sutton Common Rovers, winning Common Rover’s young player of the season and catching the eye of several League 1 and 2 clubs.
Key Attributes – Ball Control and Vision
George Hill – Goalkeeper (17) AFC Whyteleafe (Step 5)
What a season it has been for George Hill, a first season in men’s football completed and a trip to Wembley for the FA Vase final. A superb shot stopper, Hill has broken through in a very exciting and competitive Whyteleafe side making over 15 appearances, Hill who’s extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and has incredible reflexes, plays with the maturity of a seasoned pro.
Key Attributes – Shot Stopping and Ball Playing Ability
Sam Sene-Richardson – Midfielder (18) Chatham Town (Step 3)
The most established player on this list 2024/25 couldn’t have gone any better for Sene-Richardson, managing to appear in 30 games, bagging 8 times from midfield including a brace in the Velocity Cup semi-final. This form led to him picking up not only Chatham’s young player of the season but also their player of the season. A goalscoring midfielder his ability move forward with the ball and arrive in the box gives Frank Lampard vibes.
It’s been a tough season for Lancing in Step 4, but Erskine has been a shining light throughout. Originally signing for the first team during the 2023/24 it wasn’t until this season where he became a consistent player in the squad. This season he has made over 20 league appearances, scoring his first goal against Steyning Town and even captaining the side. Erskine has already had trials at clubs such as Wycombe (League 1), Brighton and Fulham (both Premier League) but I feel as if he can flourish in non-league next season.
Son of former Gillingham legend Danny Kedwell, Preston came through at Ebbsfleet United before making his senior men’s debut age 15 at Hollands and Blair FC (Step 6) scoring in a pre-season match against League 2 side Gillingham. However, 2025 was a big year for Kedwell, moving to Ashford United (Step 4) and then Croydon Athletic towards the end of this season where he made a handful of appearances and becoming the clubs youngest ever goal scorer when he bagged in a 4-1 win against East Grinstead in the Isthmian Southeast Division.
Key Attributes – Finishing and Goalscoring Intelligence
Age 22 years old Main Position Centre-Forward (Right Footed)
Current Club Hashtag United (Step 3)
Career Summary
May-Parrott hasn’t had the generic non-league career, he started out coming through the ranks at Step 5 side Woodford Town, breaking into their first team and going onto make over 90 appearances firing in over 50 goals. In November of the 2023/24 season, ‘The Parrot’ as he’s nicknamed caught the attention of newly promoted YouTube side Hashtag United (Step 3). He went on to finish his first season at Step 3 with 16 goals and 8 assists, averaging a goal every 87 minutes. This season has been no different, May-Parrott has been slightly injury hit but in 21 league starts he bagged 15 goals (two of which were hat-tricks) and grabbed himself 8 assists, just missing out on the play offs in the Isthmian Prem.
Playstyle
May-Parrott is a complete number nine, he drops in and can run at defenders but can also run in behind and finish calmly, he’s a poacher in the box but can also score worldies from distance. May-Parrott works best for fast transitional teams or teams that enable him to drop into the ten area and turn. He’s a super centre-forward but I think his attributes could also see teams potentially using him as a number 10 (due to his creativity and vision) or even in a front three as a winger/forward.
Strengths
Creator and goal scorer | Team-Play | Physical (Speed) | Versatility | Varied finishing | Game awareness/vision
Aspects to think about
Whether he could be utilised in the ten role or as a winger | On the smaller side physically | Not built to be used aerially
Where should he go next
He’s now proven himself two years in a row at step 3, I think now May-Parrott should be aiming for Step 2. In terms of geography if new Chelmsford manager Angelo Harrop is willing to play a 4-4-2, I could see May-Parrott working well with a strike partner, but teams like Dagenham (if they go down) or any Essex/Kent based clubs should definitely be interested.
Age 26 years old Main Position Winger (Both Footed)
Current Club Cray Wanderers (Step 3)
Career Summary
Josh Williams has had an oddly quiet non-league career; he started out Chatham Town (Step 3) and Sevenoaks Town (Step 4) before really kicking off last season at Whitstable Town (Step 5) where he scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists. This for earnt him a move to southwest London to NLS side Hampton and Richmond (Step 2) at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, however according to Transfermarkt he only made 3 appearances before departing and joining Isthmian Premier side Lewes for the start of the 2024/25 season. After 14 appearances and a singular goal Williams joined fellow Isthmian side Cray Wanderers, really a make-or-break career move looking at his age and trajectory at the time. But this didn’t faze Williams at all, firing Cray to a 10th place and finishing the season with 18 goal contributions.
Playstyle
Just like Darion Dowrich (previous report), Williams has benefitted from Cray’s free flowing football, their creative and transitional system has enabled Williams to play with freedom and express himself. Williams gives flashbacks Wilfred Zaha at Crystal Palace, his consistency to beat a defender with either pure pace or quick feet to then create a chance or score a goal from any range is frightening.
Strengths
Both footed | One on one dribbling | Finishing | Crossing | Physicals (Speed)
Aspects to think about
Hasn’t got much experience above Step 3 | Going into his prime years | Inconsistent seasonal form | Fits a specific system
Where should he go next
I think he has shown this season that in the right system he can be consistently dangerous, however it needs to be the right system otherwise he loses his main attributes. With his age I think he should definitely be aiming for Step 2 and potentially Step 1. Could see him working at Dorking or Eastbourne (however I know Marc White hates flair players), maybe Braintree if they were to lose Kyrell Lisbie however wouldn’t put pressure on Williams to put up the same numbers.
Non League Geek 