Let's Meet Some New Arrivals Who Are Heading Our Way!

We will have no fewer than 10 clubs joining the National League from both directions next season.

Some of course arrive after magical promotion seasons, while others will be looking to bounce straight back after the devastation of surrendering EFL status. Both know how to win promotion from the division, and want another shot.

So in part one of our close season feature, will tell you a little bit about four of them - and what we can expect when the season kicks-offs in the second week of August.

Hornchurch

There will be a very familiar man prowling the touchlines again next season.

Daryl McMahon surprised many when he agreed to manage Isthmian League Hornchurch. He took over from EFL-bound Steve Morison in late January and had one mission: complete the job.

He clearly knew the Urchins were capable of rising.

They hit the 100 point mark, finishing some 21 points in front of runners up Chatham Town. Could the Essex club put in another title challenge like the old days?

Forest Green Rovers

The proudly organic club have been firmly uprooted in recent seasons.

Things were looking good two years ago, challenging the likes of Ipswich Town in League One with an impressive new stadium in the works. But things became, well, unsustainable.

Forest Green find themselves back in the National League seven seasons after escaping, pictured. It was back-to-back relegation, and eco owner Dale Vince knows how big this season is.

It appears manager Steve Cotterill is staying. He’s taken charge of over 900 matches in his career and will need to summon all his experience to get the club challenging again.

Marine

It’s a well-worn cliche, but one magical FA Cup moment really can change it all.

Marine came to national attention when they clashed with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the third round back in 2021.

That allowed them to lay the foundations - quite literally - with a 4G pitch generating life-giving revenue for the Merseyside club.

Marine now have two restaurants open all day every day and fans whose attention was drawn to Gareth Bale and co that day have been back with crowds up from around 200 to an average of 1,250 inside three years.

Up via the Northern League play-offs, they enjoyed an all time high after winning at well fancied Macclesfield. Marine have life.

Chesham United

Sometimes the longer you wait, the sweeter the success tastes.

Chesham United are back in Step 2 for the first time since 2003 - the General were very much in charge of the Southern Premier South, winning the league with four games to go.

One defeat in their 18 games enabled James Duncan and Michael Murray's side to storm clear of the chasing pack at the start of April. They would have won it by a greater margin had they not been in party mood for the final three matches!

After a number of near misses, their moment has arrived - and they’re determined to make up for lost time.