New Clubs Are Old Friends As Familiar Faces Return

We’ve got ten new clubs joining us from both directions, and we’ve met a few of them before!

In our first look ahead ahead this month, we found out a little more about what we can expect from Forest Green Rovers, Hornchurch, Marine and Chesham United.

Last week, three more new arrivals came under the microscope - we met Radcliffe, Enfield Town and Needham Market. You can read their introduction here.

Our third and final welcome is more of a ‘hello again’ - National League fans will be very familiar with the trio who are concluding our early summer feature.

Sutton United

As much as it’s great to have you back, we didn’t plan to meet again so soon.

After three years, Sutton United’s EFL stay is over. The arrival of Steve Morison offered the hope of salvation but ultimately the damage was done and the club couldn’t haul themselves out of the bottom two.

But despite the drop, they return to the division they won in 2021 in pretty good shape.

They have said goodbye to some of the experienced heads that took them to the title like Harry Beautyman, Craig Eastmond and Rob Milsom but talent remains in their ranks and the fans have real trust in their manager.

Salisbury

It’s been a while, but the name of Salisbury will appear in National League fixture lists for the first time since 2010.

Then playing as City, the club were demoted after failing to settle with creditors and soon reformed - but critically keeping their home, they return ten years after their darkest day when it seemed all hope was lost.

Beating AFC Totton on penalties to clinch their return, the past problems are well and truly behind them.

Over 20,000 fans came to see their home matches last season and after some troubled times, Salisbury are certainly on the up again.

Leamington

Blink and you missed it! Leamington were promoted almost as swiftly as they went down.

They could act as a lesson to many. Despite relegation a year ago, there was never a question Paul Holleran would leave.

Sticking with their manager, they back him the whole way and before long found themself back to where they came from.

The Brakes put in a resilient display to beat the favourites and hosts AFC Telford United 1-0 in the Southern Premier Division Central play-off final - and as much fun as their season was, they don’t intend on returning any time soon!