New Kids On The Block Are Ready To Make Their Mark

Some have been with us before but for most, the experience will be a brand new one.

Of course, the sides coming up are naturally thrilled to step on up.

The two teams coming down from the EFL are understandably a little less chuffed to be here - and will want to follow the lead of Grimsby Town and return at the first attempt.

During the summer, we will be giving plenty of focus to all the newcomers.

Our study continues with an inspection of three more clubs who have all just celebrated promotion - and they hope to really make a big impression when we kick-off on August 6.

Taunton Town

They may be “heading into the great unknown” but manager Rob Dray knows a few things for certain.

His Southern Premier League South champions will hold their own - but he also knows the National League South will provide a massive test.

The Peacocks won’t “bow down” to anyone once the new season gets underway, he says.

They weren’t talked up last summer but still secured the title on the final day as thousands flocked to see them do it.

Taunton will need their fans back in numbers come August and after last season, there is an appetite to see them carry on where they left off.

Peterborough Sports

Kicking around in the Peterborough League just nine years ago, the hardy few who came along to watch had no idea of the ride that was ahead.

Five promotions later, not bad when two of those years were lost to Covid, the Bee Arena is buzzing - and there’s an ambition to make it half a dozen.

Jimmy Dean took over in 2015 and is already the club’s most decorated manager.

"My target when I took over was step four, but we now find ourselves in step two,” he said after they went up via the Southern Premier Division Central play-offs.

“It’s crazy when you think about it and I don't really know how we did it!

“It will be hard work next season for sure as we’re not flush financially like a lot of the clubs we will be facing, but we’ll have a go.”

Farnborough

We have many new faces joining this summer, but most people already know plenty about Farnborough.

A club who has endured its fair share of tricky times are rising again.

Spencer Day has been plotting their return from some time and with an experienced core boasting players such as Kevin Lokko, Kenny Davis and Sam Deering, they shouldn’t struggle at Step 2.

Their fans took their time to warm to their manager, but the businessman has been a firm fixture for more than ten years.

Boro, promoted via the play-offs, will not be there to make up the numbers.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY HARRIS