New Kids On The Block Ready To Make Their Mark

Some have been with us before but for most, the National League experience is 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 less chuffed - and will want to follow the lead of Grimsby Town are return at the first attempt.

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

Our study starts with an inspection of four clubs - and they hope to really make a big impression when we kick-off on August 6.

Scarborough Athletic

Who could forget the day that Scarborough’s McCain Stadium was transformed into the theatre of chips for the visit of Chelsea?

A lot has changed since the nation’s focus fell on the British seaside staple on that FA Cup afternoon. Now they are spreading their wings at their Flamingo Land home.

Most don’t expect them to get into a flap in the National League North.

Nearly 3,000 watched them earn promotion in May as every Seadog had a day to remember. It has been a long time coming.

Forced to re-form in 2007, it’s taken a while but their fans will be watching National League football for the first time in 15 years.

Cheshunt

Craig Edwards knows what it feels like to have his back against the ropes.

The colourful Cheshunt manager is, after all, a former semi pro boxer.

Not many gave his team hope of winning promotion last season, but like their boss with the mega mustache his players know how to pack a punch.

He says they aren’t just in the National League South to make up the numbers.

The Ambers may just go under the radar next season and the experienced manager will be more than happy to produce a new unexpected knock-out blows.

Scunthorpe

If Iron fans need something to perk them up, then they should probably cast an eye 25 miles down the road.

It’s not often you will find Scunthorpe fans boosted by Grimsby Town’s big achievement.

But they can at least get an understanding that it doesn’t matter how much trouble you find yourself in, a summer re-set can totally change the outlook.

Manager Keith Hill says he is the right man to lead the club back into the EFL.

But he says the culture must change and quickly after they tumbled out of League Two without a whimper.

Worthing

They do say good things come to those who wait.

Worthing, pictured, have been pressing for promotion into the National League South for three seasons.

They led the table with ten games to go when the 2019-20 Isthmian League season was declared null and void.

The leaders then had the rug pulled from under them in 2020-21 when Covid just kept coming back.

Third time lucky? It certainly was and for a club very much on the up, pulling in more than 1,000 at home games. Now they are hoping that they can write another exciting chapter.

PHOTO BY MIKE GUNN