The Vanarama View: The 6 Big Questions To Be Answered!

Tom Bodell from title sponsors Vanarama looks at six big questions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign...

1. Can Barnet go one better, again?

Entering his third full season as Barnet boss, Dean Brennan has been bullish about his side’s title prospects, saying: “My dream is to get our club back into the EFL and out the National League. There’s no doubt we will be favourites.”

After picking up the reins from Harry Kewell’s in 2021, Brennan’s Bees collected 24 points more in 2022/23 and improved against last year by bagging a further 12. Now the challenge is to accumulate a title-winning tally.

The Bees have been active in the transfer market, making 12 signings. Most importantly, reigning Player of the Season Anthony Hartigan has joined on a permanent basis after excelling on loan last season.

And if Barnet fans want an omen, their last National League title win came a decade ago in our first season as title sponsors: 2014/15. Prior to that? 2004/05 under legendary boss Paul Fairclough. It’s time...

2. How will Aldershot manage without Tolaj and Stokes?

Between them, Lorent Tolaj and Josh Stokes accounted for 45 per cent of Aldershot Town’s National League goals last season – 19 and 15, respectively.

Both are now gone, joining Port Vale and Bristol City, meaning the Shots’ ambitions once more rest upon Tommy Widdrington’s ability to discover unpolished diamonds. Something the former King’s Lynn Town boss has made a career from.

Jack Barham struck 14 times in all competitions last term and will relish being the main man, supported by new signings Kai Corbett and James Henry. Dejan Tetek’s return in midfield is a boost, while defensive additions Luke Jenkins and Lachlan Byrd impressed in National League South last term.

Count the Shots out at your peril.

3. Can Tamworth continue their momentum?

This might be Tamworth’s first season at Step One since 2013/14, but they arrive back in the National League riding the crest of a wave.

Boss Andy Peaks has overseen spectacular back-to-back promotions, first winning the Southern Premier Central Division before adding the National League North title to his CV in Aprill.

An impenetrable backline was the not-so-secret ingredient as the Lambs romped home, conceding just 29 times. Goalkeeper Jas Singh was rightly recognised by his peers in the end-of-season awards after recording a league-best 23 clean sheets – three more than Scunthorpe United’s Ross Fitzsimons who was next best.

It has been a steady summer in terms of recruitment with Peaks preferring quiet evolution to revolution. But make no mistake, his side will not be Lambs to the slaughter!

4. Can New-look York City live up to their billing?

The first season of Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla’s ownership of York City proved how tough the National League is, finishing a point and a place above the relegation zone.

But the Minstermen are a year wiser and stronger for it. They have reloaded and are ready to go again under Adam Hinshelwood, entering his first full season at the LNER.

The former Worthing boss has popularised the trade route between Sussex and Yorkshire, raiding his former side for 40-goal talisman Ollie Pearce and flying full-back Joe Felix. Harrison Male will make the No.1 shirt his own after last season’s job share and previously worked under Hinshelwood at Woodside Road.

Throw in the experience of skipper Lenell John-Lewis, a fit-again Dipo Akinyemi and new-boy Tyrese Sinclair and the Minstermen are stacked in attack. But with big names, come big expectations...

5. Can Braintree Town upset the odds again?

It’s been all change at Cressing Road after Braintree Town’s surprise promotion as National League South Promotion Final winners.

Manager Angelo Harrop admitted in the aftermath of that topsy-turvy 4-3 win over Worthing that work would start the following day. He was as good as his word – 15 fresh faces have signed for the Essex outfit since.

Inih Effiong headlines that list after joining from Dagenham and Redbridge. He struck 16 times for the Daggers last term and has 52 goals in his last four seasons. Talk about proven National League pedigree.

John Akinde is a former Golden Boot winner at this level with Barnet – netting 31 times in 2014/15 – while former Boreham Wood pair Matt Robinson and Jamal Fyfield know this division inside out.

The Iron took great delight in upsetting the odds last season – they’d love to do it again.

6. Full focus on football for Southend United

For the first time in what must feel like forever, Southend United can start the new season focused firmly on on-field matters.

Australian Justin Rees is at the helm and the club’s future is secure. Despite everything, the Blues came agonisingly close to sneaking into the playoffs last term under the astute leadership of former skipper-turned-coach Kevin Maher.

They will have their sights set on a bigger prize this season and if their business so far is anything to go by – with good reason. Josh Walker virtually guarantees goals in the National League having terrified defences with Barnet and Dagenham. Centre-back Joe Gubbins impressed on loan previously and has now signed permanently, while former Billericay Town wing-back George Wind adds further strength in that area.

External expectations will be high, but Southend fans will just be happy to have their club back.

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