The new season is fast approaching and
it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent
years, as plenty of teams in the Conference South will feel this
could be their year. It's a huge cliché in football, but there are
numerous teams who could all be challenging at the right end of the
table come April, 2014.
The South and North are one of the last
divisions to kick off as the Football-League and Conference Premier
have already begun.
Last season saw Welling United win the
League on a small budget and Salisbury City followed them up by
beating Dover Athletic in the play-off final. How will this season
pan out? Well, you'll have to wait until April to find that out, but
in the mean time, here's my preview for the 2013/14 Conference South
season...
*** I stress that this is my own
opinion and should not be taken as fact***
First of all, here's how the bookies
see it...
Ladbrokes have
Eastleigh as 11/4 favourites with Ebbsfleet United just behind at
10/3. Both Clubs have money to burn and have squads capable so it's
not hard to see why they're the favourites.
A fair way behind,
according to the bookies, are Dover Athletic and Sutton United, both
at 8/1. Outsiders include Chelmsford City (12/1), Whitehawk (12/1)
and Havant and Waterlooville (16/1).
Least favourites
with Ladbrokes are Concord Rangers (80/1), Gosport Borough (80/1),
Staines Town (66/1) and Maidenhead United (66/1).
Bet Victor, like
Ladbrokes, have Eastleigh as favourites at 5/2. The Fleet are 11/4.
Sutton United are
placed at 9/1, while Dover and Whitehawk are both 10/1.
Gosport(100/1) and
Concord (80/1) are not fancied at all.
It seems that most
bookies have similar odds on a lot of the teams.
My best tip: Sutton United (E/W) at
9/1.
I'll start my preview with the team
that I know most about; Charlton Athletic, Dover Athletic, Ebbsfleet United.
After a torturous season and a grim few
weeks after the season ended, the Fleet were finally taken over by
KEH Sports, lead by Mr. Peter Varney. The Fleet were in a precarious
position with money problems, owners who weren't capable and staff
who weren't fit to take care of the Club. Towards the end of the
season, Carlos Karani Kabir approached the Club with his vision for
the future, however the Spanish 'businessman' failed to produce any
proof of money and was short of a proper business plan. Nobody knows
what poor Club he's trying to take over now, but the owners at the
time were correct in not accepting his offer to purchase the Club.
The Club are now debt free under KEH and have a suitable budget for
the season ahead. Former Charlton Athletic defender Steve Brown was
appointed manager and his assistant is none other than Addicks legend
Steve Gritt.
The back room staff was helped further with
the appointment of David Jupp, who spent ten years working in the
academy at Brighon and Hove Albion. His job is to coach the first
team and from 2014-15 he will be in charge of the Fleet's new youth
system. Goalkeeping Coach Ron Hillyard returned to the Club to
complete the backroom staff.
All but four of last season's playing
squad were let go by the new management. The four who were offered
contracts, and stayed, were highly rated goalkeeper Preston Edwards,
captain Paul Lorraine, Joe Howe, and midfielder Tom Phipp, who is now
the Club's longest-serving player at just 21 years of age.
Fleet fans were in for a very welcome
surprise as former midfielder Stacy Long returned after leaving for
Stevenage in 2009. Long is good friends with vice-chairman Varney,
but it's still a massive coup for the Club in my eyes.
Brown spent two years at Dover Athletic
as Assistant Manager (to Nicky Forster) and first-team coach after
Forster was sacked. Having taken his first managerial position, it's
almost impossible to forecast how he'll do. He's gained a reputation
as a good coach, but we all know there's a massive difference between
coaching and managing. In his time at Dover, he seemed to develop
good relationships with a lot of the players as five of the squad
from last season followed him over. The first to jump ship was
midfielder Daryl McMahon, who signed for a fee of £13,000. Ben May
and Billy Bricknell were quick to follow. May hit 20+ League goals
for the Whites last season while Bricknell hit double figures.
Midfielder Dean Rance and defender Shane Huke joined soon after.
Brown's knowledge of the Conference
South came into play with some of his other signings, as he secured
the signatures of Aiden Palmer (Chelmsford) Michael Corcoran
(Brackley – former Dover) and Osei Sankofa who has had spells with
Boreham Wood, Farnborough and Eastleigh. He also signed Michael
Thalassitis on a season-long loan from Stevenage. The tall striker
has had Conference South spells with Boreham Wood, and scored a
hat-trick against Dover. Young goalkeeper Brandon Hall, formerly of
Hayes and Yeading and St Mirren, joined as backup to Edwards. Brown
then went on to sign former Chelmsford City winger Anthony Cook. The
23 year old was a target for several weeks but a trial at League One
Colchester United meant that Brown had to wait to land him.
At the time of writing, the Fleet do
not quite have a full squad yet, so it will be interesting to see who
Brown can tempt into signing for us. Also worth noting; new signing
Ben May could miss the first game of the season through injury.
Pre-season for
the Fleet has been decent enough. The Reds have managed to put in
some good performances and the players are slowly gelling. A big
positive so far is that striker Billy Bricknell is linking up well
with both Michael Thalassitis and Ben May, which is pleasing to see.
Stacy Long is looking good, although not quite back to his old self
just yet, and the defence is looking rather solid, although I feel
they will be tested a hell of a lot more once the season has begun.
Not too many negatives have come to light so far, although the
performance at Maidstone was a little disappointing. One cause for
concern for me is the lack of pace in the centre of defence. The
defenders look solid, but lack in pace. A good winger or striker will
exploit them.
Thamesmead Town
1-5 Ebbsfleet United – In scorching conditions, the Fleet came
through their first pre-season match quite comfortably with goals
from Long (2), May (2) and Rance. Jon Main had earlier put the hosts
in front with a header from inside the area.
Maidstone
United 3-0 Ebbsfleet United – The conditions were far better at
the Gallagher Stadium, but the Fleet couldn't push on from their good
start as the stones ran out comfortable 3-0 winners courtesy of goals
from Frannie Collin (two penalties) and winger Rory Hill.
Dartford 1-1
Ebbsfleet United – The Fleet faced higher league opposition for
the first time in pre-season and picked up a creditable draw away at
Dartford. The boys in red had to ride their luck a bit in the first
half as the Darts hit the woodwork three times, but Billy Bricknell
put them ahead early on in the second half. It looked like the Fleet
were heading for victory until Elliot Bradbrook's late header gave
the hosts a draw.
Ebbsfleet
United 2-1 Charlton Athletic XI – The Fleet picked up an
impressive victory in their first home pre-season as they beat a
strong Charlton side. A decent effort from Billy Bricknell and a
brilliant solo effort from full back Joe Howe put the hosts in a
strong position at half time. Richard Wood pulled one back for the
Addicks but they couldn't quite find an equaliser.
Ebbsfleet
United 2-0 Gillingham Development Squad – Strikers Billy
Bricknell and Michael Thalassitis grabbed a goal apiece as the Fleet
beat a youthful Gills side 2-0.
Ebbsfleet
United 3-1 Erith and Belvedere – The Fleet made it three wins
in a row. Striker Billy Bricknell bagged a brace as the Fleet ran out
3-1 winners at Stonebridge Road. Anthony Cook grabbed his first goal
in Fleet colours. A second half goal proved nothing more than a
consolation for the Deres.
Ebbsfleet
United 3-0 Brighton and Hove Albion Development Squad – Billy
Bricknell produced a superb hat-trick as the Fleet warmed up for the
new season in the best possible way. The striker scored eight goals
in the last five pre-season matches and Fleet fans will be delighted
if he can continue this form into the season.
Form: WLDWWWW
Key player – Stacy
Long. The influential midfielder is back for a second spell and will
be eager to help get the Fleet back to where they belong. His goals
from midfield could prove vital as the Fleet look to return back to
the Conference Premier.
Prediction – Unfortunately,
I don't think promotion is on the cards this season. The Fleet will
have a comfortable season and will make the play-offs, but I feel
we'll lose in a two-legged semi-final against Dover. 4th.
Basingstoke Town – Basingstoke,
in my opinion, are one of the dark horses to challenge for the
play-offs. Having finished 14 th
last season, they'll be looking to improve on that and have improved
their squad a little in pre-season with the signings of Louis Wells
(Dartford – Goalkeeper), Adam Green (Dartford - Defender) Neil
Barrett (Ebbsfleet – Midfielder) and Kezie Ibe (Margate –
Striker).
Key player –
Neil Barrett. The box-to-box midfielder still had something to give
at Conference Premier level so to drop down to South level could see
him have an excellent season and prove vital for 'Stoke.
Prediction – I
feel they'll put up a good fight throughout the season but ultimately
fall short. 9th.
Bath City – A
comfortable finish of 11th
in their first season back in the Southern division has set Bath in
good stead to push on and challenge in the top half. The West Country
outfit have been boosted by the return of Andy Gallinagh who was one
of the only positives in their relegation season from the Premier.
City have also signed Andy Watkins, Ross Stearn, David Pratt and Ben
Adelsbury. One player they will miss is top scorer from last season
Charlie Griffin who was released and has since joined Brackley Town
in the
Key player – Andy
Watkins. The striker, formerly of Truro City, impressed City fans in
pre-season and would like to continue to impress going into the
season.
Prediction – Bath
could shock a few teams this season as they look to return to the
Conference Premier in the near future. I feel they'll have a good
season and finish 8th.
Bishop's Stortford – Finally
back in the South after two season's travelling in the North, I feel
Stortford will have a comfortable season, without challenging the top
half too much. The Blues finished 17th
in the North last season and will look to improve on that, and
they've improved their squad as Sam Collins (East Thurrock), Cliff
Akurang (Boreham Wood), Anthony Church (former Grimsby), Ashley
Miller (Canvey Island), Kyle Vassell (former Dover, Chelmsford) and
Callum McNaughton (AFC Wimbledon) all signed for the Blues this
pre-season. Collins picked up all of the player of the year awards
last season, while Church also counts Newport County, Boston United
and Chelmsford City amongst his former clubs. One face Fleet fans
will recognise is Johnny Herd. The left-back joined the Blues on the
back of a poor season at Stonebridge Road and has been a consistent
performer for them.
Key player – Cliff
Akurang. The veteran striker has struggled for goals the past couple
of seasons and will be looking to put the past behind him and get
some goals at Stortford as he gets ever closer to the end of his
career.
Prediction – I
don't think Stortford will pull up any trees this season. 18th.
Boreham Wood – The
Wood appear to be knocking on the door of the play-offs but just
cannot seem to break in. Wood have added firepower to their side with
the addition of Calum Willock, who signed after impressing on trial.
Could this be the season they knock down that door and finish in the
play-offs? Only time will tell.
Key player – Calum
Willock. The former Fleet striker didn't get the best out of himself
in his time with Dover, but he'll be hoping to get back amongst the
goals as Wood once again push for a place in the play-offs.
Prediction – Personally
I think it will be another season of disappointment as they fail to
make the play-offs. 10th.
Bromley – The
Hayes Lane outfit had a disappointing season last year as they
finished in 15th
place and they'll be looking to get that out of their system as soon
as possible. As well as tying up key players from last
Key player – Joe
Welch. The shot stopper will need to be at his best throughout the
season if Bromley are to have a good season.
Prediction – I
feel the Lilywhites will have a better season than last, but due to
the strength of the division now, I think they'll only finish 14th.
Chelmsford City – The
Essex outfit have been play-off regulars in this division but always
seem fall short when it really matters. The last time the Fleet and
Chelmsford met was in the play-offs of 2010/11 when the Fleet ran out
6-2 aggregate winners. The Clarets have lost a lot of key players
this summer, including Stuart Searle, Aiden Palmer, Kenny Clark,
Anthony Cook and Jamie Slabber. Manager Dean Holdsworth has done his
best to replace them, although I can't help but feel the new
recruitments just aren't up to the standard City need if they want to
go up. I feel a few of their signings are very uninspiring.
Key player - Jeff Goulding. The striker signed from Aldershot and will be looking to get amongst the goals and help the Clarets try and get out of this division.
Prediction – I
feel the Clarets will be there or thereabouts, but once again they'll
stick in this Division. 6th.
Concord Rangers – Now
here's a Club I know very little about! The new boys of the Division
will be looking to cause a shock or two this season after gaining
promotion from the Ryman Premier last season. The smallest team on
Canvey Island have overtaken their rivals and are looking to progress
further. The Beachboys finished 4th
last season and gained promotion to the Conference South for the
first time in their
Key player – Paul
Goodacre. The defender will need to be at his best if they're to stay
up.
Prediction – 22nd.
I fail to see anything emulating from their squad that allows me to
think they'll survive this season. It appears they don't have the
strength in depth needed to survive and certainly don't have the star
quality, although stranger things have happened! Quite often you see
sides doing well after gaining promotion, but I just cannot see
Rangers being anywhere near ready to survive in this Division.
Dorchester Town – The
Magpies had an excellent season last year, as they finished 8th
and made a decent assault on Cup competitions. They'll be looking to
improve on that this season, although I don't think it'll happen. I
don't believe they have the squad to challenge again this season. The
Magpies have had a relatively good pre-season, although they've only
faced one higher league side. They've made two signings so far this
summer; Jamie Beasley from Poole Town and goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe
who was last at relegated Truro City.
Key player – Ben
Watson. The striker has signed a new contract at the Avenue and will
be looking to improve on his 17 goals (in all comps) last term.
Prediction – There's
just something about them, I don't think they'll do as well this
season, flirting with relegation for long periods. It will be made
tough for them as they only have one recognised striker. I predict
the Magpies to finish 17th.
Dover Athletic – Beaten
finalists in last year's play-offs, the Whites will be looking to
overcome the heartbreak and gain promotion to the top of the
Non-League pyramid. It's been a tough pre-season for manager Chris
Kinnear as he lost a spine of his squad to the Fleet. The Whites also
lost key players Ian Simpemba (to Eastbourne) and Tyrone Stirling (to
Dartford). It's been a long rebuilding job and it started with three
recruitments from last seasons Ebbsfleet squad; Craig Stone, Liam
Bellamy and top scorer Nathan Elder, with Chelmsford striker Michael
Bakare joining too. Experienced defender Terrell Forbes, who has
joined a Non-League Club for the first time in his life, signed soon
after. A few signings later and the Whites are ready for the new
campaign. Can they get over the disappointment of losing in the
play-offs last season?
Key player – Nathan
Elder. The experienced striker will be looking to hit 20+ goals this
season and help Dover achieve promotion to the Conference Premier; a
League that new signing Craig Stone believes the Club should be
playing in.
Prediction – I
feel the Whites will have a very good season and end up in the
play-offs. The play-offs are always being labelled a lottery, but I
feel Dover will win promotion through them. 3rd.
Eastbourne Borough -
The Priory Lane outfit have been at this level for couple of seasons
now and will want to push for promotion sooner rather than later.
Over the summer the Sports have added goalkeeper Craig Ross and
experienced Conference South defender Ian Simpemba, who joined from
Dover. After initially struggling in the Division, Borough gained a
respectable 12th
place finish last season and will be looking to improve on that.
Key player – Ian
Simpemba. The centre back failed to impress in his short time at
Ebbsfleet but has proved to be a very good South defender. His
experience and know how could prove vital for the sports.
Prediction – I'm
not sure the Sports will improve on last season's finish. There isn't
enough about them. 13th.
Eastleigh – The
big spending spitfires are one of the favourites for promotion this
season and it's not hard to see why! The Hampshire outfit already had
valuable experience in their side, with players such as Ross Flitney,
Dean Beckwith, Chris Todd, Jai Reason and Craig McAllister, but
they've since added Will Evans
Key player – Stuart
Fleetwood. The striker can cut it a League Two level so to drop down
to the Conference South really is something, and it tops the Fleet's
signing of Stacy Long. Providing he's fit for the season, he should
be looking for 25+ goals this season.
Prediction – I
really cannot see past them this season. 1st.
Farnborough –
A very unpredictable Club, you never know what's going to happen.
They're also a Club that just never seem to learn. After previous
problems, you'd think they'd go about things with a bit more caution.
I don't think they'll ever get another side like the one who nearly
gained promotion in 2011. The Hampshire outfit narrowly missed out
after losing 2-4 in the play-off final to the Fleet. It's a ground I
quite enjoy going to, so for that reason alone I hope they stick
around. A couple of their players seem good enough, but the majority
of their squad I am unfamiliar with.
Key player – Elvis
Hammond. He's a striker who I rate, and he'll need to be on the top
of his game for Boro this season.
Prediction – As
mentioned, it's a squad I'm unfamiliar with so this is a huge stab in
the dark; 15th.
Gosport Borough – Another
newly promoted side who will be looking to cause a shock. The Boro'
have recorded two promotions in three years and long-term manager
Alex Pike is building a good side at Privett Park. This season will
be Gosport's first at this level and they'll be looking to prove
they're not here just to make up the numbers. Some players to watch
out for in the Gosport side include Paul Hinshelwood, Mike Gosney and
Sammy Igoe. The team they have seem to have bonded very well. I
certainly wouldn't take them lightly.
Key player – Sammy
Igoe. The hugely experienced midfielder is certainly at the back end
of his career but I feel he still has something to offer. He made 30+
appearances for Boro last season and counts Havant and Waterloo,
Bournemouth, Hereford, Millwall, Swindon, Luton, Reading and
Portsmouth among his former Clubs.
Prediction – I
fancy the Boro to have a good season as they finish 11th.
Havant and Waterlooville – 9
times out of 10, the Hawks are predicted to be there or thereabouts,
but never seem to live up to their potential. They have a manager who
should have good contacts which is
Key player – Sahr
Kabba. It was a tough pick between Blanchett and Kabba for me, as
both could prove vital to the Hawks next season. Kabba has had
previous problems with injury, but hopefully he's past that as he
looks to push for a career in the Football-League while helping the
Hawks out in the meantime. The striker has the potential to push the
20-goal mark this coming season.
Prediction – There's
a part of me that feels Havant will be some way off the pace this
year, but there's a dominant part of me that feels they'll be a force
to be reckoned with. I feel the experience in their squad is vital,
although Bradbury needs to sign another striker in my opinion. That
said, I think the Hawks will work to a very respectable 7th
place finish.
Hayes and Yeading United – Managed
by none other than former Premier League and Republic of Ireland
defender Phil Babb. The 42 year old, like Steve Brown, has taken his
first managerial job in Football and will be looking to establish
himself in the business. Babb's first signing was the versatile
Polish midfielder Szymon Sidorowicz, who spent the end of last season
at Kingstonian after returning from Poland. United have made a few
more signings but do not quite have a full squad yet, so Babb faces a
busy couple of weeks trying to recruit new players in time for the
season. The Club finished a disappointing 17th
last season as they flirted with relegation; can they steer clear
this time around? At first thought, I thought Hayes would miss Tom
Cadmore after the defender departed and joined “moneybags”
Whitehawk, but they have signed two very good Conference South
defenders in Charlie Wassmer and Dean Inman, with the latter coming
as a surprise as he looked set to join Farnborough.
Key player – Charlie
Wassmer. The defender is believed to have had contract offers from
Dagenham, AFC Wimbledon and Kidderminster but returned to Hayes after
a brief spell in the League with Crawley and a loan spell at
Cambridge United. Hayes fans will be hoping he can strike an instant
solid partnership with Inman.
Prediction – Despite
a couple of good signings, I believe Hayes will have to settle for a
bit of mid-table nothingness, which I'm sure the supporters will be
content with. 12th.
Maidenhead United – Struggled
last season as they finished one place above the relegation zone. The
Key player – Danny
Green. No, not the Charlton Athletic player. The former Thurrock
midfielder had an impressive season last year and will want to
impress again as they try to avoid relegation.
Prediction – As
mentioned, Maidenhead's time in the Conference South is up for me. I
think they're in for a long and disappointing season as they finish
21st.
Staines Town – Another
side who struggled last season as they finished 18th.
The Swans have a very young and inexperienced side which I feel could
count against them this season. They've lost players from last season
including captain David Wheeler, who has joined League Two Exeter
City. Like Maidenhead, I feel we'll be waving goodbye to Staines Town
this season.
Key player – Jerel
Ifil. A defender who brings much needed experience to a young side.
Prediction – 20th. I
feel that Staines Town will be relegated on the last day of the
season.
Sutton United – The
bookies seem to be missing something here, as Sutton are placed at
around 8/1 with
Key player – It's
a tough one, but I'd have to say Beautyman. They've got proven
goalscorers in the side and his work in midfield could be vital in
creating opportunities for those strikers. He could also chip in with
a few key goals.
Prediction – They're
genuine title contenders, and I feel they'll have an excellent
season, however I think they'll just miss out finishing 2nd
and losing in the play-offs.
Tonbridge Angels – The
other Kent Club in the Conference South. I can't help but feel
Tonbridge are one of those sides who are just happy to make up the
numbers. They're not going to go up, but they won't go down either. I
do think that losing Frannie Collin and Lee Worgan this pre-season
was a big dent for them, and I believe they'll be flirting with
relegation for large parts of the campaign, but I feel they have just
enough about them to survive.
Key player – Nathaniel
Pinney. The striker signed from Carshalton in pre-season after an
excellent season there. Fleet fans will be familiar with Pinney after
the youngster enjoyed a brilliant loan spell here in 2011-12. His
standards dropped a little bit, but it looks as though he's bounced
back after a spell in a lower division. Could that spell with
Carshalton be the start of his career again?
Prediction – 19th.
After being in a relegation
scrap for the majority of the season, I feel they'll pull away in the
last week of the season.
Weston Super-Mare – Probably
the quietest Club in this division in terms of quality of the squad.
The players aren't really well known; well certainly not to me!
Despite finishing in the bottom three of the Conference South on
three occasions, Weston have never been relegated as they managed to
get a reprieve on all three occasions. The Club finished an
impressive 7th
place last season, but I feel they'll struggle this season. The
strength of the division has improved a huge amount and I can't help
by feel Weston are one of
Key player – Louis
Feeley. As mentioned, I don't know the first thing about Weston
Super-Mare so this is just a guess. The midfielder has signed from
Premier side Hereford United and will want to show his new, and old,
Club just what he can do.
Prediction – 16th. I
just don't feel they have enough about them to do anything of note
this season. I don't think they'll ever be in any real danger of
going down, but they'll be on the edges.
Whitehawk – The
completely unknown. They're the new Club on the block as they've
suddenly turned up with some wealthy backer(s). People have started
to take note of them as their odds (Bet Victor) have been slashed
from 40/1 to 10/1 in the past month or so. They've also shortened
with Ladbrokes, now down to 12/1. Ryman Premier division winners last
season, they should do the best out of all of the promoted sides. For
a Club so small, they have quite a frightening squad and could well
be up there with the best at the end of the season. With experienced
players such as Richard Rose, Matt Lawrence, Charlie Henry, Sami
El-Abd, etc. They certainly won't be far off. Interestingly, the
Hawks have signed Blackburn striker Edinho Junior on a month's loan.
If they can keep him for a little longer, they've got a brilliant
striker on their hands. I feel the Hawks best signing of the summer
is former Hayes defender Tom Cadmore. Hayes fans feel he become a
little disinterested towards the end of last season, so this move
could be perfect for him.
Key player – Sami
El-Abd. He's a defender who's impressed me in previous seasons and
was somewhat of a coup for the Hawks at Ryman level. Consistency will
be the key and if Sami can keep it up throughout the season then
he'll contribute to another very good year for Whitehawk.
Prediction – I
find it very hard eliminating these lot from the fight for promotion.
I feel they have a squad good enough to challenge, and they have
money to improve if things aren't going their way. They have a fairly
settled squad and their additions over the summer have been
impressive. 5th.
This brings me towards the end of
the preview now, and I'd like to think you're all still reading...
Below is what I think the final table will end up like:
1. Eastleigh (P)
2. Sutton United
3. Dover Athletic (P)
4. Ebbsfleet United
5. Whitehawk
6. Chelmsford
7. Havant and Waterlooville
8. Bath City
9. Basingstoke Town
10. Boreham Wood
11. Gosport Borough
12. Hayes and Yeading
13. Eastbourne
14. Bromley
15. Farnborough
16. Weston Super-Mare
17. Dorchester Town
18. Bishop's Stortford
19. Tonbridge Angels
20. Staines Town
21. Maidenhead United
22. Concord Rangers
Other Skrill divisions:
The quality of the
Premier Division I feel is slowly decreasing with stronger sides
getting promoted and weaker sides being relegated from the Football
League rather than the 'big' sides. I feel Grimsby Town and
Kidderminster Harriers will get promoted. Grimsby have made some
shrewd signings this summer as they look to get back to the
Football-League after a few years absence. Kidderminster, after a
poor start, ended last season like a steam train, but fell in the
play-offs. They've kept the majority of their squad and made some
decent additions. Wrexham, Luton and Cambridge United I feel will
make up the rest of the top five.
It's a tough pick
for the bottom four. Aldershot Town will start with a ten point
deduction, but have made some useful signings. I have a sneaky
suspicion that they'll stay up. I believe Hyde, Tamworth, Southport
and Nuneaton will get relegated.
The division's
dark horses I believe will be Woking. Their home form last season was
solid, and they've got a very settled squad there.
The North, like
the South, I feel there's only one winner; AFC Telford United. The
Bucks have strengthened a hell of a lot this pre-season since Liam
Watson joined them from Southport, taking a spine of the squad with
him. Joining them back in the Premier I feel will be Stockport
County. The Hatters have added some real quality to their side in
Phil Jevons, Aman Verma and Kristen Dennis and I feel once in the
play-offs they'll just be too strong for their opponents.
That just about
wraps up my look into the new season. I don't think anybody knows how
this season will pan out, but it's sure to be nine months of ups,
downs, torture, happiness, anger, just complete drama. Good luck to
all teams involved. Let's hope it's a brilliant season.
I will leave you
with my predictions for the opening game of the season.
Thanks for
reading.
Bishops Stortford
1-2 Bath City
Concord Rangers
1-3 Basingstoke Town
Eastleigh 1-1
Sutton United
Ebbsfleet United
2-2 Havant and Waterlooville
Farnborough 1-2
Chelmsford City
Gosport Borough
1-2 Dover Athletic
Hayes and Yeading
United 2-0 Bromley
Staines Town 0-0
Dorchester Town
Tonbridge Angels
0-2 Boreham Wood
Weston Super-Mare
1-2 Eastbourne Borough
Whitehawk 4-0
Maidenhead United
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