The National League season is set to commence following a prior campaign noted for its dramatic conclusion, in which the top two teams were separated only at the final moment. York City and Rochdale secured the top positions, with Rochdale ultimately claiming the second promotion spot via penalties in the play-off final against Boreham Wood after an injury-time comeback from two goals down.
Several clubs are positioned as potential challengers for promotion this year. Carlisle United, which accumulated 95 points in the regular season but finished third, will attempt promotion under new management after Mark Hughes departed. Rob Elliot, formerly of Gateshead, has taken the managerial position at Carlisle. Boreham Wood, managed by Luke Garrard, narrowly missed automatic promotion last season and possess several standout players including winger Abdul Abdulmalik and forward Matt Rush. Southend United, managed by new appointee Kieron Dyer in his first full-time managerial role, finished sixth but has established itself as a regular at this level. Hartlepool United enters its fourth consecutive season at this tier under new manager Lee Clark following an American takeover. Forest Green Rovers and Scunthorpe United, which finished seventh and fifth respectively, are expected to contend for play-off positions.
Two notable additions to the league are Worthing and Hornchurch, making their debuts at the fifth tier level. Worthing is managed by Adam Hinshelwood, who previously guided York to 96 points. Barrow and Harrogate Town have returned to the National League after six-year stays in League Two. Fyld and Kidderminster have rejoined following brief absences, while Woking remains without permanent management following the departure of Jermain Defoe.
The promotion structure remains contentious, with only two automatic promotion spots available alongside play-off qualification for teams finishing second through seventh. The average winning point total over the past five seasons has been 102.6. Logistically, the season presents significant challenges, with clubs distributed across England from Carlisle in the northwest to Eastleigh and Worthing in the south, creating substantial travel requirements throughout the campaign.
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