Vanarama National League 2022-23 Club-by-Club Review
The 2022-23 National League has been an absolute dream to cover.
We had a title race for the ages, Wrexham and Notts County breaking all sorts of records in their bid to record promotion amid huge attention from media outlets around the world thanks to a certain ownership group. That it led to arguably the biggest match in non-league history, and a game that didn’t let the division down, only added to the insanity.
Wrexham came through as worthy winners but Notts rightly joined them after a remarkable play-off campaign that saw 6th and 7th win away from home before taking 2nd and 3rd into extra-time thanks to late, late goals in both. The final wasn’t a spectacular event but drama wasn’t lacking as Notts scored two late equalisers before winning on penalties as Cedwyn Scott completed his own personal story of retribution.
At the bottom, Maidstone United, Scunthorpe United and Yeovil Town waved goodbye in depressing fashion amid struggles on and off the field. Torquay United were the other club to wave goodbye but only after an almighty push to avoid the drop, somewhat unfortunate that Gateshead and Dorking Wanderers had managed to put together similar runs while a change of management at Aldershot Town did the trick and late goals for Maidenhead United and York City kept them up on the penultimate day.
That four full-time outfits dropped while the three part-time clubs remained in the division speaks volumes for the competitive nature of a league in which anybody can beat anybody and that has also proven to be the case in the FA Trophy where Gateshead and FC Halifax Town meet.
We’ve seen the rise of Barnet from relegation fodder to play-off contenders. Southend United performing minor miracles on the field amid the threat of expulsion off it. Oldham Athletic achieve a top-half finish for the first time since 2009. Altrincham go full-time for the first time ever, lose seven club legends and response by achieving safety with relative comfort.
A superb campaign with stories everywhere and I’ve done my best to break down all 24 National League clubs, provide reminders of my predictions, statistics from the season that was, the players I enjoyed watching and what I anticipate heading into the summer.
And I can’t wait to do it all again.
I’ve also completed an awards piece for the National League season, including player, young player, goal, save, assist and team of the season. You can check that out via this link:
https://rdnlmusings.blogspot.com/2023/05/nl-musings-vanarama-national-league.html
Thank you to Soccerway, Soccerstats, Fbref, FootyStats, Wyscout and myself for the statistics in this piece.
Aldershot Town
2022-23 League Position: 18th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 14 D 11 L 21; F 64 A 76 GD -12; Pts 53
Longest Unbeaten Run: 6
Longest Winless Run: 6
Most Starts: Luca Ashby-Hammond & Tyler Cordner – 45
Top Goalscorer: Inih Effiong – 14
Clean Sheets: 8
Worst Discipline: Tyler Cordner - 8Y 0R
Summer Prediction: 18th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Recruitment done early. Should be more stability. Molesley knows his core well. Effiong hits double figures. Cons: Limited budget / resource. Big squad churn - could take time to gel. Concern about GK / CB's.
After 10: Personally, I’m seeing signs of improvement and recruitment has been positive too. The challenge is changing the mentality. The Shots have been up against it for a while now and it’s hard to turn that around in ten matches. This may be a slow burner of a campaign and survival remains the primary aim.
Mid-season: My early impressions of Ross McNeilly are positive and it gives me hope that The Shots can once again avoid the trapdoor. However, I’m expecting it to be a relatively close run thing.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
The minimum aim for Aldershot Town given their budgetary constraints was survival but to have done it by employing three manager isn’t something they will want to repeat. Mark Molesley was released after an indifferent start and replaced by Ross McNeilly, who was certainly more positive and open in his interviews. It looked like McNeilly had done enough to steer the Shots to safety but others started to pick up points and bums got twitchy. That led to the appointment of Tommy Widdrington. A back-to-basics approach got the team over the line and they remain a National League club.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That Aldershot need to start football matches better. Only one other side conceded more goals in the first 15 minutes of matches (15) and no side conceded more goals in the first 15 minutes of both halves combined (34). They also won just five points in the 22 matches they conceded first. Why did this happen? Possibly youthful naivety and a lack of defensive structure. The Shots were the youngest squad in the division based on minutes played, had the 4th highest xG against total and third highest PPDA (passes per defensive action). The Shots didn’t take to possession kindly, having the third lowest average in the league.
Which Players Stood Out?
Tyler Cordner. I can’t speak highly enough of the centre back. Inih Effiong was the main man before departing, supported by the raw but fun Justin Amaluzor, who finishes just shy of 20 goal contributions. Ryan Glover has been selfless, a regular selection in a number of different roles. Joe Partington has led by example despite fitness issues and Lucas Ashby-Hammond has grown with game time.
What Happens Next?
Likely more of the same. Aldershot aren’t flush financially so it will require good recruitment and good management to avoid a situation in which they aren’t involved in the relegation fight – and the division is only getting stronger. In Widdrington, I think the Shots have a manager that will recruit well and has proven he is a competent manager at King’s Lynn Town and his short spell in Surrey. It will be a big job but I think they’ll be okay.
Altrincham
2022-23 League Position: 17th
2022-23 Record: Pld: 46; W 14 D 14 L 18; F 68 A 82 GD -14; Pts 56
Longest Unbeaten Run: 8
Longest Winless Run: 9
Most Starts: Josh Lundstram – 46
Top Goalscorer: Chris Conn-Clarke – 9
Clean Sheets: 3
Worst Discipline: James Jones - 4Y & 2R
Summer Prediction: 23rd
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Already regretting this choice. Parkinson. Full-time. Will play & open up teams. Cons: Big change in leadership. Youthful group. No longer able to turn back to experienced core. Kosylo / Marriott long-term injuries. Mooney / Hancock gone.
After 10: Confidence can drain quickly in football and this newly-formed group not only need to mature but also help instil a different mentality. That's not easily done. Perhaps a first victory of the season, at home against ten-man Aldershot Town on match day ten can help that.
Mid-season: Parkinson has created a well oiled unit, one in which players know their roles and the way he has navigated the early period as a full-time club speaks volumes to his quality as a manager. Alty will be absolutely fine and if anything, they might just find a way to improve their squad further.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A positive one. This was their first season as a full-time football club. They lost seven stalwarts in the summer due to the change. They lost two key players to long-term injuries in the summer. They then lost their vice-captain and five attackers during a January massacre. It has meant two squad rebuilds yet they haven’t just survived but thrived, finishing in mid-table, reaching an FA Trophy semi-final and playing some superb football along the way. This has been a successful campaign and justifies the clubs faith in Phil Parkinson and his ability to keep the team moving forward.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Altrincham were a lot of fun and never gave up but were too soft defensively. The positives first. Alty scored the most goals of any team outside of the top seven with 68 and scored more goals than all but three teams in the final 15 minutes of matches (20). They also had the best record outside of the top four for recovering points after conceding first. But, they had the joint youngest squad in the league based on minutes played and this perhaps shows in them keeping the fewest clean sheets (4) and being one of three teams to pick up less than two points per game after leading at half-time. That defensive softness perhaps shows in their discipline (second best), fouls conceded (second fewest) and PPDA (second highest). They also, curiously, picked up the second fewest points against bottom four sides of any team to finish outside of the bottom four, winning one of eight matches. They were strong at home at least, losing just twice against teams outside of the top seven.
Which Players Stood Out?
Chris Conn-Clarke, Elliot Newby and Ryan Colclough were a joy to watch before departing and Toby Mullarkey more than deserved his move. Josh Lundstram has been a real standout and rightly earned an England C call-up. The spine of Olly Byrne, James Jones and Isaac Marriott have grown into their roles, Jordan Hulme has been a selfless leader and Eddy Jones has shown vast improvement.
What Happens Next?
More of the same. I was concerned about Alty in the summer but they showed an ability to problem solve without sacrificing their style and showing a continued ability to develop players. That will appeal to players and clubs who want to progress and they will be more settled having gone through that first season of full-time football. They may lose a couple more this summer but Altrincham are going in the right direction. The primary concern is whether Phil Parkinson and his staff are recruited by somebody higher up the ladder.
Barnet
2022-23 League Position: 5th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 21 D 11 L 14; F 75 A 67 GD 8; Pts 74
Longest Unbeaten Run: 11
Longest Winless Run: 5
Most Starts: Laurie Walker & Harry Pritchard – 45
Top Goalscorer: Nicke Kabamba – 19
Clean Sheets: 13
Worst Discipline: Danny Collinge 6Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 12th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Big summer of recruitment. Group fits style Brennan wants. Better equipped to match sides physically. More dynamic. Cons: Brennan admitted budget stretched & still not sold about quality in both boxes to be top 7 contention.
After 10: When a team starts to level out but does so having had the bad form come more recently, it always looks and feels worse but Barnet’s aim was always about improvement rather than perfection and so far, it’s undeniable that this is a better team than the one Brennan took on last year.
Mid-season: I guess this is a case of answering whether I think Barnet stay in the top seven or not. I think they will remain there or thereabouts. The lack of depth worries me with them being over budget. Burnout and injuries could cause problems and Brennan may not be in a position to improve the squad further.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Barnet have spent two years in the doldrums, a chaotic period in which they have lurched from one bad decision to another and have been fortunate that COVID stopped them being relegated first time around. Dean Brennan isn’t one to mince his words and he stayed true to what he said at the back end of his first season with the club, making wholesale changes to the playing staff. The result was a more cohesive squad that could be flexible depending on game state and ruthless in both boxes. The defeat against Boreham Wood in the play-offs will hurt but the experience of this season has been a positive one overall.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Barnet’s defensive record was weird. They conceded the most goals of any side in the top seven by 14 goals and their xGA was the 8th worst in the league. But, they kept as many clean sheets as 3rd and 4th place Chesterfield and Woking. This is because 45 of the goals they conceded came during two spells containing a combined 16 matches – the Bees conceded 22 goals in the remaining 30. Mentality was a big thing, Brennan’s side finishing third for points picked up against top half teams, goals scored away from home and goals scored in the final 15 minutes of matches. Stylistic improvements may be sought with Barnet having the third lowest PPDA against and completing the third fewest 1 v 1 dribbles. Penalties were a rarity, Barnet only winning two all season and scoring neither.
Which Players Stood Out?
Nicke Kabamba is the obvious one, trusted by his manager to perform and repaying that faith with 26 goal contributions. He has been ably supported by the pacy Idris Kanu, youthful Ryan De Havilland and experienced Harry Pritchard, all of whom have chipped in with a sizeable goal tally. At the other end, Laurie Walker had endeared himself to fans as a fine goalkeeper and expert wind up merchant. Danny Collinge, Jerome Okimo and Dale Gorman have had strong campaigns.
What Happens Next?
Dean Brennan eluded to his plans post-match after their play-off eliminator – he knows his targets already and you know he’ll be ruthless when it comes to letting those that don’t fit his plans leave. He will have an exact idea of what he wants to build, how the squad will work and which players he can rely upon, knowing he can persuade his chairman to support further if the going is good. One notable aspect of Barnet’s campaign is that they have over performed their underlying numbers this season so they will have to improve their overall game too.
Boreham Wood
2022-23 League Position: 6th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 19 D 15 L 12; F 52 A 40 GD 12; Pts 72
Longest Unbeaten Run: 14
Longest Winless Run: 7
Most Starts: Nathan Ashmore & Jack Payne – 46
Top Goalscorer: Lee Ndlovu – 11
Clean Sheets: 16
Worst Discipline: Will Evans - 10Y & 0R
Summer Prediction: 7th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Garrard. Experienced core had full pre-season. Depth in squad from start of season. Reduced age of squad. Likely to play less games. Stronger forward line. Cons: Curious where certain summer additions fit. Still reliant on same core.
After 10: Garrard knows exactly what he wants and after a little bit of early season muddling of personnel, he has found balance to his team and things are slowly starting to click. Despite having reservations in the summer, I had them to finish 7th because of the extra depth in attack and a belief in Garrard. That belief hasn't been misplaced so far, thankfully.
Mid-season: I’m struggling here. Boreham Wood are not far off at all. However, there is a vulnerability in their game and when your structure is based around getting on the right side of tight margins, it’s costly. With others looking strong, The Wood are likely to be vying for the final spot and may have to miss out again.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
I get the impression that Boreham Wood always see a top seven finish as a big success and given their status in the division and that will especially be the case this year given their competition. Beating Barnet in the play-off eliminator clearly meant a lot to the club and they can be proud of how hard they made Notts County fight for their place in the final. That this was their third play-off campaign in six years and second top ten finish in a row speaks volumes for the work being done on and off the pitch so the club can look back with a lot of pride.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
As ever, it’s a case for the defence. Boreham Wood conceded the fewest goals of any National League team. They conceded the second fewest at home, fewest away from home, conceded one or zero on 37 occasions (joint high), conceded the fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of games and lost just once after taking the lead. The flip side is goals scored. They scored 16 less than any other top seven team, scored the second fewest goals at home and second fewest goals in the final 15 minutes of games. Unsurprisingly, 22% of their matches saw two or less goals, comfortably the lowest. Their style plays a part, having the second lowest possession figure, conceding the most fouls and playing the second highest percentage of long passes. Elsewhere, Luke Garrard again stuck to a core, using the fewest players in the league and made the second fewest changes per game. They had the second biggest difference in points taking from bottom half teams compared to top half – 24.
Which Players Stood Out?
Nathan Ashmore. He’s inevitable. Arguably the National League’s standout goalkeeper again for the team with the best defensive record in the league. It’s not easy for young players to break into Boreham Wood XI and have a continued impact, so credit to George Broadbent, Zak Brunt and David Agbontohoma, who have shown an ability to match ability with work ethic and diligence. Chris Bush has proven an excellent addition, as has Jack Payne in midfield.
What Happens Next?
Boreham Wood are becoming a staple of the top half of the National League and the aim will be to go again. The reason I’m confident the Wood will stick around is because they’ve got their recruitment right over the last couple of years, adding players that can improve upon, replace or support the stalwarts of recent years and they won’t have to do a tonne of work this summer to go again. The Wood are in a good place to scrap it out for the top seven again.
Bromley
2022-23 League Position: 7th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 18 D 17 L 11; F 68 A 53 GD 15; Pts 71
Longest Unbeaten Run: 9
Longest Winless Run: 7
Most Starts: Corey Whitely – 44
Top Goalscorer: Michael Cheek – 15
Clean Sheets: 15
Worst Discipline: Corey Whitely - 8Y 1R
Summer Prediction: 10th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Reduced squad numbers. Woodman / Dunne contracts. Well-run club. Cheek / Marriott score goals. Cons: Not addressed age of squad (2nd oldest last season). Have they learned lessons from 2nd half of last season?
After 10: I didn't really know what Bromley were going to be this summer and it meant I couldn’t really back them. Bromley are going under the radar but having a strong start to the new season and it will be interesting to see how much they have learnt from last year.
Mid-season: I still can’t quite nail my colours to the mast with Bromley and that makes me cautious in backing them for a top seven finish. I actually see a similar pattern forming to last season where they bring in more players to boost the squad, mix and match a little bit only to falter.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
It’s always more satisfying looking back on a season when you’ve finished it well and Bromley saw leading marksman Michael Cheek find his shooting boots, a collection of young players firmly establish themselves in the starting XI and lose just four of their final 28 league matches before a positive showing in the play-offs. Andy Woodman is a peculiar character in the world of management but he’s done some very good work at Bromley and the club can be proud of what they have achieved this year.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That Bromley are perhaps a team without a discernible style or pattern but are difficult to beat and hard to stop. Only Yeovil Town drew more football matches than The Ravens (17), Bromley’s record of scoring in all but six matches, third best in the league behind the top two, helping with that. Bromley started games tight, scoring the second fewest and conceding the fewest goals of any team in the first 15 minutes of matches. Their home form was positive, losing just once against teams outside of the top seven. No side drew more red cards from their opposition (8).
Which Players Stood Out?
Reice Charles-Cook was Bromley number two a couple of years back and brought back this summer seemingly to hold the fort until they signed an improvement. Instead, he’s played the majority of the campaign and excelled. Corey Whitely has had one of the most consistent campaigns of his career to date. Michael Cheek had an excellent end to the season and Louis Dennis completed a strong front three. Omar Sowumni has been tremendous in defence, marshalling a younger group in front of him containing teenager Kellen Fisher and Besart Topalloj. Josh Vennings deserved his England C call up and Ryan Stirk proved why he belongs at a higher level.
What Happens Next?
In their eight seasons since promotion to the National League, Bromley have finished between 7th and 14th every year but two play-off finishes in three years will have whet the appetite for something more exciting heading into next year. To be honest, I still feel I am missing something I can’t explain with Woodman and Bromley that makes it difficult for me to judge exactly how they will perform. I do find Woodman to be a good judge of character and form, however, which means I don’t anticipate any lengthy downturn in results. Recruitment will be key as they look to replace loanees and, potentially, some of their exciting academy talent.
Chesterfield
2022-23 League Position: 3rd
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 25 D 9 L 12; F 81 A 52 GD 29; Pts 84
Longest Unbeaten Run: 10
Longest Winless Run: 9
Most Starts: Jamie Grimes – 46
Top Goalscorer: Liam Mandeville – 9
Clean Sheets: 13
Worst Discipline: Jeff King - 12Y 1R
Summer Prediction: 2nd
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Faith in Cook. Very clear recruitment plan. Will score goals. Plenty of athleticism. Reduced age of squad. Good depth. Tshimanga back. Cons: Big squad churn. Will it take time for things to click?
After 10: Maintaining it (their strong start) is the challenge now. They haven’t been hit by injuries through the spine of the team (eight of the starting XI have started all ten league matches) and while they’ve continued to pick up wins, they’ve certainly been challenged more during recent matches.
Mid-season: I think more of the same. I will happily back them for a top three finish. Whether they can chase down and overtake the top two is a different question. They will need to improve further on what they’ve already done and even that might not be enough – they will need 2.08 points per game here on out to reach 95 points.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
With a club like Chesterfield, the aim is always going to be promotion out of the National League. In that respect, they fell short. Yet given what the top two did, alongside this being Paul Cook’s first season in charge having made wholesale changes last summer, there is likely a degree of sympathy from fans and those in charge. The Spireites still achieved an impressive 84 points and their underlying numbers were excellent. It’s unfortunate that having worked so hard, they were undone in brutal fashion at Wembley to deny them a place in the Football League but as a process, I can’t imagine the Derbyshire club are too far off where they want to be.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Primarily, Chesterfield sit third in a lot of categories, which makes sense. Third most goals scored, third best home record, third best second half record, third highest number of games where they scored three or more goals, third best record after taking the lead, third best record after conceding first, third most shots, third fewest conceded and third best xGA. They did sit second for a couple of categories, including xG for, average possession and most touches in the opposition area. A couple of those lead into style and Chesterfield ranked in the top three for most 1 v 1 dribbles, PPDA for, PPDA against and fewest fouls conceded. Evidently, the process is strong, just not to the insane level of others. Finally, Chesterfield were the only team all season not to concede a penalty – everybody else gave away three or more.
Which Players Stood Out?
Chesterfield’s squad is littered with players that have stood up at various points of the season without having done so consistently. Liam Mandeville is probably the closest to having had a consistently good campaign. Jeff King and Armando Dobra set the division alight in the first half of the season. Andrew Dallas and Ryan Colclough have proven exciting additions later in the season. Mike Jones’ experience has been pivotal at times. Ross Fitzsimons has had a solid campaign in goal. I’m a big fan of DJ Oldaker.
What Happens Next?
Another big, albeit not quite as big, summer of recruitment, similar performance metrics and an extra layer of ruthlessness to turn Chesterfield into genuine title contenders and likely National League winners. I think Cook has done a good job of changing the culture and identity at the club into something that resonates closer to his beliefs of how a football club should be run and this summer is about fine-tuning things so they can finally earn a return to the Football League. My earliest prediction would be backing them to do it.
Dagenham and Redbridge
2022-23 League Position: 10th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 18 D 9 L 19; F 61 A 72 GD -11; Pts 63
Longest Unbeaten Run: 4
Longest Winless Run: 4
Most Starts: Elliot Justham – 42
Top Goalscorer: Junior Morias & Josh Walker – 10
Clean Sheets: 8
Worst Discipline: Manny Onariase – 10Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 6th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Stability of squad. One of best sides in division last year in terms of chance creation / conceded. Front two score goals. Cons: Always seem to flatter to deceive. Can they realise potential?
After 10: I’ve struggled to work out Dagenham and Redbridge. There is definitely a question of naivety but if a manager is going to go down, it’s quite right that they go down doing it their way than compromising and sending out mixed messages. They currently sit smack, bang in the middle of the table and I guess evidence of whether McMahon’s bold approach is working will become clearer towards Christmas.
Mid-season: I’m positive about The Daggers still. If they remain in with a shout come mid-February, don’t be surprised to see them put together a run of form that gives them a chance.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Another disappointment. The most frustrating aspect will be that unlike recent years, there has been no late push for the play-offs to end the season on a high and leave fans looking forward to building on that the following season. At times they were brilliant but the good days were outweighed by the bad with individual errors, a lack of structure and selection inconsistency causing issues for Daryl McMahon, who refused to compromise his open and attacking style. Their chances of the top seven had all but gone by the time McMahon departed his role and Ben Strevens has been left to pick up the pieces of a capable but infuriatingly inconsistent and unreliable squad.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
One thing that struck me about Dagenham and Redbridge’s season is that they never went more than four games without a win or defeat – they never managed to put a run together either way to give fans a reasonable understanding of their season. Their underlying numbers were excellent last season but less so this term, accruing the 6th lowest xG total and 3rd highest xGA, the latter going some way to explain why they conceded 72 goals, the highest of any top half team. It won’t have helped that they had the highest PPDA in the league, suggesting a passive style out of possession. They didn’t really commit their opposition either, drawing fewer cards from their opponents than any other team. Despite all that, only York City, Wrexham and Notts County picked up more points vs top seven teams. Having written all that, my belief is the Daggers are a side that turn on when they want to but lack the mentality and cohesion to do it consistently.
Which Players Stood Out?
Elliot Justham has had another fine campaign in goal, a leader through performance and communication. Matt Robinson is another that has continued to put himself out there week after week despite inconsistency around him. Harry Phipps has earned himself a place in the XI, a real breakthrough campaign after years of loan moves or watching on from afar. Josh Walker and Junior Morias were excellent until their departures. Inih Effiong has continued his excellent form since joining from Aldershot Town.
What Happens Next?
Changes. Ben Strevens’ Eastleigh were reliable, difficult to beat and strong at home. I think his aim this summer will be to recruit players that can provide those qualities first and foremost. It’s difficult to predict how next season will go but if they do finish in a similar position, my guess is that the fans will feel more positive about their future thanks to the establishment of a culture and identity leading to more cohesion between management, fans and players.
Dorking Wanderers
2022-23 League Position: 16th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 16 D 9 L 21; F 67 A 91 GD -24; Pts 57
Longest Unbeaten Run: 5
Longest Winless Run: 6
Most Starts: James McShane – 40
Top Goalscorer: James McShane – 17
Clean Sheets: 7
Worst Discipline: Dan Gallagher - 11Y & 0R
Summer Prediction: 13th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Goals, goals, goals. Stability of squad. Good culture at club. Used to adapting. Will bloody noses. Cons: Part-time. Minimal NL experience. Will concede goals.
After 10: Dorking Wanderers have been a breath of fresh air to the National League. I predicted Dorking would survive comfortably because of squad strength and a willingness to abide by their principles. They haven’t let me down, so far.
Mid-season: I think more of the same. Sorting out their defensive issues could be tricky and it will likely remain a concern across the entire season. They’ll bloody a few more noses, especially at home, but probably come unstuck a few more times.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Marc White can speak both pragmatically and ambitiously on any given day so it’s hard to know exactly how he would have felt about a 16th place finish this season. However, given the journey they’ve been on, survival has to be seen as a success, especially as a part-time outfit. White and his staff can be proud of the job they have done too, recruiting characters at a key point in the season that fit what the Wanderers are about and being willing to make tweaks to their style to win football matches without compromising their identity and values. It’s been a big learning curve and the club should come out the campaign better for it.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Defensive issues blighted Dorking’s campaign for the most part, conceding the second most goals, second most shots, third most goals in the first 15 minutes of matches and having the highest xGA total in the league. They packed a punch at the other end, however, scoring three or more goals on ten occasions thanks to a style that saw them have the third highest average possession and third most crosses. Combined, it meant Dorking were the team to watch for goals, seeing over 2.5 goals scored in 78% of home matches (highest), over 2.5 goals in 70% of matches overall (joint high) and 3.43 goals per game total (joint second). Injuries and age didn’t help them. Dorking had the oldest squad in the league based on minutes played (29.3), provided an average of 33 minutes for subs (highest in the league by 8 minutes) and made the second most changes to their starting XI per game. Home form was key to their survival, picking up an extra point per game at home than away (second biggest difference). They drew the joint most red cards from their opposition with 8.
Which Players Stood Out?
It’s been a season where different players have stood up at different points. James McShane was the early star, hitting double figures from midfield quickly. Jimmy Muitt has been a revelation down the right in their run to safety. Harry Ottaway and Jason Prior have led the line brilliantly when called upon. I’m a huge fan of Josh Taylor. Tony Craig has been one of the most impactful signings in the division and I’ve enjoyed watching Seb Bowerman when fit.
What Happens Next?
I initially wrote in this section a week after the season finished and said “I’m really intrigued by what happens next for Dorking Wanderers. White has spoken about the challenge of playing full-time clubs a lot this year and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was starting to make decisions with a future as a full-time club in mind.” The Dorking owner/manager has done just that, making big decisions this summer, leading to a new daytime training schedule. The core of the squad remains, however, and the squad will be improved by a few key additions rather than wholesale changes. It’s all about finding consistency and reliability next year if they are to improve.
Eastleigh
2022-23 League Position: 9th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 19 D 10 L 17; F 56 A 57 GD -1; Pts 67
Longest Unbeaten Run: 7
Longest Winless Run: 7
Most Starts: Joe McDonnell – 46
Top Goalscorer: Danny Whitehall – 12
Clean Sheets: 17
Worst Discipline: Brennan Camp - 9Y 1R
Summer Prediction: 16th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Squad of good age (7 between 23-26). Extra physicality. Aaron Martin. Camp / Harper. Cons: Big squad churn. Unsure about Bradbury. Will lack experience at back without Martin.
After 10: I think I’m positive on the Spitfires because I had no real expectations for them this season so their start has me wondering just how far they can push themselves. I’m wary of making sweeping statements just yet but the early signs are promising.
Mid-season: The Spitfires are firmly in contention for the top seven at present but my thoughts are that their inability to field a consistent XI and formation will catch up with them as the season progresses. I anticipate a strong mid-table finish, which feels like progress from the outside looking in after a difficult 2021-22.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
As a solid start to life under Lee Bradbury. The Spitfires had a major turnover in playing staff over the summer with much of Ben Strevens’ squad discarded with after a difficult end to the previous campaign. Recruitment focused on bringing in players with EFL experience that had either not played much football or were young and discarded by their boyhood clubs. Despite the turnover, Bradbury was able to quick establish a core of players he could rely upon and trust in his players to step up whenever called upon. Furthermore, there was a flexibility to his group, able to chop and change formation whenever the situation called for it. Most importantly, there was a continuation of Eastleigh’s excellent home form from seasons gone by and they will do well to continue that moving forward to get people through the door. They fell short of the top seven in the end, undone by a tough end-of-season schedule but a ninth place finish represents a solid return.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
The Spitfires were fast starters and excellent at home, but struggled to keep form for 90 minutes and have work to do on the road. Lee Bradbury’s team were one of four teams to average over two points per game at home and had the biggest home vs away points difference in the league, picking up an extra 1.17 points at the Silverlake Stadium. They had the third best first half record, the second best record after taking the lead at home and scored the third most goals in the first 15 minutes of matches. However, they had the fourth worst second half record, scored fewer second half goes than all but one team and the third worst record after taking the lead away from home. Otherwise, consistency was key to their play-off push, using the joint second fewest players in the league (26) and keeping 17 clean sheets, joint second most. Discipline needs to be worked on – Eastleigh had the third worst cards record in the league.
Which Players Stood Out?
Quite a few, actually. Danny Whitehall and Charlie Carter have produced excellent numbers in the final third, two very intelligent and technically gifted attack-minded players. JJ McKiernan came from nowhere to become a mainstay in the Eastleigh midfield this term and has done himself no harm. Oscar Rutherford has made the right-back position his own despite his young age. Joe McDonnell has been ever-reliable, Ousseynou Cisse has protected his midfield well and Alfie Lloyd and Kairo Mitchell have had sizeable impacts on loan.
What Happens Next?
It was announced after the final game of the season that Stewart Donald has taken a controlling stake of the club and suggestions are that a lot of key pieces are already in place at Eastleigh, so the additional resource can be spent improving rather than repairing. For Bradbury and his team, that hopefully means being able to add more quality to a squad that has now had a full year under his stewardship and gone through the good and bad. The Spitfires still won’t possess the finances of others in the league so they will have to do things intelligently if they are to improve.
FC Halifax Town
2022-23 League Position: 11th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 16 D 13 L 17; F 49 A 48 GD 1; Pts 61
Longest Unbeaten Run: 8
Longest Winless Run: 5
Most Starts: Sam Johnson – 46
Top Goalscorer: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe – 13
Clean Sheets: 17
Worst Discipline: Jack Hunter - 10Y 0R
Summer Prediction: 14th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Clarke / Minihan / Keane signings. Wingers & tall strikers signed - clear approach to attack. Used to being written off. Cons: Big squad churn. Leaders gone. Pete Wild gone. Millington an unknown. Availability of strikers.
After 10: I’m worried I was a little hasty in making the call to predict them finishing mid-table rather than nearer the bottom four. I’m of the opinion that Millington needs a little more time to prove he’s up for the job with more of his key players fit and on the pitch together. At the same time, football is a brutal sport for managers and if things don’t improve soon, he may not get the time he feels he may need.
Mid-season: Halifax are absolutely in contention for a play-off spot now and it would be some effort if Millington managed to complete the turnaround. The durability of some of their younger players could be tested over the course of a long season and that’s the only way I see them faltering – their experienced players will need to step up.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
It’s been a funny year for FC Halifax Town. Losing a number of key players and their manager during the summer the enduring a pitiful start to the season under the stewardship of last year’s assistant. I get the impression that start still lingers in the mind of supporters, unhelped by some poor results and a lack of flair in their game. However, Chris Millington has rightly received credit too. He has made some bit decisions around experienced personnel, trusted youth, improved the team defensively and picked up some big victories along the way, none bigger than their FA Trophy final win under the Wembley arches.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Quietly, FC Halifax Town have been very good since their early season issues – since 4th October, they’ve been the 7th best team in the National League. Defensive solidity has been key to that, conceding the fewest goals in that period. They also kept the joint second most clean sheets (17) and conceded one or zero goals on 36 occasions (joint third). Their problems are at the other end. They scored the fewest goals of any top half team and fourth fewest overall. They scored the joint fewest away from home, second fewest in the first half and fewest in the first 15 minutes of matches (3). It’s unsurprising that they had the 5th worst xG for numbers. It’s also unsurprising that Halifax games contained the third fewest goals and fewest away from home. One stat they will hope to improve is their record against the poorest teams – no side outside of the bottom four picked up fewer points against the bottom four.
Which Players Stood Out?
It’s been a slow burner of a season for the Yorkshire outfit but a few have done themselves no harm. Jesse Debrah has got the over early issues about not getting a move to prove just why clubs higher up are courting him. Tyler Golden has made himself a regular with athletic displays down the right. Millenic Alli has exploded into life at times and developed a nice partnership with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who finishes up with 13 goals. Jamie Cooke has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. Sam Johnson has been as reliable as ever.
What Happens Next?
I often find myself unsure with Halifax and yet they continue to prove doubters wrong time and again. It’s likely to be a normal summer for the club, losing players to clubs with bigger budgets and better facilities but continuing to bring in raw players that can reach similar levels by playing within a good structure. Chris Millington has done good work at Halifax this year after a rough start and the test is whether he can begin the next campaign as strongly as this one finished to give them a chance of improving.
Gateshead
2022-23 League Position: 13th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 15 D 15 L 16; F 67 A 62 GD 5; Pts 60
Longest Unbeaten Run: 8
Longest Winless Run: 8
Most Starts: Adam Campbell – 40
Top Goalscorer: Adam Campbell – 13
Clean Sheets: 11
Worst Discipline: Louis Storey - 7Y 1R
Summer Prediction: 17th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Create chances - Langstaff / Scott hadn't scored many before last season. Squad stability. Unity across club. Cons: Lost Langstaff / Scott. Limited budget / resource. Williamson could leave.
After 10: Mike Williamson has remained in post and he’s doing a very good job, Gateshead rarely being second best in games and always causing a threat to the opposition. That (development of young players) bodes well longer term but means short-term pain as the majority of coaching and playing staff get used to National League football and regularly playing against full-time opposition.
Mid-season: Gateshead remain capable of survival. My worry is that Gateshead have had an issue with their more experienced players staying fit and they lack the financial resource to spend when others around them will. They will need the right option to become available for the right price to either tighten them up or fire them to safety and they might just fall short on finding that, or those, individual(s).
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A learning curve but a success. Gateshead fans nearly lost their football club a couple of years ago. They’ve since seen a key group of individuals bond together and pull the club back into the National League by establishing a new identity and culture, enhanced by quality coaching. The first half of this season can put down to a number of reasons but the truth is, I think several people were learning on the job and certain decisions were perhaps rushed. After Christmas, it felt like there was more clarity. Key personnel returned, the team looked more like a Gateshead team and they never looked back, ending the campaign in phenomenal form to not only survive, but almost break into the top half. It’s just a shame that absences left them so short for the FA Trophy final.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
From Boxing Day onwards, when Mike Williamson was finally able to name his strongest squad, Gateshead were the third best team in the National League and had the best xG for numbers. That’s how they survived, and then some. Fast starts were important, the Heed scoring the second most goals of any side in the first 30 minutes of matches and their style helped with that, sitting second for PPDA and PPDA against and fourth for possession. Despite their possession-heavy style, they committed to the second fewest crosses and second fewest 1 v 1 dribbles and they also won the joint fewest penalties (2). They do have to prove harder to beat – Gateshead had the third worst record after taking the lead in matches.
Which Players Stood Out?
Greg Olley. The noises were positive before his step back up and I’m firmly in board the Olley train. A fantastic player and serious operator at this level. Adam Campbell has stepped up, the one consistent member of their attack across the campaign. Kamil Conteh has proven he has a career higher up the ladder and Owen Bailey hasn’t been far off doing the same at the base of the Gateshead midfield. Kenton Richardson deserves his England C call up, Ethan Pye has developed nicely and Marcus Dinanga has been a revelation since joining from Altrincham.
What Happens Next?
A lot depends on Mike Williamson. He’s proven himself to be a fantastic manager, coach and developer of young talent. There are going to be glances from clubs higher in the pyramid. If he stays, I can see improvement. There’s a strong core of a good age to build upon at Gateshead and they go into next season more than confident they can take on anybody. I like that Williamson isn’t afraid to be ruthless with his decisions either. I think they’ve learned a lot and will only get better because of this season.
Maidenhead United
2022-23 League Position: 20th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 13 D 11 L 22; F 47 A 66 GD –19; Pts 50
Longest Unbeaten Run: 4
Longest Winless Run: 7
Most Starts: Zico Asare & Emile Acquah – 43
Top Goalscorer: Emile Acquah – 13
Clean Sheets: 8
Worst Discipline: Zico Asare & Charlee Adams – 9Y 0R
Summer Prediction: 21st
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Devonshire. Will upset big boys. Experienced core. GK issue sorted. Cons: Loss of Kelly. Barratt fitness. Can they score enough goals?
After 10: I’m not sure they have anybody that can produce the kind of numbers others have in recent years which means others need to step up. Maidenhead being Maidenhead, they will hurt teams and pick up points at York Road but whether it’s enough in a very tight division remains to be seen.
Mid-season: They’re Maidenhead United. They’re probably going to hit a run where they lose five in a row then earn ten points over February and March when they face FC Halifax Town, Wrexham, Boreham Wood and Woking. They’ll achieve survival early enough to not have to worry too much about the final couple of weeks and Alan Devonshire will yet again be lauded for a job well done.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Another success. The aim for Maidenhead United every year is survival and every year they achieve that is a success. It’s also been another year in which they have enabled raw, young or unwanted talent to thrive, which may earn them some money or pave the way for the next batch of talent to step up. They’ve beaten Scunthorpe United, Woking, Chesterfield and Bromley while earning a point against Wrexham and scoring three against Notts County. A very Maidenhead United campaign and the division remains all the better for their continued presence.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Maidenhead United do what they do without particularly wanting the ball. They had the lowest possession average (below 40%), highest percentage of long passes and worst PPDA against. They also survived despite not finding the back of the net often, failing to score in 17 matches (joint second fewest) and scoring the fewest second half goals (21). What Maidenhead were good at is holding onto leads when they got in front – they won nine and drew one of ten matches when leading at half-time, resulting in over three-quarters of their wins. A final note from their campaign – the Magpies were one of two teams not to draw a red card from their opposition.
Which Players Stood Out?
Emile Acquah has been the most talked about, the ex-Southend United striker surpassing double figures for the first time in his career having been trusted to play regularly as Maidenhead’s focal point. Reece Smith has burst onto the scene, going from sub to starter and adding goal contributions to his game. Ashley Nathaniel-George was a late arrival but has established himself and his link up with Idris Odutayo down the left has been a lot of fun. Dan Gyollai was having an excellent campaign before injury. Charlee Adams has had a strong season in midfield.
What Happens Next?
More of the same. The plan for next season will be to let players move on to bigger and, hopefully, better things for the right price with Maidenhead replacing them with a new batch of raw but talented players that will be allowed to thrive within the confines of a system designed to make things tough for the opposition and led by the same stalwarts. There’s no secret to the success of the Magpies, just good, old fashioned hard work and joined up thinking.
Maidstone United
2022-23 League Position: 24th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 5 D 10 L 31; F 45 A 104 GD –59; Pts 25
Longest Unbeaten Run: 3
Longest Winless Run: 25
Most Starts: Regan Booty – 42
Top Goalscorer: Jack Barham – 9
Clean Sheets: 5
Worst Discipline: Roarie Deacon – 7Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 20th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Squad stability. Good structure / discipline. Largely reliable in terms of game time. Cons: Won't be as dominant physically. Forwards won't be quite as high up the pitch. Luque missing early weeks.
After 10: I’m still very much in the learning phase when it comes to Maidstone United. I get the impression there is more to come from Maidstone once certain players are fit and up to speed but that they’ll be reliant on home form to keep them in the division.
Mid-season: I’m struggling to make a case for Maidstone avoiding relegation with relative comfort. They’re going to be involved in the scrap. They’ve only got three home matches against sides in and around them too, which is where over half of their points have come from. Factor in fans getting frustrated with manager Hayrettin and it could be a long old end to the season.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A disaster. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Recruitment in the summer wasn’t good enough and they didn’t problem solve during the season. The injury situation wasn’t great with Maidstone unable to put out the same central defensive pairing for more than a couple of games all season and losing Joan Luque. Hakan Hayrettin going rogue within a couple of games claiming that they wouldn’t have lost to Dorking Wanderers only to see his side continue struggle thereon. The decision making from top to bottom hasn’t been good enough and it caught up with them very, very quickly.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That Maidstone United weren’t necessarily the worst teams as far as underlying numbers go, but were by far and away the worst team in actual reality. The Stones held records this season for most goals conceded, most red cards, longest winless run, worst home record, worst away record, worst first and second half records, most goals conceded in the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes and worst record when taking the lead. They were also second for fewest clean sheets (5), games in which they failed to score (17) and shots at goal. A lack of stability clearly played a part, the Stones using 42 players, the third highest in the league.
Which Players Stood Out?
Maidstone United’s best players were the same key players from the previous campaign. Regan Booty is an excellent footballer deserving of better. Sam Corne was a bundle of energy before injury ended his season. Roarie Deacon enjoyed an excellent start to the season before tailing off as things turned messy around him. Jack Barham had far fewer chances but always remained lively. Gavin Hoyte, pre-injury, and George Fowler didn’t let themselves down.
What Happens Next?
A huge summer clearout has already begun with George Elokobi now in post. He has allowed coaches and players to leave the club and that will continue into the summer while others may be poached. Quite what a George Elokobi Maidstone side looks like remains to be seen given the situation he inherited but he hasn’t made an impressive contribution to their fortunes whatsoever in terms of results and needs to get his recruitment spot on. My hopes aren’t high for the Maidstone revival because the task is so much more than a coaching job.
Notts County
2022-23 League Position: 2nd
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 32 D 11 L 3; F 117 A 42 GD 75; Pts 107
Longest Unbeaten Run: 25
Longest Winless Run: 3
Most Starts: Matt Palmer, Kyle Cameron, Adam Chicksen & Macaulay Langstaff - 44
Top Goalscorer: Macaulay Langstaff – 41
Clean Sheets: 17
Worst Discipline: Ruben Rodrigues – 9Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 4th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Well coached. Fantastic core. Will score goals. Will be excellent at home. Will control majority of games. Cons: Have they definitely addressed issues that cost them last season? Does Rodrigues stay? Fitness of Cameron.
After 10: I’m happy to admit that they are performing better than I had anticipated so far. The challenge is maintaining this level of performance and results and proving they have learned to defend set-pieces. As we reach the winter months, I think their ability to pass those tests will be, well, tested
Mid-season: Notts County have produced a remarkable season to date and deserve their place atop of the division. The question is whether they can sustain it. To reach 100 points, they would need to sustain a two points per game average, which feels achievable. I can’t call the title race but I don’t see Notts dropping out of it.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
The aim was to win promotion and they’ve achieved exactly that. They had to do it the hard way, finishing second then winning their play-off semi-final in extra time and final on penalties, but the outcome was promotion and that’s all Notts County fans care about. It was absolutely deserved. Notts may not have won the title but the numbers they put up across the season were phenomenal and I can’t overstate how clear the improvement in their mentality was, falling short on the tight margins far less during a magnificent campaign. This was justification for a plan and process four years in the making and Notts should savour every moment of it.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Notts County didn’t win the league but stylistically, they ranked top for: Highest possession, best xG, best xGA, most shots, most crosses, most 1 v 1 dribbles, most touches, most fouled, fewest shots conceded, fewest fouls conceded, lowest percentage of long passes and highest PPDA against (by an impressive 8 passes). They also broke the National League record for most goals scored, had the best away record, scored at least 20 more goals away from home that any other team, best second half record, scored 4 or more goals on 12 occasions and 3 of more on 22 occasions, scored the joint most goals in the first 15 minutes of matches and took the lead on 35 occasions. They also won the joint most amount of penalties, failed to score once all season and conceded just 12 goals at home. Notts then ranked second for clean sheets, most consecutive wins, longest unbeaten run, home record, home goals scored, first half record and goals in the final 15 minutes of matches. The numbers tell us that Notts County deserved that promotion.
Which Players Stood Out?
Let’s be honest – who didn’t? The obvious name is Macaulay Langstaff, who scored 41 goals without taking a single penalty. Incredible. Feeding him was Ruben Rodrigues, the Portuguese star topping a number of lists for creative numbers and finishing with over 30 goal contributions. Aaron Nemane and Adam Chicksen have been phenomenal at wing-back. Matty Palmer has dictated virtually every game played this season and was helped by John Bostock as he got fitter. Kyle Cameron has had arguably his most consistent season to date. Sam Austin and Cedwyn Scott have shared game time but still had a big impact on Notts’ season.
What Happens Next?
There’s no way Notts County are returning to the National League next season. They do have an interesting summer ahead, however, that will shape whether they are competing at the top end of League Two or re-stabilising after a big summer of recruitment. They have nine players out of contract while their record-breaking top scorer and manager will be highly sought after so the club need to make decisions quickly to get themselves ready ahead of the new season. I’ve no doubt Notts will be challenging for the top seven in League Two regardless, but their success depends on just how quickly and impressively they recruit this summer.
Oldham Athletic
2022-23 League Position: 12th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 16 D 13 L 17; F 63 A 64 GD –1; Pts 61
Longest Unbeaten Run: 6
Longest Winless Run: 6
Most Starts: Nathan Sheron – 45
Top Goalscorer: Mike Fondop-Talum – 11
Clean Sheets: 11
Worst Discipline: Mike Fondop-Talum – 3Y & 2R
Summer Prediction: 15th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Takeover!! Fans / Sheridan like each other. Experienced core. Cons: Huge culture shift required. Big squad churn. Sheridan not lasted a year in a job since 2015.
After 10: David Unsworth has taken the reins and his job is enormous. His remit should be less about immediate, on-field success and more about working with the new board to create a better culture and identity for a club that has been in the doldrums for far too long, and bringing the fans with them on that journey. This season should be about gearing up to ensure they can give it a real go next year.
Mid-season: It’s far too early to be making sweeping judgements about David Unsworth’s short- and long-term suitability as manager. They look to be settling into a particular shape and I believe they have the quality, experience and dressing room knowhow to start dragging themselves away from the bottom four.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Abdallah Lemsagam’s rein was over and Oldham could start to look forward again under the stewardship of local lad Frank Burrow. That in itself was the biggest success the club could wish for. The season itself went largely as expected, John Sheridan not seeing much of the season and being replaced by David Unsworth, who was backed by his owner to create a team in his image, a hard working, physical and defensively sound team that proved it could grind out points after a difficult beginning under the ex-Everton man. It’s not a season that will live in the memory for the football, it will live in the memory because of the takeover that gave fans their club back.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That stability is needed next season – no team that remains in the National League used more players than Oldham this season – 40. The change of manager and styles means there aren’t too many numbers that stand out. David Unsworth has certainly had a positive impact with his team the 4th best in the league since New Year’s Day and there is a decent mentality, losing only once after taking the lead in matches. A more attacking approach may be preferred by fans – the Latics committed to the fewest 1 v 1 dribbles, had the second fewest touches in the opposition area and drew the third fewest cards from their opponents.
Which Players Stood Out?
It’s been such a hectic season of ins and outs that only three players have started over 30 league games for the club. Nathan Sheron has been the standout, playing a number of roles before settling as the team’s primary defensive midfielder. He has been ably supported by Mark Shelton, a late season arrival who has shown just why he is a former promotion winner. Mark Kitching and Will Sutton have made the full-back spots their own while Josef Yarney turned a short-term deal into a regular spot at centre-back. Mike Fondop-Talum has shown signs that he could run this division with a bit more consistency.
What Happens Next?
Oldham go again, but from a much healthier position. The ownership is done. The stadium is theirs. A healthy squad is in tact. Unsworth has been able to put his imprint on the team and it’s culture. Now it’s about building upon that. It’s going to take more impressive yet ruthless recruitment to find the players that can take Oldham into the top seven and potentially better but the Latics will be better off than most at the level, giving them a big advantage. The future looks bright again for Oldham Athletic.
Scunthorpe United
2022-23 League Position: 23rd
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 8 D 10 L 28; F 49 A 87 GD –38; Pts 34
Longest Unbeaten Run: 6
Longest Winless Run: 10
Most Starts: Jacob Butterfield – 40
Top Goalscorer: Joe Nuttall – 9
Clean Sheets: 5
Worst Discipline: Tom Pugh – 6Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 19th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Experienced coach & core. Hill faith in youngsters. Could be taken over given additional resource. Cons: Few players in prime of career. Immobile defensive spine. Will struggle to match energy levels.
After 10: It’s difficult to know just how The Iron will fare for the rest of the season. With the ownership situation up in the air, we can’t be sure of who the next manager will be, when they will be appointed and if they will receive any sort of backing to start turning the club around.
Mid-season: There are two ways this goes now. The first is that the new owners put financial resource in place, select a strong manager who can overhaul the playing personnel and find a way to survive. The other is that they continue in same fashion as they are now – and that ends in relegation. If the situation doesn’t change in the very near future, Scunny will be a National League North club next season.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A disaster from start to finish. It started with Keith Hill and his band of academy prospects and ageing stars. Then came Tony Daws, the reluctant caretaker who was happy to step aside. Michael Nelson followed and improved things ever so slightly before the revival continued briefly under Jimmy Dean only to finish as it started, only with a more expensive team. While results never changed, the ownership did with David Hilton the man responsible for finally ridding Scunthorpe United of Peter Swann, yet even that has come with complications. The journey to better times is ongoing.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That this was a poor campaign and Scunthorpe deserved to go down. Scunny conceded the third most goals, kept the second fewest clean sheets, were joint second for most games in which they failed to score and were one of two teams that failed to win back-to-back matches. They lost the most home matches, had the second worst away record, first half record and second half record and took the lead just 11 times, a divisional low – and they had the second worst record after taking the lead. The underlying numbers aren’t much better, Scunny managing the third worst xG, third fewest touches in the opposition area and conceding the third most shots. They also sat second for most penalties conceded and for fewest cards drawn from their opposition. A lack of stability proved costly – only Yeovil Town used more players across the campaign.
Which Players Stood Out?
The only players I enjoyed watching for Scunthorpe United in the first half of the season were Jacob Butterfield, who may lack the legs of those around him but has intelligence far and above this level, and Rob Apter, who was often a sole attacking threat for the Iron. Reagan Ogle is one of few to last the course and he has more than proven himself to fans. Cameron Wilson is their breakthrough star, cementing his place in the squad after a spell up top when the club had no strikers. Alfie Beestin and Finley Shrimpton had positive spells. Of the latecomers, Jake Leake has a future in the game.
What Happens Next?
Change. Almost everything at the football club has to change and change quickly. That’s not just the first-team squad but the culture of the club from top to bottom after years of regression and self-interest from a board that didn’t do right by the club and its supporters. The challenge set for Jimmy Dean and his team will be promotion and David Hilton has been adamant that cutting things elsewhere will help fund a recruitment drive to improve the first-team squad. I initially wrote in this section that he and Dean have a huge job convincing players to join the club but the additions of Fitzsimons, Evans and Whitehall in particular show that they aren’t messing around this season – they want promotion and want it now.
Solihull Moors
2022-23 League Position: 15th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 15 D 13 L 18; F 62 A 66 GD –4; Pts 58
Longest Unbeaten Run: 5
Longest Winless Run: 8
Most Starts: James Clarke – 45
Top Goalscorer: Andrew Dallas – 13
Clean Sheets: 9
Worst Discipline: Jamey Osborne – 8Y & 2R
Summer Prediction: 3rd
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Better depth. Kept core of last season's squad. New deal for Sbarra shows ambition. Well-run club. Good manager. Squad almost entirely aged between 22 and 30. Cons: Short break due to play-off final. Same output from LB/LWB?
After 10: The shorter summer was always going to have an impact and recruitment was key to helping refresh a side on the comedown from a difficult day at the London Stadium but those players haven’t stepped up in the main so far and they need to do so if Moors have any chance of keeping pace with the big three.
Mid-season: Solihull Moors will have hoped for so much better this season and yet, they are 7th in the table with a game or two in hand on those around them. I think we will see a more consistent selection moving forward, as well an addressing of their attacking shortcomings, namely an attacking target that can bring out the best of those around him.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A write off. They finished the previous season on 5th June and started this one on 6th August. They missed out on a number of target due to not knowing what division they would be in and rushed recruitment afterwards. The players didn’t get much time off and Neal Ardley didn’t get enough time to reset the culture in pre-season. They started brightly but faded quickly and never recovered. Injuries hit them hard, the experienced core of Ryan Boot, Callum Howe, Alex Gudger, Jamey Osborne and Kyle Storer all suffering and the new players struggled to step up in their place, owing to not being the right fit and lack of pre-season. Recruitment in January didn’t pay off, Craig Cope left to join AFC Wimbledon, the club allowed Ryan Barnett and Andrew Dallas to move on and the season petered out.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That Solihull Moors started brightly but tailed off badly as ill-discipline took over. Despite their travails, only Notts County and Wrexham scored three or more goals in games more often and the Moors lost just one game after taking the lead, joint second fewest. However, they took the lead just four times away from home, a joint low, had the 6th worst xGA, failed to beat any side to finish above them away from home, scoring once against the top nine, and no other team recorded more red cards. From November 1st onwards, Solihull Moors were the fourth worst team in the league, sitting 21st for goals scored and 20th for goals conceded. A lack of stability was a big problem, making the third most amount of changes per game (2.33) and their record against the top half didn’t help, Moors seeing the second biggest difference in points won against top and bottom half sides. Neal Ardley perhaps deserves credit for sticking to the style that brought them within 90 minutes of the Football League – only Notts County attempted a higher percentage of short passes per pass made.
Which Players Stood Out?
Andrew Dallas continued to shine, producing 13 goals and 13 assists before joining Chesterfield in March, one of few that stepped up again this term. Ryan Barnett similarly deserved his move, the winger a constant threat down Moors’ right-hand side and perhaps missing a Hudlin-sized figure in the box to get on the end of his deliveries. Joe Sbarra has still had a decent campaign and James Clarke remains Mr.Consistent. Josh Kelly started to step up late in the campaign and there are signs he and Mark Beck can lead a strong attack next year.
What Happens Next?
Solihull Moors need a big summer. Getting the recruitment wrong last summer, regardless of the reasons, has set them back a year and a change in the department overseeing the football hasn’t helped either. The club didn’t respond positively last year but there are fewer excuses this time round, the club knowing for at least a month that they would remain in the National League. Key decisions need to be made quickly if the Moors are going to get themselves set and ready for another challenge in 2023-24.
Southend United
2022-23 League Position: 8th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 20 D 9 L 17; F 57 A 45 GD 12; Pts 69
Longest Unbeaten Run: 11
Longest Winless Run: 7
Most Starts: Cavaghn Miley – 46
Top Goalscorer: Jack Bridge – 13
Clean Sheets: 18
Worst Discipline: Gus Scott-Morriss – 9Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 5th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Fans / management / players united. Much better recruitment. Clearly identity formed. Squad of a good age. Good depth. Well coached. Cons: Questionable how many goals are in this side.
After 10: If there is one thing I’m convinced about and willing to lay my reputation on, it’s that unless somebody (Ron Martin) does something very stupid, Southend United are going to finish in the top seven. I feel good about Southend and I’m looking forward to seeing the development of this squad moving forward.
Mid-season: It’s all about the process for Southend United. Despite having a couple of wobbles, they have been one of the strongest sides in the division from a performance point of view and I’ve little doubt they will hit another long stretch of form.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
With pride towards Kevin Maher, his coaching staff, players and the supporters. With dismay towards Ron Martin. It’s difficult. A club in Southend’s predicament shouldn’t be challenging for promotion – we’ve seen clubs this season enduring similar issues perform far worse. Their recruitment of players in the summer was superb and despite all the off-field issues, the team continued to perform. Furthermore, when they hit bad patches of form, they were able to turn things back around. And all this while having neither of their two goalkeepers for much of the season, being unable to sign players due to their embargo, losing their main centre half due to a contractual dispute and having limited attacking options. The problem is, for all the positives to come out of the situation, Ron Martin continues to kill the club and leaves them on the brink of expulsion.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
That Southend United were a very difficult team to play against and if they were more ruthless, could have won a place in the play-offs. Defensively, they were excellent, sitting 5th for xGA, keeping more clean sheets than any other side (18) and having the second best record when taking the lead in matches (2.6 points per 90). They were a nuisance going forward too, accruing the 5th best xG total, winning the third most penalties (10) and drawing more cards from their opponents than any team in the league (99 yellows and 7 reds). What cost them was their lack of ruthlessness against the better sides – Southend picked up 31 more points against bottom half teams than top half teams, comfortably the biggest difference in the National League.
Which Players Stood Out?
Cavaghn Miley was a low-key addition this summer but has stood up, playing nearly every minute of the season. Defensively, Southend have been strong even without a consistent goalkeeper and credit has to go to Kacper Lopata, Shaun Hobson and Ollie Kensdale for that, especially with all three under the age of 25. Gus Scott-Morriss fully deserved his England C cap while Jack Bridge has been the team’s key creator from left wing-back.
What Happens Next?
Who knows. First and foremost, the club needs to survive the summer with more winding-up petitions coming their way. Ron Martin has said he will sell the club and it’s paramount that he sticks by his word now. The football comes second – they have to be sold.
Torquay United
2022-23 League Position: 21st
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 12 D 12 L 22; F 58 A 80 GD –22; Pts 48
Longest Unbeaten Run: 5
Longest Winless Run: 9
Most Starts: Mark Halstead – 41
Top Goalscorer: Aaron Jarvis – 15
Clean Sheets: 8
Worst Discipline: Ross Marshall – 4Y & 2R
Summer Prediction: 9th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Gary Johnson & his ability to problem solve. Signings of good age & potential. Moxey / Hall experience. Cons: Big squad churn. Lost huge characters. Lost a lot of goals. Signed few stellar names.
After 10: Torquay are a very poor football team right now and summer recruitment again has to be questioned. Thankfully, their manager is a problem solver and I’ve no doubt he’ll find fixes, be that a tactical change or a couple of strong loan signings to get them out of the mess they find themselves in.
Mid-season: There’s still this part of me that believes Gary Johnson will get things right eventually. While it may be tight, I think Johnson might just get this group over the line.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Not fondly. After all the mistakes made following their dramatic play-off loss, they went and lost the remaining stars of that campaign and got their recruitment badly wrong for the second season running. When things started badly last year, they could look towards players proven at the level. This time, too many players were learning on the job while lacking the mental and physical qualities required to succeed. It meant Gary Johnson had to utilise the free and loan markets throughout the season, constantly throwing new faces into his side hoping something would stick but by the time he found the XI he could trust, it was too little, too late.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
The biggest sign of Torquay United’s drop off in recent seasons is perhaps best evidenced by the number of goals scored and conceded in the final 15 minutes of matches. What was once coined Gary Time has become a nightmare period – The Gulls scored the fewest (8) and conceded the most (27) in the same period this year. Mentality and fitness clearly played a big part. Torquay had the second worst xG and xGA numbers, third worst second half record and were the only team not to win a match having conceded first. That will have also played a part in them having the second worst disciplinary record and conceding the joint second most penalties. They weren’t stylistically pleasant, fourth bottom for average possession and third for percent of long passes made. Opposition didn’t matter, at least, the Southwest club picking up as many points vs top half teams as they did bottom half.
Which Players Stood Out?
Aaron Jarvis. A player who proves progression in football isn’t linear and sometimes you just need an opportunity. Shaun Donnellan is the only other summer transfer that can match Jarvis’ positive impact, initially signed as a midfielder but becoming a mainstay in defence. Nico Lawrence has “Rolls Royce” potential, the Southampton youngster having a positive impact on loan. To their credit, Mark Halstead, Dean Moxey, Asa Hall and Tom Lapslie didn’t do harm on the pitch.
What Happens Next?
Gary Johnson is staying. The club are remaining full-time. A number of big players are sticking around. It’s time for the club to unite again now. Johnson is fantastic at bringing people together when the going is good so it’s paramount that he and his team get recruitment spot on this summer and start well. Fail to do that and the dissenting voices will grow, especially in a division containing clubs who won’t be afraid to throw money towards a promotion push.
Wealdstone
2022-23 League Position: 14th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 16 D 12 L 18; F 57 A 72 GD –15; Pts 60
Longest Unbeaten Run: 7
Longest Winless Run: 8
Most Starts: Sam Howes – 46
Top Goalscorer: Micah Obiero – 8
Clean Sheets: 10
Worst Discipline: Nathan Ferguson – 8Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 24th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Fan of Maynard. Like recruitment strategy. Will be hard to beat. Cons: 9/14 victories against bottom 7 last season - tougher division. Have they replaced Umerah? Same hunger in new signings to prove people wrong?
After 10: Wealdstone have to be the story of the National League season so far. Hard to beat, fun in possession and giving players a platform back into full-time football. You’d have to have been pretty stupid to predict them finishing bottom. Oops.
Mid-season: I think Wealdstone will do similar to what they did last year. The Stones’ primary aim is to survive and once that is all but secured, I can see them enjoying themselves a little more. It’s not a bad thing either – they’ll have absolutely earned it.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Very well. I wrote Wealdstone off. The loanees and their top scorer had gone. They remained part-time. But they stepped up. Recruitment was excellent. The coaching spot on. The attention to detail within games often excellent. And they play some really good football. For the Stones to not only survive but thrive speaks volumes of how the club is run and the togetherness of those involved at the club.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Wealdstone had two really tough spells of form – 13 of their 18 losses came within two spells combining 17 matches. Those spells probably did a lot of damage to their otherwise positive numbers. Stuart Maynard backed a young squad (third youngest in the league based on minutes played) to play a heavy possession style despite being a part-time outfit and it paid off in various ways – they were fifth for average possession, played the third lowest percentage of long passes and drew the second most cards from opponents. However, there is work to be done, the Stones having the third fewest shots of any team in the league and second lowest xG of sides to survive the drop. Despite being youthful, they aren’t afraid to get stuck in, committing the second most fouls.
Which Players Stood Out?
Sam Howes’ last spell at National League level didn’t go well but he has been excellent for Wealdstone this term behind a defence that has included standouts Charlie Barker and captain Jack Cook. Alex Dyer has shown improvement in midfield amid tough competition, often paired with the tenacious Ashley Charles. Max Kretzschmar and Tarryn Allarakhia have been excellent when fit. Micah Obiero was a late arrival but has made a big contribution.
What Happens Next?
I guess more of the same. Their part-time status means that Wealdstone are likely to lose a couple of key players, along with loanees, and will have to address that with their recruitment strategy this summer. However, the addition of Charles Clayden on a two-year deal suggests the club aren’t afraid to commit to get the types of players they want through the door and the Stones have proven to be a good place for players to step out of full-time football, prove themselves and earn a move back into the game if they’re willing to do the work.
Woking
2022-23 League Position: 4th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 24 D 10 L 12; F 71 A 48 GD 23; Pts 82
Longest Unbeaten Run: 8
Longest Winless Run: 3
Most Starts: Josh Casey & Rohan Ince – 45
Top Goalscorer: Rhys Browne - 13
Clean Sheets: 13
Worst Discipline: Dan Moss – 14Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 8th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Good manager. Clearly improved squad. Good resource available. Really strong midfield. Experienced core. Cons: Talented group but can Sarll keep preferred 13/14 on the pitch all season? Can front line put up big numbers?
After 10: I held myself back from going big on Woking in the summer but the early signs are positive and I see no reason why that will let up. They’re going to be in the mix.
Mid-season: I think Woking remain in the top seven. Can they break into the top three ahead of Chesterfield and be an automatic semi-finalist in the play-offs? I’m less sure. That’s more down the quality of the other sides more than an issue on Woking’s part, however. They’re still early into their journey and a finish that gives them a home tie in the play-off eliminator is a fantastic start.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
Darren Sarll doesn’t like losing and he is keen to keep standards high, so he won’t have taken their play-off defeat lightly. However, fans and board will be thrilled with the progress Woking have made on and off the pitch this year, shown in their league position, who they have been able to attract to the club and how hard the team works regardless of who is on the pitch. It’s easy to forget that last summer was Sarll’s first full pre-season, so he has spent the year creating a new identity and culture at the club while also succeeding, and he deserves enormous credit for the job he has done.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Darren Sarll teams are gritty, tenacious, defensively strong and as prone to getting on the wrong side of referees as they are forcing the opposition to. Woking had the fifth worst discipline in the National League but also drew the third most cards out of their opponents. They conceded nine penalties, a divisional high, but also won ten, joint third highest. The high number of turnovers in their game will have played a part – the Cards had the best PPDA numbers by 1.3 passes but the second worst PPDA against. Woking didn’t finish fourth on discipline alone, however. They conceded 1 or 0 goals on 36 occasions, scored 15 goals in the first 15 minutes of matches (joint high) and conceded the fewest first half goals. They lost just once after taking the lead in matches (joint second best), conceded the second fewest shots on goal and had the 4th best xGA. All that with the second oldest team in the league at 29.2.
Which Players Stood Out?
The spine. Woking are highly structured and you can’t do that without a consistent spine, Scott Cuthbert, Rohan Ince and Padraig Amond leading by example. Dan Moss has quietly had an excellent season at right-back while captain Josh Casey has stepped up another level on the left. As for the forwards, Reece Grego-Cox started the season on fire, James Daly picked up the baton then Rhys Browne stole the show for the remainder of the season.
What Happens Next?
Woking are a club in a good position, the team ran by a good man and manager and the owners happy to back him to get the job done. Sarll will be keen to keep the core of his squad together over the summer while knowing he has the resource to bring even better players in should they become available. I do expect a couple of younger bodies to join given Woking were the second oldest team in the league based on minutes played. They haven’t made many errors when it comes to recruitment so far and with the culture and identity already in place, the Cards are well set to challenge again.
Wrexham
2022-23 League Position: 1st
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 34 D 9 L 3; FF 116 A 43 GD 73; Pts 111
Longest Unbeaten Run: 28
Longest Winless Run: 2
Most Starts: Ben Tozer & Paul Mullin – 46
Top Goalscorer: Paul Mullin – 38
Clean Sheets: 17
Worst Discipline: Luke Young – 10Y & 0R
Summer Prediction: 1st
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Culture set in place last season. Got stronger and stronger. Improved XI, Improved depth. Best xG & most goals scored last season, will likely be similar this year. Cons: Weight of expectation. Boring answer, isn't it?
After 10: The reason I had Wrexham to win the title is because I believe they are a better side than last season, the understanding of what the club is post-takeover is clearer and it will take another side reaching 95 points or more to stop them, which would be extraordinary.
Mid-season: Wrexham need to achieve just over two points per game to remain on course for 100 points and I would back them to do that. Calling the title race is difficult but I’m confident Wrexham beat last season’s tally at a minimum, which keeps them week in contention.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
The end of one era and the start of another. Wrexham have been a National League club for 15 years and were intent on banishing the demons of last season by winning the title this time around – and they succeeded in record fashion. Money helps but it still requires people in the appropriate positions to spend it properly and it feels as though Wrexham have got almost every decision right this year, bringing in the right characters at the right times to get them over the line. It has been the success story those associated with Wrexham have longed for and they are finally an EFL club once more.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
While Wrexham didn’t manage what their title rivals did with the underlying numbers, they got the results and led the statistics that matter. Wrexham broke the record for most points and wins, won the most consecutive matches (8), went on the longest unbeaten run (28), had the best home record (22 wins and 1 draw) and never went more than two games without a victory. How did they achieve all that? Mentality from start to finish. They had the best first half record, second best second half record, the best record when taking the lead, best record when falling behind, scored the most goals in the final 15 minutes of matches and recorded the best points per game against top 7 opposition. They were excellent going forward, failing to score on just five occasions, averaging over three goals per game at home, scoring four or more goals on 10 occasions and three or more on 22. Defensively, they kept the joint second most clean sheets and conceded one or zero on 37 occasions, a joint high. Stability, experience and discipline helped. Wrexham had the third oldest squad on average, used the second fewest players, made the fewest changes per game and had the best discipline. One more just for fun – only Notts County were awarded more penalties over the course of the season.
Which Players Stood Out?
Paul Mullin. People talk about finances but Mullin has been worth every penny spent by Wrexham, leading their charge to the title with over 45 goal contributions in the league and leading by example week in, week out. At the other end of the pitch, Ben Tozer has performed consistently, aided by Aaron Hayden, whose goalscoring record was phenomenal until injury ended his season early. Elliott Lee has had one of the most consistent seasons of his career to date while Ollie Palmer has been the perfect foil for Lee and Mullin.
What Happens Next?
This is just the start. Whether people like it or not, Wrexham have big exposure, plenty of money and the right people in the right positions making the decisions. The football club has had a positive impact on the city and the identity and culture is there for all to see. This isn’t a club that will be looking to consolidate as a League Two club – they’ll be looking to win it.
Yeovil Town
2022-23 League Position: 22nd
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 7 D 19 L 20; F 35 A 60 GD –25; Pts 40
Longest Unbeaten Run: 7
Longest Winless Run: 12
Most Starts: Grant Smith & Josh Staunton – 44
Top Goalscorer: Malachi Linton & Alex Fisher – 5
Clean Sheets: 11
Worst Discipline: Matt Worthington – 12Y & 1R
Summer Prediction: 22nd
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Hargreaves speaks well. Knowles / Staunton remain. XI works on paper. Cons: Trying to build a new culture amid off-field issues & takeover talk. Fans / board split. Minimal resource. Same resilience / tenacity as last year?
After 10: I still don’t truly know what to make of Yeovil Town and if I’m honest, Hargreaves appears to be showing an understanding of the club and his team are still scrapping away. I’m feeling slightly better about the club than I thought I would do although I wouldn’t be surprised if that changed quickly.
Mid-season: It’s not going to be pretty but I think Mark Cooper keeps Yeovil in the division. I don’t see their defensive record changing much but I expect them to be more efficient as the season goes on, at least until survival is achieved.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
A horror show that started indifferently then unravelled quickly. The decisions makers didn’t get things right in the summer, Chris Hargreaves not an appointment fans could get behind and though the players recruited were fine on paper, they lacked the personality and durability of those that came before. Hargreaves was sacked after a couple of months of competitive but toothless football and replaced by Mark Cooper, a coup for the club. Things started well but a prospective new owner stepping in, providing funds without aligning himself with key personnel and getting involved in spats over social media ripped apart the thread keeping all the right people united amid off-field problems. Yeovil lost the characteristics that had helped them overachieve under Sarll and led a return to regional football for the first time in a quarter of a century.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Yeovil never packed a punch in the final third and it cost them. The Glovers were generally okay defensively, conceding the fewest goals of any bottom half side, they didn’t lose a game after taking the lead and just ten of their matches were decided by more than a one goal margin. But no side failed to score in as many matches (19), scored fewer at home (18), scored one or zero goals as often (39), took fewer shots, had a poorer xG or had fewer touches in the opposition area. Mentality was a problem too, Yeovil drawing 19 matches, going on the second longest winless run and being one of two sides to fail to win back-to-back matches all season. While they were fine once they got ahead, Yeovil led at half time on just six occasions. Instability and a lack of discipline no doubt played a part, the Glovers using the most players (45), making the most changes to their starting XI (2.91 per game) and having the worst discipline (98 yellows and 5 reds). That also played a part in their form under Cooper, whose team was the 17th best in the league and conceded the third fewest goals until their prospective owners arrived – they picked up 8 points from their final 15 matches and conceded more than all but two teams.
Which Players Stood Out?
The stalwarts. Grant Smith has continued to prove he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the division – and he’s had a busy campaign. Josh Staunton has been a key figure on and off the pitch, visibly hurt by relegation but never shirking his duties. Matt Worthington has gone from bit-part player to ever-reliable midfielder. Elsewhere, Owen Bevan has proven himself an excellent young talent since joining on loan.
What Happens Next?
The club have finally been taken over and in Martin Hellier, Mark Cooper and Josh Staunton, the new process is led by a trio of people who do care about the football club and its future. That the takeover has happened in May gives them time to address things and make changes quickly ahead of pre-season. However, there are a huge amount of issues to resolve following their demise both on and off the pitch and anybody expecting things to be sorted immediately now the takeover has been announced are naive. All involved probably know that winning football matches is the best way to get bums back on seats and I suspect that will be the focus of their summer.
York City
2022-23 League Position: 19th
2022-23 Record: Pld 46; W 13 D 12 L 21; F 55 A 63 GD –8; Pts 51
Longest Unbeaten Run: 5
Longest Winless Run: 9
Most Starts: Olly Dyson – 42
Top Goalscorer: Lenell John-Lewis – 14
Clean Sheets: 9
Worst Discipline: Mitch Hancox – 12Y & 0R
Summer Prediction: 11th
What I said:
Summer: Pros: Takeover!! Recruited well. Some reliable, NL players. Will have a relatively solid base & clear avenue of attack. Cons: Similar to above, not sold about quality in both boxes to be top 7 contention.
After 10: The building blocks have been put in place for a solid, if at times unspectacular, season for York and given they have spent a number of years in National League North wondering when they can begin climbing the ladder again, that should feel like progress, particularly under new ownership.
Mid-season: Almost impossible to say at this juncture. It would be silly to make any sweeping judgements on Webb without seeing him in action for a period of time. An upturn in results wouldn’t surprise me given tensions between board and management have been removed from the training ground. However, Webb spent his first interview talking mostly about his CV.
How Will The Club Look Back On This Campaign?
As a really avoidable mess. John Askey took the club back into the National League and was able to put together a very competitive squad with good depth over the summer. It felt like York City were back, so to speak. And then things got weird. There was a public back and forth cost Askey his job. David Webb was given his first job in management and it went exactly how anybody who listened to his first interview thought it would go. Qualified rookie Michael Morton picked up the pieces and got the club over the line but it didn’t have to be this difficult. The strange actions of their chairman have blighted what should have otherwise been a joyful return to the top tier of non-league football.
What Statistics Tell The Story?
Statistics for the full season were difficult to find for York, unhelped by the differing styles of their three managers this season, particularly Webb. However, the Minstermen have produced probably my favourite stat of the season – they picked up more points against the top seven than they did the rest of the division in its entirety, also being the only team to pick up more points against top half sides than bottom half sides. The only other statistic I could find was that they were one of just three teams to pick up less than two points per game in matches they led at half-time.
Which Players Stood Out?
Lenell John-Lewis playing regular football, scoring goals and being a handful for defenders week after week has been a pleasant surprise given he hasn’t started more than 20 league games since 2015/16. Olly Dyson has shown real growth across the campaign and deserved his England C call up. Dan Pybus was a late summer addition but has been a mainstay in midfield. Maziar Kouhyar started the season brilliantly and Shaqai Forde looks a capable talent. Ryan Fallowfield has had an excellent finish to the campaign.
What Happens Next?
Honestly, who knows. There’s a version of next season where things calm down and the right people can get on with the job. There’s also a version of next season where things become more chaotic and it ends in disaster. At this moment in time, the ownership situation remains up in the air and they have no football manager. The National League is only getting more competitive and they need to appoint the right people this summer if they are to get moving back in the right direction again.
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