Five reasons to be excited for the new National League season

 

A wide-open title race 

The league will have to go a long way to better the culmination of last season's title race, as York bested Rochdale with the last kick of the season, but there's still plenty to watch out for at the top end of the league. 

Carlisle are the bookies' favourites to top the table, putting massive pressure on Rob Elliott, who has stepped up from his heroics at Gateshead to replace Mark Hughes and lead United's charge.

They are likely to be rivalled by Boreham Wood, who were so close to EFL football last season and have kept everything in place - including boss Luke Garrard - to go again and make history for the club. 

Then there's Hartlepool and the two clubs relegated from League Two who also feel they are in the running to win the National League championship. 

Getty Images

Big fish by the sea 

Another club with lofty ambitions is Southend, who are arguably one of the biggest clubs in the National League but once again failed to win promotion in 2026. 

So, a new season and a new face at Roots Hall, and it's the familiar name of Kieron Dyer that has taken over the reins at the Essex club. 

It's a first crack at management for the former England midfielder, and he's been handed the task of following Kevin Maher's successful spell. 

If, however, het get the Shrimpers back in the Football League, then it would be some achievement.

Getty Images

More familiar names 

Dyer isn't the only recognisable face in the National League; there's a slew of former top-flight players and managers who will be occupying dugouts. 

Lee Clark is back in football at Hartlepool to try and lead their promotion charge, while Gary Waddock takes his first job for almost a decade at Wealdstone. 

Over at Gateshead, ex-Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is now the man in charge there, and of course, Robbie Savage continues as Forest Green's manager for another season.

Which of them, though, can prove their managerial chops in the fifth tier? 

Getty

The teams looking to bounce back 

There are some big names once again in the National League this season, and two returning members who are looking to make it only a one-season comeback. 

Barrow and Harrogate were relegated from League Two in May, both after six seasons in the Football League and will want an immediate return. 

Simon Weaver will continue his 15-year stint at Harrogate and try to add another promotion to his legacy, while Barrow have appointed the experienced Adam Murray to lead them back up. 

Getty

The KSI factor 

Down in the National League South, there will be even more eyes on Dagenham & Redbridge following KSI's investment last season.

The YouTuber/boxer/rapper/TV judge has made getting the Daggers out of non-league his new focus and is even making a docuseries about it in the style of Welcome to Wrexham.

The first part of the fairytale story will be promotion, so there's a big pressure on Lee Allison to deliver that in 2027. 

The National League, only on DAZN

Watch over 400 National League games this season with a DAZN NLTV subscription. Each National League side will be shown live more than 30 times in the season, with full match replays and highlights available for every game.

Subscribe to the full Season Pass for £129.99 or in monthly instalments of £14.99 per month. Or get a Monthly Pass for £19.99.

For more information and to sign up, click here now.