Who are the title contenders for the 2026/27 National League season?

The National League season kicks off on August 8, and there have already been multiple high-profile managerial departures, with several familiar faces taking their places.

DAZN is the home of the National League, including North and South divisions, where you can stream live games and regular highlights every week. 

The division is stacked with some stellar names yet again this term, as DAZN News brings you the favourites for promotion.

• Read next | How you can watch every National League game in August live on DAZN

Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood were minutes away from securing a place in League Two last season but were cruelly denied after Rochdale's late, late comeback in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Despite their Wembley heartbreak, in-demand manager Luke Garrard signed a three-year deal to remain in charge of the Wood and will be striving to go one better this term.

The club are one of the most stable in the division and have kept a bulk of their core players at the club while adding a sprinkling of quality.

Boreham Wood have reportedly rejected a record £750,00 bid from Djurgardens for prized asset Abdul Abdulmalik, but if he remains, then he could be the difference-maker for Garrard's side.

Can the Wood reach the EFL for the first time in their history? Given the number of managerial changes in the division, this could finally be their year.

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Carlisle United

After failing to lead Carlisle United to promotion last season, Mark Hughes left the club by mutual agreement, but the expectation will be exactly the same this time round.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who steered Gateshead clear of relegation with one of the most remarkable turnarounds last campaign, has taken his place.

The Cumbrians finished in third last term, 23 points adrift of champions York City, but have the squad and the backing to go one step further under Elliot.

“Rob’s appointment is about building on that progress and taking the next step," owner Tom Piatak told the club website.

“He understands the importance of winning, but also the importance of building something with purpose."

Carlisle are the bookies' favourites for promotion, as they were last campaign, and have the quality of players to return to League Two.

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Hartlepool United

Another former player synonymous with the North East to take the reins at a National League giant is Lee Clark, who will take charge of Hartlepool United this season.

Clark played for both Newcastle and Sunderland and has over 15 years of managerial and coaching experience, having recently left a six-week role as Rotherham United head coach.

The Monkey Hangers have steadily improved in the National League since their relegation in 2023 and will be aiming to build on their ninth-placed finish last term.

Hartlepool have added prolific goalscorers Will Harris and Jack Nolan to their ranks as well as EFL favourite Jordan Hugill, which are real statements of intent to drive the club forward.

Question marks remain over Clark's coaching ability, but if he can get a tune out of his new players, then the Pools will be among the favourites for the title.

Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town's six-year stay in League Two ended in dramatic circumstances as they were relegated by one point on the final day of the season after failing to take anything from Barnet.

The Sulphurites' manager Simon Weaver, who will embark on his 15th season with the club, is keen not to dwell on relegation, with full focus on returning to League Two.

"There was no way I was going to sulk in bed all day when we got relegated," he told the Non-League Paper.

The club found scoring goals an immense problem last term, netting just 39 times in the fourth tier and will be banking on forward Jack Muldoon to rediscover his scoring feet in the National League.

Experienced centre-back Tom Lees has been the most eye-catching addition of the summer, while Lewis Payne looks a shrewd acquisition from Morecambe.

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Barrow

Also ending their six-year stay in League Two was Barrow, who have appointed ex-Kidderminster Harriers manager Adam Murray to spearhead a title challenge this season.

Murray guided the Harriers back to the National League last term, and it is clear why the Bluebirds have appointed him as Paul Gallagher's successor.

"He's a young, hungry manager, but already has a whole range of experiences in England and in Europe, including two promotions into the National League in the last four years," chairman Paul Hornby told the club website.

New signings Alex Reid, Ollie Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott are all astute additions at National League level, while the club have added a host of defenders to alleviate their defensive issues from last season.

Barrow have the squad to challenge for the title but will need to turn around the wretched end-of-season form that got them relegated.

Southend United

Former Magpie Kieron Dyer is set to embark on his first managerial venture with Southend United, having replaced long-serving boss Kevin Maher and has lofty expectations.

“Southend are the biggest club in the National League and deserve to be a league club," Dyer told the club website.

"I’m really excited to get started and hopefully get this club into the Football League, where it belongs."

The Shrimpers lifted the FA Trophy by defeating Wealdstone on penalties last term, but were unable to secure promotion after falling to defeat in the play-off eliminator to Scunthorpe United.

Southend are indeed one of the biggest sides in the National League, but an overhaul of their squad and an unproven manager means they are an unknown entity this season.

Gus Scott-Morriss will be a significant miss after joining Oldham Athletic, but Josh Popoola enjoyed a phenomenal season in the National League South with Maidstone United and is set for a starring role for the club.

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