What's Under National League North Clubs' Christmas Trees?

By Sam Elliott

Here at the National League in the run up to Christmas, we’re quite frankly the gift that keeps on giving.

We’re going all festive and we’ve got something under our tree already.

We’re putting together a lighthearted list of presents for our clubs which we think they could do well to unwrap on December 25.

Today we go shopping for some of the sides in the National League North.

Can you do any better? Take your suggestions to twitter and join the debate @TheNationalLge

Salford City
A remote control.

That way they can pause things just as they are - and also press the ‘off’ button, as things are currently falling apart for the club on Sky Sports where the club’s 2016-17 campaign is playing out in The Class Of 92 Full Time.

The experience of a split dressing room and the fall out of going full time seems to have served them rather well.

Brackley Town
Tissues.

Kevin Wilkin’s team are getting a bloody nose they’re so high up!

Few would have thrown their hat into the ring when the pre-season predictions were being thrown around but well placed in second are through in the FA Trophy, they have enjoyed a great 2017.

Blyth Spartans
Handcuffs

Not to keep unrulies in their place, but to keep manager Alun Armstrong at the club!

Not that he wants away, far from it, but with the team having such an incredible calendar year the talented Spartans boss’ achievements can’t be going unnoticed.

FC United of Manchester
A crystal ball

If the unthinkable has happened in 2017, then just what could next year hold?

A look into the future would be a great think. If you would have suggested last Christmas the club’s only manager would leave and their striker Tom Greaves would take over and get the club going, few would believe you.

Tamworth
Some grass.

The Lambs for some reason have been so much stronger away from home than on their 3G pitch this season.

They haven’t won on their plastic in any competition since the middle of September - but in that time have won well at play-off hunters Bradford PA, Darlington and York City.

North Ferriby United
A Christmas miracle

It was only a year ago the Villagers were mixing it with Wrexham, Lincoln Tranmere and but just one win all season long leaves them with 7 points on the board and the Evo-Stik League is looming large.

But at least a new takeover has given them hope. You never do know!

Spennymoor Town
Some credit.

When success comes, many can often look at the cheques being written but you can’t deny the job Jason Ainsley has done - budget or no budget.

Back in 2013, the Moors were in Step 5 and now they’re firmly established in the National League North play-off places. Spennymoor and their manager simply deal in winning promotion.

Where next?

Moors Are Up For The Survival Fight, Says Flowers Assistant manager Tim Flowers reckons Solihull Moors' players have shown they have “the stomach for the fight”.
Burman: My Dartford Players Gave It Everything Dartford exited the FA Trophy after losing on penalties to National League side Boreham Wood, with manager Tony Burman proud of his side's efforts.

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