Meet The Ten New Arrivals Who Are Heading Our Way!

By Sam Elliott

It’s all change once again this summer, as we’re about to make some new friends as well as welcoming back some old faces.

We will have no fewer than 10 clubs joining the National League from both directions.

Some of course arrive after phenomenal promotion seasons, while others will be looking to bounce straight back after losing the devastation of surrendering EFL status.

In no particular order, here’s a bit about every one of them - and what we can expect when the season kicks-offs in a couple of months.

Truro City

It’s a big welcome back to the White Tigers after four years away, and they couldn’t have picked a better time to return.

The National League South has been cheekily re-name the National League South West next season because of the sheer weight of clubs from the region.

What better year to come back when there’s big games with Torquay United, Yeovil, Weymouth, Bath City, Weston, Taunton, and Chippenham to look forward to?

Hartlepool United

It’s not exactly inaccurate to say Pools aren’t so pleased by their return.

Their two-year EFL return was short and not very sweet, relegated back in April having failed to push on a steady first season back after their Promotion Final glory at Bristol City.

But they bring down with them John Askey, a manager who knows how to take teams up.

Warrington

The Yellows are at the highest level in their history - but don’t think there’s here just to enjoy the moment!

After the full-time whistle sounded on the 1-0 play-off final victory over Bamber Bridge, plans were being put into place for the new campaign.

They finally got the job done after finishing second in the league and reaching a third consecutive play-off final and with the in-the-know Mark Beesley at the helm, their fans know anything is possible.

Aveley

Now they’re just getting greedy.

After a summer of celebration for Aveley last year, they’ve only gone and grabbed another promotion with their Isthmian League Premier play-off success.

The Essex club already made their biggest signing of the close season - manager Danny Scopes is staying put and says he wants to make more memories.

South Shields

They finally scratched a near 50 year itch and it’s a new era for South Shields in a number of ways.

The north east climbed to the sixth tier of English football for the first time since the club's reformation 49 years ago.

But just days later, manager Kevin Phillips called it a day - and now it’s the turn of another former Sunderland star to shine as Julio Arca returns after five years away.

Rochdale

Things have certainly changed for the club who used to not go up and not go down.

They’ve now lost their Football League status after their 102-year stay came to an end.

Interim boss Jim McNulty takes the job full-time and will be well aware of what happened to Scunthorpe United, the side who finished bottom in League Two the year before them.

Bishop’s Stortford

They know for sure now they’ll be playing in the National League North next season.

But fans won’t be fearing anything now after the long wait finally ended - they clinched their first league title in 29 years!

Their supporters will be sure they’ll do better than on their last Step 2 season when they earned just 27 points back in 2016-17.

Rushall Olympic

The little village club from the west Midlands are making a very big impression.

But Rushall Olympic manager Liam McDonald says his players won’t be stepping into the National League North simply to make up the numbers.

“The future is bright for this fantastic club - we’ve broken records and created history,” he said “It really is an unbelievable achievement for the football club.”

Tamworth

Tamworth are back after a five-year hiatus and fans will say it was more than worth the wait.

The Lambs clinched the Southern League Central title on the final day of the season - seeing off challengers Coalville Town on goal difference.

Manager Andy Peaks says his side have got 'loads of belief' after their title win which could see them upset a few next season.

Weston-super-Mare

The Seagulls have landed back in the National League South after four years away - and they’ve timed it to perfection.

They impressively clinched the Southern League Premier South title in April and were the division’s stand-out side.

Now Scott Bartlett’s side have some massive matches ahead, including a game with west country foes Yeovil Town - something barely believable ten years ago when the Glovers were promoted to the Championship.

PHOTO: KEV WILSON

Where next?

It's A Signing Spree As More Big Moves Made This Week It’s only a few weeks since the action packed up but some clubs aren’t hanging around as they gear up for next season.
Goal Of The Season Vote: National League North The shortlist for the Vanarama National League North Goal of the Season has been finalised.

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