One player for YOUR National League club ✍🏼

With the Transfer Deadline (Thursday 27th March) rapidly heading our way for The Vanarama National League, we head into a busy period for all National League managers, who will be looking to fine-tune their sides, giving themselves the best chance of reaching their end of season targets, whether that be Promotion, Playoffs or Survival. Some clubs will only need one or two players to improve their squad, others may need four or five.

In this blog piece, I will be going through every club in Step One of The National League, naming one player that I think would be an excellent signing for that specific club. I have asked fans/ representatives at each club, to get an accurate guidance of what position each club will be looking to bolster in the closing month of the window.

I hope you all enjoy the read and I would love to hear the thoughts of fans. Do you agree with my suggestion for your club, or another club in the blog. Please share the blog around and give any feedback on the piece. Enjoy!

So, without further ado, let’s crack on with the piece…

AFC Fylde

Jack Stott – As mentioned, I will be going through each club in alphabetical order, making it much easier to find YOUR club throughout the piece. AFC Fylde is club number one and I spoke to Fylde and Non-League fan, Jack Connor (JSWC1995 on Twitter) who said that a central midfielder is vital if Fylde are to boost their chances of surviving in The National League.

With a double pivot pairing of either Joe Riley and Will Hugill, or Joe Riley and Ethan Mitchell, another body is probably needed in that area, who can challenge Mitchell and Hugill for a starting position in that progressive, creative midfield role. With the role that Fylde’s star player, Nick Haughton, taking up the role of an advanced midfielder, finding pockets of space in between the oppositions midfield and defence, the key role of a new addition would be to dictate play in a deeper area, having the ability to play passes into the pockets which Haughton picks up, or distribute the ball into wide areas. They also need to be willing to box-crash the opponents penalty area, delivering a serious threat from central, attacking areas.

The player I’ve chosen; Jack Stott of Middlesbrough. The versatile midfielder has become a regular for Boro’s U21s sides in the PL2, National League Cup and the International Cup fixtures this season but spending the last couple months on loan in The National League could be excellent for the 21 year-olds long-term development. Stott does have a small level of experience in The National League, where he spent a period of last season at both York City and Gateshead. In his eight games at Gateshead he proved his ability to pass the ball and dictate play from deep areas.

Stott would add real quality and depth to Fylde’s midfield, giving them different attributes and a fantastic level of composure. The addition of Jack Stott would certainly boost The Coasters hopes of survival, along with a new manager, after the sacking of Kevin Phillips.

Aldershot Town

George Nikaj – Moving onto club number two in The National League Premier; another team who are desperate to survive the drop and keep their status as a Step One Non-League side. The Shots have had an extremely disappointing season for various reasons – I hope Tommy Widdrington is recovering well and hope to see him back out on the touchline soon. If Aldershot are to comfortably secure safety this season, and begin to build for next season, an exciting, hungry goalscorer is certainly a MUST.

The Shots have displayed a willingness to recruit from the lower leagues of Non-League in recent seasons, which has led to great success and a healthy level of income for the club. An example of this would be Josh Stokes, signed by Aldershot from Sudbury in the Summer of 2023. After an excellent season, he was signed by Bristol City for a large six-figure-fee.

The player that I feel would improve Aldershot massively, not only this season, but next season, is Dover Athletic forward, George Nikaj. The 21 year-old striker has scored 21 times for The Whites in the Isthmian Premier League this season. Nikaj is a prolific, mobile forward of good size and physical capabilities who would make an excellent trio alongside Jack Bareham and Josh Barrett. A player who works extremely hard and brings his teammates into the game whilst showing fantastic decision-making in the final third. He has a widespread of technical and physical attributes which tell me he will have a top career as an EFL footballer.

Nikaj is a player that I’m sure will watched by many sides in the final months of the 2024/25 season from the EFL and National League. I’d like to think Aldershot is a club that would be attractive for the 21 year-old and they could potentially take advantage of the EFL transfer window being closed, by making a move on the well-rounded forward, before the end of the season.

Altrincham

Elliott Reeves – The third club on the list is probably the first side I’ve mentioned to be having a positive season in The National League. Altrincham currently sit just inside the playoffs at the time of writing, with 52 points after 32 games. Phil Parkinson has been at the club for almost eight years now, building an excellent, attacking side, looking to reach the playoffs for a second year running. Alty finished fourth last year, massively impressing throughout.

They started the 2024/25 season a bit disappointingly but the resurgence of Alex Newby and Regan Linney has given Alty that much needed spark to climb up into the playoff places. The two of them have a combined total of 45 goals contributions in The National League this season. What a duo! Despite all the good work those two do, Alty haven’t really got a proper Number Nine who can score goals consistently, alongside Linney and Newby.

Both Jake Bickerstaff, on loan from Wrexham, and Joe Nuttall, on loan from Oldham, have been fairly disappointing since joining, according to some Altrincham fans. However, they have both only played a handful of games so should be given time. I was requested to suggest a “proper striker” so the suggestion I’ve gone with is Flint Town forward, Elliott Reeves.

The 28 year-old forward has spent time in England before at Margate, Alfreton and Mickleover but has really thrived and pushed on since making the move to Wales. Reeves is having a brilliant season for Flint, scoring six goals in sixteen games in the Cymru Premier. I think he’d work really well alongside Newby and Linney, creating a really dangerous attacking trio.

Barnet

Danny Cashman – From two sides in Fylde and Aldershot who are desperate to stay in the league, past Altrincham, who will be hoping to keep their place in the playoffs, to our next side; The National League table-toppers, Barnet. The Bees have had an excellent season under Dean Brennan and currently sit six points clear of second placed York. Barnet’s successes this season have come thanks to Brennan’s exciting, attacking style of play, which utilises the creative players within the side.

The request I received from Barnet fan, James Harpin (james_harpin on Twitter) was to try and find a player who can replace the loss of Bailey Hobson, an attacking midfielder who spent a short spell on loan at the club earlier on this season, from Chesterfield. Hobson looked likely to return to The Bees, on loan, for the remainder of the season but, as reported by Liam Norcliffe, a deal fell through.

Hobson was superb in a short stint at Barnet, showing his excellent technical attributes. The replacement would ideally be someone fairly similar to Hobson, in terms of position and style. Barnet have shown a desire to recruit from The National League South in the past, I feel they could find some serious value by recruiting one of the leagues best players; Danny Cashman, from Worthing. A deal that could be fairly difficult to make happen at this stage of the season, especially with Worthing making a push for the title, however, if any team can persuade Cashman, it’s probably Barnet, at the top of the National League.

As previously mentioned, Cashman is rated as one of the best players in The National League South, due to his excellent qualities on the ball and impact in the penalty area with his goals and assists. He’s an extremely creative technician, like many in the current Barnet squad, so would fit right in. Cashman is a player who always works extremely hard, a quality that is right at the top of Dean Brennan’s list. This would be a superb signing for Barnet, not only for the remainder of this season, but next season as well.

Boston United

Josiah Dyer – From The National League table-toppers, down to a side whose chances of survival are becoming thinner and thinner as the game weeks pass. Boston United have had a frustrating season in Step One, they have a fairly good defensive record, conceding just 48 times from their opening 30 games. That sort of record would have The Pilgrims sat in the lower-mid table area of the league.

The problems for Boston have arisen in the attacking areas of the pitch, scoring just 27 times in the league at the time of writing. A third of their goals have come from centre forward Jacob Hazel who is having a good season in-front of goal, especially considering the lack of chances United create. I spoke to Boston fan Tyler (bufcbrennan on Twitter) who said that The Pilgrims are in desperate need of another centre forward to support Hazel.

With Jacob Hazel being more of a box-striker and goalscorer, I feel that Boston need a player who is willing to work hard, run the channels and bring some good physical attributes to Ian Culverhouse’s forward line. My suggestion; Josiah Dyer, would give The Pilgrims pace and strength in abundance, alongside the natural finishing ability of Hazel. Dyer is a player who is extremely highly rated at Barnsley, recently making his League One debut in the final few minutes of The Tykes Yorkshire Derby match against Huddersfield Town.

This move would be a positive one for all parties involved. Barnsley would be sending one of their brightest youngsters out on loan for valuable first team minutes in an extremely competitive league. It would add real quality to Boston’s attacking unit, giving them a different profile of forward, compared to Jacob Hazel.

Braintree Town

Euan Williams – The next club is another one fighting for their lives at the bottom of The National League. Braintree have had an interesting season in their first season as a Step One side, spending lots of money on a large amount of players over the Summer but failing to move away from the relegation zone at any point. Similarly to Boston, The Irons have had a strong defensive record, conceding just 45 times in 33 matches. A lack of service for their attacking players has resulted in a struggle to score goals on a consistent basis.

Braintree’s double pivot of Matt Robinson and Marley Marshall is actually a fairly promising pairing. Robinson is more of the “destroyer” in midfield whereas Marshall can get on the ball and drive forward. One thing the midfield does lack is someone who can pass the ball with real purpose and quality. Adding a third body into the midfield unit is a necessity if The Iron are to give themselves the best chances of remaining in The National League.

It’s hardly a secret that Braintree spent well over their budget in the Summer of 2024, to give themselves the best chances of survival for the season. This means they are fairly limited in what they can bring in for the remainder of the season. When recruiting, Steve Pitt is likely to use the local loan market as a way to strengthen his squad. The play I’ve suggested; Euan Williams, is a player who will be desperate to get out and play football for the final months of the 2024/25 season. The 22 year-old midfielder has played just seven times for Gillingham this season, a side struggling towards the bottom end of League Two.

Williams is a player who would add a real composure and calmness to Braintree’s midfield, having someone who can receive the ball in difficult areas and dictate play from deep. He brings something to The Iron’s midfield which they previously lacked – An excellent quality on the ball, having a player who can play progressive passes and create chances for Braintree’s forward players. This is a signing that just makes complete sense for all involved.

Dagenham & Redbridge

Sonny Finch – Dagenham & Redbridge are a side who have come under lots of pressure in recent weeks/months for a run of extremely difficult, poor form and rumours that the club is becoming very toxic on the inside. Performances haven’t been up to the standards Dagenham fans would expect for quite a while now, having failed to win in their last nine National League matches. They’ve already been through a manager this season; former boss, Ben Strevens was sacked a couple of months ago, releasing a worrying statement about the board/ownership at the club.

The issues for The Daggers have arrived all over the pitch in recent months, with the main one being a lack of threat and conviction in the final third. Aaron Loupalo-Bi has been brought in, on loan from Fulham, and has looked fairly promising in the handful of games he’s played. It’s clear that Dagenham need another body in the forward area who can run the channels and add well-rounded technical and physical attributes in the final third.

Sonny Finch is a player I really like and was desperate to get him involved into a blog piece so I can talk about his qualities in the final third. His time in the Middlesbrough academy sides has been full of successes; playing for Boro’s PL2 sides as a sixteen year-old shows how highly rated he is in the North-East. He started this season by joining MK Dons on loan, sadly things didn’t work out for the 19 year-old forward, who went back to Boro after just six games in League Two, scoring once. A drop down to The National League could do him some good for the remainder of the season.

A technical wizard in the final third; he loves to get on the ball as a second-striker in the pockets of space, which allow him to linkup with a partner alongside him. His agility and balance allow him to create space for himself and his excellent ball control means he can manipulate the ball. I think a player with the quality of Sonny Finch could really push The Daggers on for a positive finish to a disappointing 2024/25 season.

Eastleigh

Kamarai Simon-Swyer – From a Dagenham side hurtling towards a relegation scrap, to an Eastleigh side who have been in fine form since the beginning of November, losing just four of their last nineteen games in The National League, currently sitting four points outside of the playoffs, with 13 games to play. The Spitfires have become a solid side in this league but still lack another versatile, creative attacker.

Eastleigh have been quite versatile with their formations in recent weeks/months, consistently chopping and change to fit players in. If they are going to continue to do this for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, a versatile playmaker who can fill-in in a number of these attacking areas would be vital. They’ll be looking for a player with good physical attributes like pace and agility, who can create things in tight spaces for teammates. Someone who can score goals as well as set them up, adding a real edge to The Spitfires attack.

Kamarai Simon-Swyer is the player I’ve gone for to fill this role, on a short-term basis for Eastleigh. The 22 year-old attacker has had a fantastic season for West Ham’s U21 side in PL2, scoring four, assisting three. He’s played in a wide-range of positions for The Irons during the season including striker, winger or as an advanced midfielder. His main duties have been to create chances for his teammates and give West Ham an out-ball when defending.

Simon- Swyer would be an excellent signing for Eastleigh because of his interesting physical attributes. He can keep the ball from opponents with his physical strength, agility and pace. His technical attributes are also extremely confident; he’s great in tight spaces and has a wonderful control on the ball. He’d certainly boost The Spitfires chances of the playoffs.

Ebbsfleet United

Danny Waldron – Next up on the blog you have to look right to the bottom of The National League table to find Ebbsfleet United, who have won just one game all season, picking up a shocking fourteen points in 34 games! It’s fair to say that The Fleet will be playing National League South football next season and are likely to rebuild the squad. To get ahead of other sides, they will probably look to start doing that in the remaining month of the Transfer Window.

It wouldn’t be a shock to anyone to hear that Ebbsfleet will need at least one player in every position, come the start of the 2025/26 season, however, when speaking to an Ebbsfleet fan (TheFleetZone on Twitter) they said that a striker is definitely needed before the end of the season. The Fleet haven’t been converting enough of the chances they are creating at the moment, so a parter to Aaron Cosgrave is the number one target.

With my suggestion; Danny Waldron, I feel it’s a player that The Fleet could bring in on loan for the remainder of this season, with a view to make it permanent in the Summer. Sadly, Waldron’s move from Rushall Olympic to Southend has been one of great disappointment for the 28 year-old forward, who has scored just three goals in over 25 appearances for The Shrimpers. In his time at Rushall he proved that he can be a clinical finisher. I think a change of scenery would do Waldron the world of good and can become the main man at Ebbsfleet.

Sometimes things just don’t work out for certain players, and that’s exactly what’s happened for Waldron in Essex. If he could end the National League season on a positive note, before absolutely smashing it in The National League South, with Ebbsfleet, it could be an excellent move for a player who’s in his prime years.

FC Halifax Town

Cameron Gardner – Club Number Ten is up next; Chris Millington’s Halifax continue to stand inside the playoffs, after another solid season in The National League. The Shaymen are one of the strongest sides in the league, away from home, losing just three times in seventeen matches on the road. The home form is certainly a problem for Millington, which has led to a worrying drop in attendances. The pitch certainly hasn’t helped things; it seems like most of their home games are called off when the slightest bit of rain drops. My biggest suggestion for Halifax would be a new pitch.

Anyway, that’s hardly a job for the recruitment team at The Shay, so I should probably talk about what this whole blog piece is about… players! I spoke to Halifax fan, Luke Walsh (LukeWalshFCHT on Twitter) who requested me to look for a replacement for former winger, Andrew Oluwabori, who signed for League One side, Exeter City, in January. They’ll be looking to recruit a brilliant runner, who can get on the ball in wide areas and cause opposition defenders serious issues.

I think Halifax are likely to look for a short-term, loan signing until the remainder of the season, before looking to sign a permanent replacement to Oluwabori in the Summer. Cameron Gardner, of Grimsby Town, is the play I’m suggesting for The Shaymen; the 19 year-old winger came through The Mariners academy and has began to break through this season. There is definitely a chance that Gardner could leave on loan, for the remainder of the season, to gain some vital senior experience in a playoff battle.

Gardner is a player who loves to be on the ball, in one-on-one situations against opposition defenders, using his excellent turn of pace, wonderful agility and ball control to excite the fans. He needs to work on his end product but the same could be said for Andrew Oluwabori. This would be a fantastic short-term signing for Halifax and it should help Gardner’s long-term development at Grimsby.

Forest Green Rovers

Lewis Payne – From a side battling for The National League Playoff places, in Halifax Town, to a side, in Forest Green, who will be hoping for a late winning run to push themselves into a title race for the final few games. Forest Green have had a superb first season back in Non-League, recruiting with quality over quantity throughout the campaign, sitting in third place, on 67 points. They are currently three points off of York, in second, and nine points off of Barnet, who sit top. Rovers certainly haven’t set the world alight with their performances throughout this season but one thing you can’t deny is Steve Cotterill’s ability to make a side grind out results.

Forest Green have been the best defensive side in the division this season, conceding just 26 goals in 34 games, keeping an impressive twelve clean sheets in that time. However, with Sean Long struggling to complete full 90 minutes matches this season, Rovers are in desperate need of another right back, for the remainder of the season. They have currently been utilising central midfielder, Emmanuel Osadebe as a right wingback.

My suggestion, Lewis Payne, may be a slightly controversial one, as the 20 year-old, Southampton academy player, spent the first half of this season on loan at Rovers’ Gloucestershire rivals, Cheltenham. Payne played seventeen times for Michael Flynn’s side, assisting twice. I’m shocked he didn’t go out on loan at another League Two side in January, however, a National League promotion could be an attractive prospect and fantastic experience for the former Newport and Eastleigh loanee.

Payne would bring a fantastic level of versatility down the right hand side of Cotterill’s defence, having the ability to play as a right-sided central defender, right back, or even higher as a right wingback. He’s got an excellent recovery pace, allowing him to get forward, knowing he’ll be in position when out of possession. He carries a serious threat going forward, as shown in his short spell at Cheltenham, where he created an impressive thirteen chances in seventeen games. This would be an excellent short-term signing for Rovers.

Gateshead

Isaac Fletcher – As we reach the halfway stage of the blog piece, club twelve is Gateshead; The most Northern team in The National League, which always plays a part in recruitment. The Heed are having another strong season in The National League, sorting out their ground issues, so they can compete in this seasons Playoff games. Carl Magnay has replaced current Crawley Town boss, Rob Elliott, and is doing a fantastic job, keeping Gateshead in fourth place.

Gateshead play some superb, possession-based football; dominating most of their games by being on the ball. However, if Gateshead are to improve their chances of promotion, via the Playoffs this season, I think they still need a box-crashing midfielder, who can potentially play as one of the Number Ten’s behind their striker. Having a strong squad already, Gateshead only need to add real quality to give themselves the best chance of promotion, in what will be an extremely tough Playoff campaign.

I’ve gone for a player who has had an excellent season for many reasons; Isaac Fletcher, who had a fantastic first half of the 2024/25 campaign, at Spennymoor Town, in The National League North, scoring eleven goals in 24 games. In January, The 22 year-old earned an exciting move into The Football League, for League Two strugglers, Barrow. It seems as though he may be struggling with the step up, considering he’s played just twice for Barrow, accumulating just 87 minutes! A loan move, into The National League, could do him the world of good.

Fletcher is a really interesting, unique style of midfielder who loves to get into the penalty area, causing havoc for opposing defenders. He has the versatility to play as a wide midfielder, central midfielder or Number Ten, which could be useful for The Heed at this stage of the season. He’s a technical wizard who strikes the ball superbly, proven by his eleven goals this season. A player who may need to take a step back from The Football League this season, to find more game-time, which would certainly come at Gateshead.

Hartlepool United

Bobby Faulkner – From the most Northern club in The National League, to the second most Northern club in the division; Hartlepool United, who have had a fairly disappointing season, currently sitting in 12th place. Despite being on a poor run of form, with no win in their last five league fixtures, The Pools are still just eight points off of the playoffs, with eleven games to play. Anything’s possible!!!

I spoke to Hartlepool fan; Ellis (Ellishall_12 on Twitter), who said that United could do with a wide centre back, if they are to change to a back three. Their current centre back pairing of Tom Parkes and Luke Waterfall is strong but I think they may look to change to a back three, before the end of the 2024/25 season, meaning a left-sided defender is needed. The player I’ve suggested is currently on loan at Buxton. In The National League North, but could look for a step up into The National League, before the end of the season.

Bobby Faulker, on loan at Buxton, from Doncaster Rovers, has had a really good spell in The National League North, making for an excellent pairing, alongside Ethan Mann. The 19 year-old defender has displayed his impressive willingness to defender his penalty area, but also show a positive technical ability, which allows him to step into midfield and play progressive passes.

This would be an excellent addition for Hartlepool, short-term, with a potential view of extending the loan into next season, as Faulkner probably isn’t fully reading for first team football at Doncaster, especially if Rovers are promoted to League One. It would allow for Faulkner to develop even further, around a lot of strong characters and excellent defenders, such as those previously mentioned; Parkes and Waterfall.

Maidenhead United

Jerome Okimo – From two Manchester-based sides who are fighting for places in the playoffs, to a Maidenhead side, under Alan Devonshire, who are once again, dealing with the relegation scrap. For the first time in Devonshire’s long tenure, Maidenhead have a more technical squad, which is sort of hindering them in some ways, meaning they probably need a bit more experience in the side.

With teams around them such as Boston, Wealdstone and Fylde picking up important wins, it’s looking like Maidenhead could be coming under serious pressure in this late stage of The National League campaign. They need a couple of players who can bring real character, experience and fight to the squad. They have to build a strong core, adding their technical players around that, starting with a central defender.

My suggestion; Jerome Okimo is one of the most expensive National League players, still around. He’s played well over 300 matches at this level, fighting against relegation and also battling towards the top. He’s not going to do much on the pitch but as a short-term loan he’d be a superb player for The Magpies to have around the dressing room.

He’s struggled for minutes in what has been a superb Barnet back line this season, meaning he’s probably available to leave on loan without causing that much of an issue. A player like him, with that experience would be massive for Maidenhead, in their hopes for survival.

Oldham Athletic

Manni Norkett Next up; Oldham Athletic, the only side to have played in the Premier League, to then be relegated into Non-League! No arguments that The Latics are the biggest club in the division, so their fan base has plenty of expectations, that aren’t really being met by Micky Mellon and co. Oldham are currently sat in fifth place in The National League, on 57 points, despite winning in any of their last five league games.

Somethings need to change at Oldham, whether it be the manager, recruitment, or anything in between. Latics fans have quite clearly stated their needs for another striker who can rotate, or play alongside Mike Fondop, for the remainder of the season. Fondop has had a fantastic season for Oldham, scoring some vital goals for them, but cannot do it all on his own, and needs some help. I think Mellon needs to recruit a player who has the physical capabilities to fight and battle in and around the penalty area, but also have the ability to run in behind and stretch the opposition defence.

Manni Norkett, of Nottingham Forest, would give them exactly that. His loan spell at Cheltenham, earlier on this season, taught us that he is a hard-worker who loves to get involved with the scrappy parts of the game. He is unproven in senior football but has displayed his excellent finishing ability for Forest’s U21s side in the PL2, this season.

His presence, alongside Mike Fondop, would give The Latics a really dangerous threat in the final third, having some younger, hungry legs, around all of the experience. He will be desperate to get back out, into senior football, after a disappointing loan, in League Two, with Michael Flynn’s Cheltenham. This would be a fantastic move for all parties!

Rochdale AFC

James Edmondson – From one club in Manchester, to another. Rochdale and Oldham are absolutely massive rivals; probably being one of the biggest derby’s in Non-League, so to have one after the other, feels quite tasty. Dale, similar to Oldham, are looking for a place in The National League playoffs this season, having earned 46 points after 30 games. Their home pitch has been a problem this season, hence why they have played four or five less than most of the league.

Rochdale have had a really positive season under McNulty, up until a few weeks ago where they have started to go a bit stale, struggling to get the sort of results they were in the first half of this season. With no win in their last 6 matches, at the time of writing, they will be looking to strengthen their side further, by adding some midfield competition, behind Ryan East and Harvey Gilmour.

Both Gilmour and East are more technical midfielders who lack a real aggression and tenacity, which is something the Dale midfield is massively lacking. I’ve gone for a player who loves to defend in midfield; James Edmondsun of Blackburn Rovers. He’s a physical presence who reads the game superbly and shows extremely impressive positional discipline, as a holding midfielder.

With the addition of Jay Bird to Dale’s forward line, I really don’t think they are far away from being in genuine contention of finishing in the Top Seven. The addition of a defensive midfielder, like James Edmondson, would strengthen Rochdale’s midfielder massively.

Solihull Moors

Josh Home – Next up in the blog; Solihull Moors, the worst form team in The National Leaue in the past nine games, losing eight, drawing once. The appointment of Matt Taylor was strange at the time but now it looks disastrous decision. Not only is his Moors side shipping goals, they are struggling to score them at the other end! It’s tough to see what will turn the form around.

I spoke to Moors fan, Callum Moseley (CallumTDUK on Twitter) who said that Solihull need a creative midfielder who can feed balls into the quality forwards that The Midlands side have at their disposal, such as Jack Stevens, Sonny Fish and Fletcher Holman. It’s not the most attractive place for players to want to play at the moment so a local loanee may have to be the option.

My local loan of choice is Birmingham City academy player, Josh Home; an excellent, technical midfielder who has an eye for a progressive pass. The 19 year-old midfielder has spent a short spell on loan at Gateshead this season but struggled to find minutes ahead of Regan Booty and other midfielders. I think he’d find minutes easier to come by at Solihull.

The Moors need that extra spark of energy in midfield, Home brings a physical side to his game, with excellent endurance as a box-to-box. His ability to cover lots of ground gives them a different type of midfielder to those already at the club. This is a signing I’d say is fairly realistic, with location playing a key part.

Southend United

Toby Edser – Southend United are next on the blog; The Shrimpers have had a frustrating season under Kevin Maher, starting really poorly in the first half of the season but improving in recent months. The Shrimpers are currently unbeaten in six matches, keeping the hopes of playoffs *slighly* alive. It’s probably unlikely, especially with Altrincham having two games in hand on the Essex-based side, however, good run towards the final few games of the season, could see them slip into that seventh spot.

Southend have utilised a 5-3-2 formation for large parts of this season, with one of the “3” playing further forwards, as a Number Ten. One thing the Shrimpers have lacked is a midfielder who can dictate the play and maintain possession, having the ability to play progressive passes into dangerous, positive areas. When speaking to Southend fans, this was the position which consistently came up.

Toby Edser is a player, in my eyes, who is perfectly made for the way Southend United player under Kevin Maher. He loves to get on the ball in deep areas and dictate play. His technical ability is too good to be playing in The National League South, with Ebbsfleet, so I’m sure he’ll stay in Step One. He’s taken on the role of captain at The Fleet, showing he has levels of leadership, important for Maher.

His qualities on the ball would add something different to those given by James Morton and Appiah-Forson. Technical attributes such as progressive passing and ball manipulation joint with his tactical understanding make for a superb, creative midfielder. He’s been a bright spark for The Fleet again this season and deserves to stay in The National League next season.

Sutton United

Brandon Barzey – Sutton United have had a strange first season back in The National League, following the clubs relegation from League Two in 2023/24. They’ve struggled to put any consistent run together to even challenge for that final Playoff spot. Their recruitment in the Summer made it feel as though they had a.two-year plan, signing a handful of young, talented players, allowing them to develop together, ready for the 2025/26 season.

Steve Morrison showed a tendency to recruit from The National League South, during the Summer of 2024, bringing in players such as Ed Vaz and Siju Odelusi, both from Aveley. One position that Sutton could look to improve this season, in plan for next season, is a winger. They need someone who is a physical powerhouse, excellent on the ball and a player who carries a serious goal threat.

I’ve used The National League South to look for a long-term winger at Sutton United and to be honest, it didn’t take very long! Brandon Barzey has been of the most electric players in Step Two this season, scoring ten times, assisting twice, in just 27 games! His dynamism and physical attributes have allowed him to become a nightmare for opposition fullbacks, every time he gets running.

He’d give them a real goal threat up front, alongside Will Davies and Josh Coley, something that is certainly needed if promotion is the end of season goal. With both Hemel and Sutton having little to play for, for the remaining games of the season, this is potentially a deal that could happen before the March deadline.

Tamworth

Lennon Wheeldon – With just five of the 24 National League clubs to go, we get to most people’s favourites to go down at the start of the season, therefore it’s most people’s (including mines) biggest overachievers; Tamworth! They’ve had another excellent season under Andy Peakes, reaching the third round of the FA Cup and earning survival in The National League.

Peakes has built a robust, hard-working side who love to battle, leaving everything out on the pitch. One thing that could be added, on a short-term basis, just to secure safety in The National League, would be a more technically gifted forward, alongside Tshikuna and Creaney, who are more physical powerhouses. This would add some real variety to The Lambs’ attack, for the final few games of the season.

The player I’m suggesting, Lennon Wheeldon, is someone who has had an excellent season for Derby County’s U21s side, scoring eight goals in sixteen for The Rams’ in all competitions. He’s brings many more technical qualities compared to Dan Creaney, who is more of a target man. Wheeldon would bring something different which could allow Peakes to vary his offensive style, giving them a different source of goals, for the remaining ten games of the season.

Wheeldon spent a tiny amount of time at Boston earlier on this season, but failed to make any real impact for The Pilgrims, who were going through an incredibly stale period, as they have all season. Gaining more senior experience will be an attractive proposition for Wheeldon and I’d imagine Derby would be willing to let him out on loan, especially to a local side in Tamworth.

Wealdstone

Osman Foyo – Club number twenty of the piece is a side who are desperate to keep their National League status, but sit jsut inside the relegation zone at the time of writing, with 35 points from 33 games. The Stones have had a frustrating season in which most of their wins have come in patches, meaning they’ve gone on disappointing runs of ten-plus games, without a win.

Despite Alex Reid, who has scored ten goals for The Stones, on loan from Oldham, this season, Wealdstone have really lacked another proper goal threat to rely on. They need someone with the ability to stretch an opponents defence, giving Reid lots of space, but also have the ability to make things happen and score when they have time in dangerous areas.

The player I’ve gone with lit The National League South up on in the first half of the season, on loan at Chelmsford, from Ipswich. However, in January, Osman Foyo made the permanent switch into League Two, with AFC Wimbledon. He’s only played two minutes for The Wombles since signing a few months ago. I think a National League side should take the chance to get Foyo in on loan.

The 20 year-old forward would bring great athleticism and energy to the Wealdstone attack, along with an excellent technical quality in tight spaces and in-front of goal. He scored eleven times for The Clarets, both signing for Wimbledon in January. It’s a signing that would benefit all involved, as it seems Foyo has struggled to adapt to life at Plough Lane.

Woking

Kyle Ajayi – Since Neal Ardley took over at Woking, The Cardinals have gone on an excellent run of form, losing just once in eleven league games and reaching an FA Trophy Semi-Final, with arch rivals, Aldershot to play for a place at Wembley. Ardley has built a structured side at Woking who are tough to beat but carry a threat going forwards with the likes of Matty Ward (now injured) and Inih Effiong.

Despite their robustness at the back, Woking fan, Samuel Collyer (Samuelcol1115 on Twitter) insisted on The Cardinals needing another central defender, potentially because of the injury to Jokubas Mazionis. A left-sided Central Defender would be ideal for Woking, giving them an excellent, powerful option on a long-term basis.

There weren’t meant better options I could have chosen than one of the most underrated Central Defenders in The National League South, than Hemel Hempstead man, Kyle Ajayi. The 23 year-old has been an absolute wall for The Tudors over the past couple of seasons, winning everything that’s comes his way. He’s such a powerful defender, with superb recovery speed, which would allow Woking to play a higher line.

This would give Woking a long-term solution to their central defensive issues, instead of having to rely on loans such as Mazianos and Max Dyche, earlier on in the campaign. Similarly to Brandon Barzey and Sutton, both Hemel and Woking aren’t playing for anything this season, meaning a deal could be done before the end of this season.

Yeovil Town

Harry Kite – The penultimate club of this blog piece is my beloved Yeovil Town! Since gaining promotion, back into The National League, at the first time of asking, it’s fair to say that feelings are very mixed between The Glovers fan base with the current management at the club. I, for one, am happy with our progress made, currently sitting in twelfth place, at the time of writing, on 46 points after 36 games.

Lots of mistakes have been made with recruitment this season, Mark Cooper referring to us not having enough “men” in our team when we’ve needed it most. With our currently injury issues, we are in need of “two to three” players before our match on the weekend, against Halifax Town. One position that Cooper may look to strengthen is in the midfield area. Charlie Cooper and Brett McGavin has been an excellent duo in their this season, but adding an extra body should help massively, for the remaining games of the season.

My suggestion is a player who has plenty of experience in the EFL, with Devon-based side Exeter City; Harry Kite, who has been a free agent since the end of the 2023/24 season. He, like many of Yeovil’s players this season, has had problems with injuries, but, if he kept fit, his experience and tenacity will be vital in our midfield.

I’m shocked that Kite is yet to be picked up since leaving Exeter at the end of the 2023/24 season but a drop into The National League could do him the world of good, even if it is for just ten games. His capabilities to be an excellent box-to-box midfielder would make him for an excellent replacement for former captain Matt Worthington, who left for Oldham Athletic, earlier this season.

York City

Harley Mills – After 7000 words on this blog piece, we come to the final club and player in The National League; Title chasers? Playoff favourites? York City. With York dropping vital points in recent weeks and Barnet continuing to dominate their games, it looks as though The Bees could lift the National League title. Adam Hinshelwood has created an excellent side for City this season, who would surely be favourites in The roulette that is the Playoffs?

York probably have the best squad in The National League, with a stacked squad all over the pitch. It was certainly tough for York fans to pick a position that needed improving, however, they seemed to believe that another left back is needed alongside Adam Crookes. This is likely to be a short-term loan, with the aim to make a permanent signing in the Summer.

My suggestion; Harley Mills of Peterborough United. The young fullback spent the first half of this season, on loan in The National League South, at Enfield Town, where he proved his quality. He has since gone back to Posh and began to breakthrough into their first team squad. Mills is yet to prove himself to be capable in League One, so a step down into a National League promotion battle, could be a vital experience in his development.

York seem to have a fairly good relationship with Peterborough, after the loan signing of David Ajiboye, earlier in the season. Mills would be the next in line and an excellent short-term signing, if City could get it over the line. It would give The Minstermen the perfect squad to enter the Playoffs with.

Thankyou!

Thankyou for reading! I would appreciate any feedback or support on the blog, either commenting on this piece or through social media. I hope you enjoyed the read.

What did you think of my suggestion for your club, or any other club in The National League? Who would be your dream signing for your club? Will my suggestion help your club reach its season targets?

If you have requests for pieces you’d like to see me do, drop them in the comments.

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