Aldershot Town

22/23 Position: 18th

Founded: 1992

Nickname: The Shots

Ground: Recreation Ground

Key Player: Ollie Harfield

Opening Fixtures:

Oxford City (H)

Oldham (A)

Ebbsfleet (A)

York (H)

Wealdstone (H)

The Odds:

Title: 150/1

Promotion: 66/1

Top 7: 12/1

Manager: Tommy Widdrington

An appointment that came towards the back end of last season, and a manager who I believe will be very successful. Widdrington did a very good job at King's Lynn, where the wheels fell off after he departed. He plays with 3 central defenders, but it's a fairly fluid system up top, although he has used a focal point up top in his systems. He's brought his son with him to the Shots, as well as big forwards Kwame Thomas and Lorent Tolaj, who could thrive.

Key Signing: Christian Maghoma

Harfield is one of the very best left backs in the National League. I also feel he is Aldershot's most important player, both in the defensive phase but most crucially in the attacking phase. Harfield ranked 5th when it came to Expected Assists, highlighting the quality of chance he creates. He also has a quality delivery, and down the left hand side he will be crucial this season. Widdrington's system should suit him, in that it allows him to get forward more, and crossing to big forwards will be easy for him. A versatile, strong player, Maghoma is capable as both a central defender, or further forward in midfield. He is comfortable on the ball as a result, and should suit the 3 at the back system, with his physical capabilities making him a perfect fit for the system. He went down with injury in. a pre season friendly, so hopefully it's nothing serious, as Maghoma has the ability to be a big player for the Shots this season.

Verdict:

This is one of the predictions I'm not that happy with, but it is where I've ended up with Aldershot. I believe they are capable of pushing into the top half, but they've lost some key players, and I feel they would have liked to bring in a few more players of real quality. I don't believe they will be in any trouble though; Widdrington is a quality manager, they've recruited well, and have players he trusts too.

Prediction: 16th

Altrincham

22/23 Position: 17th

Founded: 1891

Nickname: The Robins

Ground: Moss Lane

Key Player: Regan Linney

Alty are a fantastic side in build up, create lots of chances, but they have often lacked strikers to finish these opportunities. That changed when they recruited Linney from FC United of Manchester, a natural born finisher who is also fesity and agrressive within the box. He has a quick turn of pace, an eye for goal, and he helps in build up too. I feel Linney could be an outside shout for top scorer, with the forward leading the line for one of the more attacking sides in this division.

Key Signing: Chris Conn-Clarke

Conn-Clarke won my Young Player of the Season Award (whatever that's worth!) last season, and that was despite being recalled midway through the season. That is how impressive the young attacking midfielder was. He worked hard, had bags of quality and absolutely loved a screamer. What was not to like? The fact Alty have gone out and made this permanent is just superb. He's a wonderful footballer with a big future.

Opening Fixtures:

Dagenham (H)

Woking (A)

York City (A)

Boreham Wood (H)

Chesterfield (H)

The Odds:

Title: 150/1

Promotion: 66/1

Top 7: 12/1

Manager: Phil Parkinson

We will no longer have to refer to Parkinson as the other Phil Parkinson. The term in itself was semi offensive, when you consider that this Phil Parkinson is very successful in his own right. He is a promotion specialist, something he's delivered on several occasions with both Alty and Nantwich. He has also successfully overseen the transition from part time to full time, and handed the Robins a big boost when he agreed to extend his contract.

Verdict:

It's no secret that I'm an admirer of Altincham and the way they play. I went fairly high on them last season, and while they did show flashes, they ultimately flattered to deceive. It's why I've been slightly cautious about them, and while I've still gone for a top 10 finish, I've held back on going for the playoffs. I do think they are well capable though, they've recrtuited well and hopefully won't get stung with loans.

Prediction: 10th

Barnet

22/23 Position: 5th

Founded: 1888

Nickname: The Bees

Ground: The Hive

Key Player: Harry Pritchard

The best goalscoring season of Pritchard’s life and arguably the best of his career full stop, 22/23 was a wonderful campaign for the 30 year old midfielder. It was also a brilliant debut campaign in Barnet colours, as his performances wowed Bees fans and also showed the strength of Dean Brennan’s recruitment. Pritchard didn’t just put up numbers in games that didn’t matter though; he came up big when needed, including a wonderful performance in the FA Trophy semi final.

Key Signing: Finley Potter

Barnet had a very experienced, but slow backline. That was until Finley Potter showed up on loan last season, with the young defender being an instant hit. Brennan has taken the wise decision to bring the defender in on loan again from Sheffield United, and I believe it’ll be a big season for the defender. Barnet’s already experienced backline is only getting older, so Potter’s youth will be crucial. He’s a quality defender in his own right too.

Opening Fixtures:

Hartlepool (H)

Bromley (A)

Eastleigh (A)

Woking (H)

Dagenham (A)

The Odds:

Title: 22/1

Promotion: 11/1

Top 7: 2/1

Manager: Dean Brennan

Irishman Brennan is a divisive figure, but for me he’s the best recruiter in the league. His media handling technique is certainly unique, but his no nonsense approach certainly gets results. He has his players buying into the collective, and it’s gotten him results. Nobody would have had Barnet in their top 5 last season, and they achieved that due to Brennan. He deserves plenty of plaudits, and I think he will take the Bees on another level this season. .

Verdict:

I think Barnet are being slept on by a lot of people.Many people felt that Barnet punched above their weight last season, and while they defied expectations I believe they have a top 5 quality squad. The loss of Ryan De Havilland is a blow, but I believe it’s one they can deal with. If they prioritise using Kabamba as the main man once again, they will be onto a winner. I’ve gone high on Barnet.

Prediction: 3rd