Boreham Wood

22/23 Position: 6th

Founded: 1948

Nickname: The Wood

Ground: Meadow Park

Key Player: Nathan Ashmore

The goalkeeper in this division. Ashmore is a man mountain, a keeper who is not beaten often. He was the main man in the best defensive record in the league. And I believe he will be the main man again. Despite being well over 100kg, Ashmore has the reflexes of a cat. Furthermore, he’s commanding, and organises his defence brilliantly. His distribution is crucial too, starting counter attacks with either foot. He is the star man, and they desperately missed him when he was injured in the playoffs.

Key Signing: Mo Sagaf i believe this is the standout signing from Boreham Wood, due to a combination of Sagaf’s quality and also the lacklustre nature of some of their other business. Sagaf looked like he had genuine quality during his time at Dagenham, even if he was often used out of position. A player with real skill, Sagaf is a strong dribbler but also a player who can retain the ball. He will provide that sprinkling of quality that the Wood often lack.

Opening Fixtures:

Gateshead (A)

Halifax (H)

Solihull (H)

Altrincham (A)

Oldham (H)

The Odds:

Title: 25/1

Promotion: 10/1

Top 7: 15/8

Manager: Luke Garrard

In all honesty, I’m surprised the EFL hasn’t come calling before now. Garrard has shown he’s a manager who can put together an extremely well drilled side. His sides are the hardest to beat in this division, bar none, an incredible feat when you consider the division is full of such sides. Not only that but he’s led his sides on several historic cup runs, which not only help the club financially but also show that his tactics translate at a higher level too. This was a tricky one, as I actually think Boreham Wood’s squad looks worse than it did last season. However, to bet against the Wood would be foolish, and they still have a squad more than capable of achieving a top 7 finish. They are extremely tough to beat, and their 5-3-2 system allows them to get bodies behind the ball. Ndlovu will be crucial up top again, and I think they’ll dip slightly but still get playoffs.

Verdict:

Prediction: 7th

Bromley

22/23 Position: 7th

Founded: 1892

Nickname: The Ravens

Ground: Hayes Lane

Key Player: Michael Cheek

Opening Fixtures:

Halifax (A)

Barnet (H)

Wealdstone (H)

Kidderminster (A)

Rochdale (A)

The Odds:

Title: 28/1

Promotion: 14/1

Top 7: 5/2

Manager: Andy Woodman

One of the league’s best characters and genuine nice guys, Andy Woodman is also an excellent coach, especially when it comes to working with youth. Selling young players on the Bromley project can’t be difficult, thanks to Woodman; he will give you a chance, regardless of age. He’s not just a manager blooding young talent though; he’s delivered success. He took Bromley to and won at Wembley, and delivered playoff football last season too.

Key Signing: Cole Kpekawa

For me, he’s one of the greatest non-league strikers of all time. He really is the ‘bogeyman’, in that nobody wants to come up against him. He’s the type of striker you see pre kick off and say ‘he always scored against us’, because he probably has done at some point. Cheek has scored 130 goals in the National League, the most since consistent records began in 2010. His goals per minute ratio, 191, is also excellent. He’s robust, a real handful and knows where the net is. A top, top striker. Bromley never really replaced Chris Bush, but with the signing of Maidenhead’s Kpekawa, they’ve done just that. A left footed centre half, who’s a progressive passer and hard as nails like Bush; it really is a perfect replacement. Bromley needed defensive reinforcements after the departure of Sowunmi, and Kpekawa brings solidity to the backline. He has the physical attributes to play in a back 3, and I think he’s a perfect stylistic addition..

Verdict:

I had Bromley to finish 5th place last season, but they finished 2 places short of that. Still, not many had them in their playoff places, which I found baffling, as Bromley are a really strong side with a really strong coach. They are hard to beat, especially at home on their artificial pitch, and their physical style makes them a nightmare for many teams. They’ve recruited well so I think they can improve.

Prediction: 5th

Chesterfield

22/23 Position: 3rd

Founded: 1867*

Nickname: The Spireites

Ground: Technique Stadium

Key Player: Ryan Colclough

Opening Fixtures:

Dorking (H)

Fylde (A)

Oxford City (A)

Oldham (H)

Altrincham (A)

The Odds:

Title: 5/2

Promotion: 19/10

Top 7: 1/4

Manager: Paul Cook

The most high profile manager at the level, and potentially the most successful manager too. He might be an abrasive character to some, but Chesterfield fans love him, and it’s easy to see why. Cook has a real eye for talent, with his recruitment so far excellent. He also plays an attractive if underrated style of football, which I believe will flourish this season now that Notts have left the league.

Key Signing: Harry Tyrer

This could have been so many different players. Jeff King would be in my NL Dream Team, Darren Oldaker is sublime in the middle and Armando Dobra is arguably the most talented player in the league. But winger Colclough just nicks it, with his all round ability and incredible end product shining through. Colclough is a joy to watch. He’s equally strong on both feet, loves to beat his man, and has great decision making skills too. For me, he’s the best in the league. There’s a good argument that this could have been Will Grigg. However, I’m of the belief that a settled first choice keeper was the difference between Chesterfield going up last season. They’ve looked to rectify that as soon as possible, brining in highly rated stopper Tyrer from Everton on loan. He had a brilliant loan spell with Chester last season, where he looked like one of the best keepers in non league. He will be a huge addition for the Spireites this

Verdict:

I was only ever going to put Chesterfield top. Paul Cook is too good of a manager to bet against, and he very nearly took them to the EFL last season. For me, the Spireites are very much the standout side now that Notts and Wrexham have left the division. They should have too much quality for theur counterparts, and while I’m not suggesting they’ll break the 100 point barrier, like some have, I think they win the title.

Prediction: 1st