Wealdstone

22/23 Position: 13th

Founded: 1899

Nickname: The Stones

Ground: Grosvenor Vale

Key Player: Jack Cook

Club captain Jack Cook seems to get better each season. He is comfortable on the ball, as is required in Wealdstone's system, and he is a solid defender too. He organises the backline, is very strong in the air too, meaning he can make meaningful contributions at both ends of the pitch. Cook played 44 games for Wealdstone last season, an ever present, and in just 2 seasons he has made over 80 league appearances for Wealdstone already. He's a crucial part of this side.

Key Signing: Jed Ward

The Stones were dealt a big blow when keeper and England C international Sam Howes made the move to League 1 Leyton Orient. However, Stuart Maynard has shown he has the ability to get his keepers playing well and settling quickly. The latest in that line is Bristol Rovers stopper Jed Ward, who, obvious name puns aside, looks to be a very good prospect. He will be asked to play out from the back, something his academy background will only help

Opening Fixtures:

York City (H)

Eastleigh (A)

Bromley (A)

Fylde (H)

Aldershot (A)

The Odds:

Title: 150/1

Promotion: 50/1

Top 7: 10/1

Manager: Stuart Maynard

In my opinion, Stuart Maynard is one of the best managers in the division. The job he has done is nothing short of remarkable. With just 2 training sessions a week the BT Engineer gets his side playing beautiful, attacking football. Their style resembles that of 80s Brazil, and not just when they're wearing their yellow away kit. The way he has his side playing is a testament to his footballing brain. He also improves individuals; a top, top coach.

Verdict:

I want to say how much I respect Wealdstone as a club, and how big of a fan I am of the people running the club, especially the management team. However, with the lack of resources and a very competitive division, I feel they may fall a few places this season. Considering what a great job Maynard has done, it wouldn't surprise me to see them finish in the top half, but I'm being more cautious than that.

Prediction: 19th

Woking

22/23 Position: 4th

Founded: 1887

Nickname: The Cards

Ground: Kingfield Stadium

Key Player: Rohan Ince

The best piece of business Woking did all summer was to get this man to sign a contract extension. Ince is a wonderful footballer, a real powerhouse in central midfield, one who wouldn’t look out of place in a higher division. Blessed with a wonderful range of passing, Ince is capable of dictating a game from the middle of the park. Due to his size and power he’s also effective in both boxes, and he covers plenty of ground considering his age. Also loves a screamer.

Key Signing: Joe Day

Woking chopped and changed keepers last season, with experienced number 1 Craig Ross losing his spot to Will Jaaskelainen. The Finnish keeper extended his deal with the Cards, but they’ve since signed a new keeper, Joe Day from Newport County. The 32 year old brings a wealth of experience, with over 300 EFL appearances. He’s a reliable shot stopper, one who should be more than comfortable with the step down. Will add even more organisation.

Opening Fixtures:

Kidderminster (A)

Altrincham (H)

Rochdale (H)

Barnet (A)

Gateshead (A)

Manager: Darren Sarll

The Odds:

Title: 14/1

Promotion: 7/1

Top 7: 5/4

Things have gone from strength to strength in Sarll’s managerial career. His decision to move from Yeovil to Woking was justified after his former employees were relegated, while Sarll led the Cards into the playoffs for the first time. To say Sarll has worked miracles would be disingenuous, as he’s been well backed, but he’s still had Woking punching above their weight. He was the only man to take points off Wrexham at the Racecourse last season.

Verdict:

It may seem lazy to put the 2 sides that finished 3rd and 4th in the top 2 spots, but it’s how I see it going this season.

Woking are a really strong outfit, are well backed and have made some strong additions to an already quality squad.

They have a manager who I really rate in Sarll, one who I believe is capable of taking them up another level this season. It’ll be tough, but I’m expecting a top 3 finish.

Prediction: 2nd

York City

22/23 Position: 19th

Founded: 1922

Nickname: The Minstermen

Ground: LNER Community Stadium

Key Player: Olly Dyson

A wonderfully well rounded footballer, I find Dyson is at his best in the final third when he’s given the licence to drift forwards. He’s a versatile player though, so is capable of playing deeper in midfield or even as a makeshift full back, such is the quality that Dyson possesses. He showed his quality for England C, making an immediate impact, looking very tidy on the ball. He was named clubman of the year last year, and it’s easy to see why, with 100% effort guaranteed, and genuine ability to match.

Key Signing: David Stockdale

I could have very easily put Tyler Cordner in here, and I do believe he’s the best signing they’ve made. I could have also chosen Dipo Akinyemi or Callum Howe, such is the strength of the recruitment so far. But this man, David Stockdale, must take credit for these moves, as he’s not only been signed to be number 1, but Head of Recruitment too.

Assuming his off the field role doesn’t distract from his playing, he will easily be the best keeper in the league too.

Opening Fixtures:

Wealdstone (A)

Kidderminster (H)

Altrincham (H)

Aldershot (A)

Dorking (A)

The Odds:

Title: 18/1

Promotion: 17/2

Top 7: 15/8

Manager: Michael Morton

A young manager who I rate really highly, Morton looks to be a meticulous planner. He approaches the game in a really unique and interesting way, from data led approaches to filming pre season games with a drone to provide a tactical camera. It’s fresh, innovative, exciting, and it actually ties in perfectly with the project as a whole. Whether he has the required experience to deliver promotion is another question, but I really rate Morton.

Verdict:

An immensely exciting project, one I have no doubt will be a success in the long run, I just feel it may be a step too soon for all of their new signings to click together and perform. In many ways its a similar story to last summer, albeit with a higher calibre of player. Their quality should shine through, and have them there or thereabouts, but I’ve got them down to ultimately fall short of the playoff places. Sorry York fans.

Prediction: 8th