In August 2025, Mark Stillman offered his insights and forecasts for the National League South’s 2025/26 season. Now, with the campaign concluded, he returns to review his predictions, acknowledging both his accurate calls and surprising misjudgments.
AFC Totton began with momentum, buoyed by consecutive promotions and last season’s star, ex-Premier League striker Charlie Austin, departing and replaced by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas—a player whose controversial recent past raised eyebrows. Manager Jimmy Ball, son of England World Cup winner Alan Ball, sought stability for Totton’s first full season at Step 2. Predicted to finish lower mid-table, they exceeded expectations by securing 12th place, despite challenges such as poor away form and managerial changes.
Chelmsford City faced transition after the five-year tenure of Robbie Simpson ended, replaced by promotion-winning Angelo Harrop. Moving full-time necessitated extensive squad changes, including veteran Ricky Holmes returning as player coach. Predicted for the top seven, they finished 10th, hampered by inconsistencies that prevented a play-off push.
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Chesham United was tipped for ‘second season syndrome’ after a stable debut campaign. Supported by TV personality Alex Horne’s sponsorship, and fresh signings like Matt McClure, Chesham were expected to remain mid-table. They met those expectations, finishing 11th, though offensive production was limited.
Chippenham Town, known for punching above their weight, struggled this season. Additions such as Reece Fleet and new forwards Touray and Koszela couldn’t offset the league’s increasing competitiveness. Predicted to just avoid relegation, they fell to 22nd and suffered early demotion.
Dagenham & Redbridge made headlines with the signing of Andy Carroll, a former England striker connecting their campaign to past glories. Though predicted as champions, the season was tumultuous with managerial upheavals and loan deals undermining consistency, resulting in a mid-table 13th place finish.
Dorking Wanderers aimed higher after narrowly missing play-offs last season. Despite an injury crisis late on, they performed well, finishing 4th and reaching play-off semi-finals—close to the expectation of a top-seven finish.
Dover Athletic, newly promoted and led by Jake Leberl, appeared fragile and predicted to be relegated. However, they secured 20th place comfortably, aided by key player Ruben Soares Jr’s performances.
Eastbourne Borough experienced a disastrous season; after Adam Murray’s departure, managerial instability led to their relegation in 24th place, well below the predicted top-seven finish.
Ebbsfleet United, previously dominant, struggled to regain form despite strategic recruitment. Though forecast as runners-up, they fell to 9th after dropping key points late in the season.
Enfield Town survived relegation against the odds after a difficult campaign marked by high goals conceded. Despite prediction of relegation, they ultimately went down, with manager Gavin MacPherson stepping down before season’s end.
Farnborough faced ongoing personnel and injury challenges, narrowly avoiding relegation in 19th place—below the mid-table finish predicted.
Hampton & Richmond Borough rebounded from a poor finish but still finished just above danger in 18th place, defying expectations of relegation.
Hemel Hempstead Town’s frequent managerial changes remained a concern, yet the team exceeded expectations by finishing 5th and competing strongly in the play-offs.
Hornchurch emerged as season surprise packages, achieving a stunning 2nd place finish and promotion after play-off success, surpassing the predicted just outside play-offs.
Horsham, despite winning the title in the lower division, finished 15th amidst injury woes impacting the latter half of the season.
Maidenhead United retained a strong squad, securing 7th place and sneaking into play-offs last minute, aligning closely with predictions.
Maidstone United faced losses of key players and struggled with squad consistency, finishing 8th just outside promotion contention.
Salisbury, despite fresh investment and high-profile signings, fell short of mid-table stability and settled for 17th, mirroring some earlier struggles.
Slough Town avoided relegation through resilient performances despite player losses, ending 16th as projected.
Tonbridge Angels experienced managerial turnover but stabilized to finish 14th, safe from relegation despite earlier doubts.
Torquay United showed consistency, finishing 3rd as predicted but underwent multiple managerial changes late in the campaign.
Weston-super-Mare impressed with a 6th place finish and deeper FA Cup run, overcoming managerial switches and squad depth limitations to exceed expectations slightly.
Worthing claimed the league title after overcoming a mid-season slump, defying their usual play-off disappointments and fulfilling the prediction of a contending top team.
Reflecting on the season, predictions captured some trends well but missed several key narratives shaped by managerial turnover, player transfers, and unexpected performances. The 2025/26 National League South season was a vivid reminder of football’s unpredictable nature at every level.