In August 2025, Mark Stillman offered his insights into the forthcoming 2025/26 National League South season. Now, with the season behind us, he takes stock—celebrating his accurate calls while candidly addressing where he missed the mark.
AFC Totton entered the season on an upswing after two promotions in three years, but struggles with away form and managerial changes led them to 12th place—better than the predicted lower mid-table finish. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’s brief and controversial stint added drama but little on-field impact.
Chelmsford City underwent a drastic transformation, going full-time and signing 14 new players including veteran Ricky Holmes. However, inconsistency relegated them to 10th, short of the top-seven finish predicted. Holmes eventually stepped into a caretaker managerial role amid turbulence.
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Chesham United defied “second season syndrome” concerns by maintaining a solid campaign and finishing 11th, narrowly missing the play-offs. Top scorer Matt McClure fell short of expectations, though the team showed resilience.
Chippenham Town suffered a disappointing relegation in 22nd place, despite added experience and striking reinforcements. Their late rally was not enough to counter poor away performances, missing the predicted survival by a wide margin.
Dagenham & Redbridge’s season was tumultuous. The high-profile signing of Andy Carroll grabbed headlines, but managerial upheavals and loan recalls saw them finish a lowly 13th, starkly contrasting pre-season title predictions.
Dorking Wanderers exceeded expectations by securing 4th place after leading late in the campaign. An injury crisis ended their promotion bid, but their strong performance validated the optimistic prediction.
Dover Athletic narrowly escaped relegation, finishing 20th. Despite improved unity and goal-scoring, a late collapse threatened their survival, defying pre-season relegation predictions.
Eastbourne Borough endured a disastrous campaign, finishing last with multiple managerial changes and a winless start. This was far below the hoped-for top-seven finish.
Ebbsfleet United failed to capitalize on smart recruitment, dropping to 9th and missing promotion chances despite promising signs.
Enfield Town’s first season back was marked by defensive woes and relegation, matching grim forecasts.
Farnborough struggled again due to squad depth issues and defensive frailties, just escaping the drop at 19th.
Hampton & Richmond Borough endured a dire second half of the season but survived in 18th place after a managerial change, narrowly missing predicted relegation.
Hemel Hempstead Town’s stability paid off with a surprise 5th place finish and a play-off semi-final, exceeding mid-table expectations.
Hornchurch stunned many by finishing 2nd and earning promotion after steady progress in recent seasons, dramatically outperforming the just-outside-the-play-offs forecast.
Horsham’s injury-hit season ended in 15th place, a solid mid-table finish but below hopeful expectations.
Maidenhead United edged into 7th, clinching a play-off spot after mid-season managerial change, slightly surpassing predictions.
Maidstone United’s inconsistent start and squad issues led to 8th place, missing the play-offs narrowly but performing respectably.
Salisbury’s high player turnover hindered progress, finishing 17th and replicating prior struggles despite new signings.
Slough Town defied relegation odds, ending 16th amid key player departures and injury challenges.
Tonbridge Angels overcame early managerial turmoil to finish 14th, comfortably avoiding predicted relegation.
Torquay United matched predictions by finishing 3rd despite managerial upheavals, proving consistent contenders.
Weston-super-Mare’s solid squad retention yielded a 6th place finish and an improved FA Cup run, living up to mid-table hopes.
Worthing stormed to the league title, buoyed by the Golden Boot winner Brad Dolaghan and consistent scoring, exceeding the anticipated play-off spot.
The 2025/26 National League South season was a rollercoaster of unexpected triumphs and harsh realities. While some teams soared beyond expectations, others stumbled through challenges unforeseen in preseason forecasts. Mark Stillman’s reflections illustrate the unpredictability and drama that make football at this level compelling.